I have two kids. My son is 3 and my daughter just turned 1. They could eat a whole watermelon in one sitting if I let them. I usually give them each a nice size serving and let them go to town. Within a few minutes I inevitably hear my son yell out, “We need more watermelon!” Occasionally, my daughter will yell “BAAAAA”, which I assume means she agrees with him. I don’t mind giving them more because watermelon is one of the healthiest foods they could eat.
Watermelon is about 92% water so it’s great at helping people stay hydrated, especially here in South Florida. You can eat it plain, in a fruit salad or mix it into a smoothie. It’s also very high in Lycopene, which is a carotenoid responsible for the red color in some fruits and vegetables. Lycopene has been found to have powerful antioxidant properties and has also been associated with decreased risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke and macular degeneration.
If you’re trying to lose weight or maintain your weight, watermelon is great because there are only about 45 calories in a 1 cup serving. The water content and fiber help you feel full and it also has no fat. Watermelon.org suggests you “spoil” your appetite with a slice of watermelon before your meal if you are trying to lose weight.
Watermelon is also full of other important nutrients. It’s very high in Vitamin C which is a powerful antioxidant associated with boosting immunity, fighting inflammation, decreasing cancer risk and improving dental health. It is also high in Vitamin A which is associated with eye health and boosting immunity. Vitamin B6 is also found in watermelon. B6 is associated with energy and with producing chemicals in the body that help cope with panic and stress.
Watermelon is healthy, delicious and not just a summer time treat. Try eating it all year! If fresh watermelon isn’t available near you all year long, try some frozen watermelon cubes. They are great right out of the freezer. You could also attend a watermelon festival. Check out www.watermelon.org/watermelon_festivals.asp for one near you.
Hopefully you will be hearing, “We need more watermelon” from someone in your house soon.
- Jennifer
Labels: fruits and vegetables, healthy eating, Jennifer
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