Now that watermelon prices have plummeted in a slightly more sane direction, one can already pargan: this is one of the most sought-after summer fruits, enjoying an abundance of benefits.
3 View the gallery
The benefits of watermelon
(Photo: shutterstock)
Watermelon is rich in fluids, it is a good source of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that contribute to heart health and fight free radicals, and most importantly: it is cool and delicious.
So what are the health benefits of the most refreshing red of the summer?
Botanically, watermelon is a fruit of a plant native to South Africa. The outer shell is smooth and the flesh inside is sweet and juicy.
On the other hand, watermelon is a vegetable that belongs to the gourd family and is actually a relative of the cucumber and pumpkin and is planted from seeds.
3 View the gallery
Watermelon provides about 12.7 mg of lycopene per serving of 2 cups
(Photo: shutterstock)
Even more than tomatoes
Watermelon contains compounds of polyphenols and cartonoids of the lycopene type, which have high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These prevent damage caused as a result of free radicals like destruction of cells and inflammatory actions in our body like cancer.
Watermelon provides about 12.7 mg of lycopene per serving of 2 cups (according to a USDA database). Watermelon contains very high levels of lycopene, more than any other fruit and vegetable, even more than a tomato.
The cartonoids become an important vitamin in our body – vitamin A, which contributes to the visual system (prevents night blindness), is important for the regeneration of skin tissue, is important in preventing inflammation in the airways, urinary tract, growth processes and serves as an important antioxidant.
Watermelon contains minerals that help in the electrical activity of the heart, such as magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, which participate in balancing blood pressure.
In terms of nutritional values, watermelon does not contain fat, contains a minimal amount of sodium and low in calories: only about 80 calories per large segment (250 grams), which makes it a satisfying fruit.
3 View the gallery
The watermelon is a relative of the cucumber and pumpkin
(Photo illustration: ISTOCK and Heli Maman)
Very preliminary studies suggest that the amino acid citrulline found in watermelon may help maintain vascular health and maintain normal blood pressure. It should be noted that these are small and short studies, from which conclusions can not yet be drawn for the entire population.
Something green is brewing
We are used to eating it in its fresh, sliced or diced form on a hot summer day, but there are cultures in Eastern Europe, China, Russia and the southern United States that use its outer shell as a vegetable, cook it and even conquer it in the same way as cucumbers.
It can also be easily combined with salads, smoothies, cocktails and even sandwiches.
2 cups of small watermelon cubes
60 g 5% Bulgarian cheese cubes
1/2 cup cooked ground beans
2-3 basil or mint leaves for those who like
Finely ground freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Mix all the ingredients well and serve immediately.
Alex Shchukin, BSc Clinical Dietitian. RD at Heli Maman, a chain that specializes in a healthy lifestyle