5 Reasons to Eat Watermelon this Summer ~ and Watermelon RECIPE!

Juicy, sweet, refreshing and crisp. The sentiments of summer in one delicious bite. I look forward to hot summers day spent in the sun and my skin smells like coconut oil. I slice open a watermelon and take my first bite. OMG. No words.

Besides the deliciousness of watermelon, there’s a ton of positive benefits for your body! Plus one benefit for the guys that you might be surprised to read! Spoiler alert: the benefits are just about as good as the taste!

1. Prevents muscle soreness
Rich in an amino acid called L-citruline, which converts to L-arginine, helps relax blood vessels and improve circulation. This means that if you do a hard workout and eat watermelon the day before, it may help you deter muscle soreness.

The citruline in the watermelon, or unpasteurized watermelon juice, is more bioavailable than over-the-counter citrulline supplements. Just another reason to choose real foods as your nutrients. (Bioavailable means that your cells can more easily and effectively absorb the nutrients).

2. Removes toxins from the body
Arginine is the amino acid that works hard to help maintain a good immune system. You just learned about citrulline, and citrulline converts to arginine in the kidneys. The more this conversion takes place, the better it is for your body because arginine removes ammonia and other toxic compounds from the body. An all natural detoxer!

3. Anti-inflammatory
Lycopene, found abundantly in watermelon, and gives it the red hues, is an anti-inflammatory. It is an antioxidant and neutralizes harmful free radicals. Some studies have even shown to help prevent prostate cancer.

4. Vitamins A & C
Watermelon has 21% of the daily recommended value of Vitamin C in one serving. Vitamin C is widely known as one of the safest vitamins, because it helps enhance your immune system and produce antibodies to help fight disease. Your body needs Vitamin C when it’s stressed, so bring slices of watermelon with you to work for an energizing and healthy snack!

Watermelon also contains 17% of the daily value of Vitamin A. Vitamin A is an essential supplement for boosting eye health and preventing diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts.

5. Viagra?
Watermelon may cause viagra-like effects to the body. Studies are not certain, but some studies show this to be true. It’s a natural enhancer to the body, while the citrulline relaxes blood vessels. Dr. Bhimu Patil, director of Texas A&M’s Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center in College Station, states, “Arginine boosts nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels, the same basic effect that Viagra has, to treat erectile dysfunction and maybe even prevent it.” And then she adds, “Watermelon may not be as organ specific as Viagra, but it’s a great way to relax blood vessels without any drug side-effects.” Watch out chocolate, watermelon may overshadow you next Valentine’s Day!

Some of the highest nutrient concentrations are in the white rind, not the dark center. So take a bite out of that!

How to store:
Watermelons can be stored at room temperature. Once sliced open, store in the fridge. The antioxidants, flavonoids, and lycopene stay present in the watermelon for up to 7 days.

How to eat:
Eat 1 slice at a time. It contains fructose (a naturally occurring sugar found in fruits), so consume in moderation.

Watermelon Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 cup diced watermelon (152 g)
Amount per serving
Calories – 46
Carbohydrates – 11g
Sugar – 9g
Fiber – 1g
Protein – 1g

Other sources:

References:

1 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080630165707.htm, Watermelon May Have Viagra-Effect, Dec. 2012
2 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101013173847.htm, Watermelon Lowers Blood Pressure, Study Finds, Dec. 2012<