Wonderful Watermelons

Posted on Aug 20, 2014 | 2 comments

Watermelon is one of our families favorite summertime treats. Nothing tastes better than biting into a sticky, sweet, dark pink slice of watermelon on a hot summer’s day!

So it was great news for us when I discovered just how beneficial watermelons are to our bodies.

Nutritional facts of watermelons.

Watermelons have been found to contain significant amounts of vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, fiber, protein, and a very large amount of potassium, vitamin A, vitamin B6, niacin, thiamin, and a wide variety of carotenoids and phytonutrients, including lycopene.

These melons are packed with power!

The benefits of watermelons.

Studies are now showing that watermelons can help:

Kidney Disorders – the high amount of potassium in watermelons helps clear out the toxic depositions in the kidneys. Watermelons also reduces the concentration of the uric acid in the blood which reduces the chance of kidney damage and the formation of renal calculi in the kidney.

Keeps You Hydrated – watermelons are 91.5% water and full of important electrolytes. It can prevent heat stroke and dehydration.

Prevents Cancer – because of their remarkably high levels of lycopene (even higher than that of a tomato), a carotenoid phytonutrient compound that is regularly linked to cancer prevention, and the large amount of vitamin C contained, watermelons are one of the best anti-cancer fruits available!

Lowers High Blood Pressure and Aids Diabetics – watermelons contain a high amount of potassium, magnesium, and carotenoids. The potassium and magnesium not only help the insulin properly function in the body but also help the arteries blood flow a lot easier. The carotenoids help to reduce blood pressure and prevent blood clots.

A Natural Viagra – because of the levels of arginine in watermelons, studies have shown that it can cure erectile dysfunction. Arginine will boost libido, reduce frigidity and kick start your love life into action!

Aids in Digestion and Regularity – watermelons have a high water and fiber content. This promotes regularity for a healthy digestive tract and can prevent constipation.

Relieves Muscle Soreness – watermelons have been shown to relieve muscle soreness after exercising because it contains the amino acid L-citrulline.

Keeps Skin Glowing – watermelons have vitamin A which will keep your hair moisturized and your skin glowing!

Watermelon Seeds – these little seeds contain protein, iron and zinc. They are not as powerful as other seeds can be, but they are helpful.

How to select and store your watermelons.

A fully ripened watermelon will be very heavy, so check the weight of it first. If it feels light, put it back! You want a relatively smooth rind that is slightly dulled on top and the circle on the bottom where the melon had been resting on the ground should be a darker yellowish color. If it is still light green or white even then the watermelon is not ripe.

The best bet is to keep your watermelons at room temperature before cutting. It will retain the most antioxidants by keeping it at room temperature before slicing.

Once you have cut it up, you should store it in the refrigerator. It should keep for up to 4 days.

Ways to eat watermelons.

Slicing it up and eating it plain is one of our favorites. Watermelons make the perfect dessert or snack! Also putting a few cubes of watermelon in a blender with some ice cubes and some fresh mint leaves makes a great drink for after exercising or on a hot, hot day.

Watermelon also tastes great cubed up and added to any salad with a balsamic dressing.

A great way to get your watermelon in is by juicing it. Check out this great post by HealthAmbition on how to juice a watermelon here. 

What are your yummy ways to eat watermelon?

Cheers and Happy Eating!
Malibu Mama Loves Xx

For more reading on watermelons:
The World’s Healthiest Foods
Medical News Today
How Stuff Works
ABC News
Organic Facts
Live Love Fruit
National Geographic

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