Water Melons- The Best Way to Beat Summers
March 30, 2009
Water melons are perhaps the best fruit to beat the heat during summers. Their refreshing juice makes one feel cool and fresh, even if the mercury outside is touching forties. The most refreshing and thirst quenching fruit of all – it is the storehouse of vitamins and minerals. This sweet red fruit is rich in water content and its juice is considered as an energizing drink during hot summer. About 93 percentage of the fruit content is water and helps to overcome dehydration state. This high nutrient density fruit is a favorite of many for meals and snacks.
It acts as an appetizer when it is combined with other fruits and vegetables.
Water melon – the Leader in Lycopene
Watermelon is the Leader in Lycopene among fresh fruits and vegetables. Lycopene is a red pigment that occurs in certain plants and tissues. This red antioxidant helps in trapping cancer-promoting agents called free oxygen radicals. Free radicals oxidize cholesterol and stick them to the walls, thereby increasing chances of strokes and heart attacks. Antioxidants control these free radicals and prevent the onset of fatal diseases. It also helps to prevent diseases like asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer, and arthritis.
Vitamins and minerals in Water melons
Watermelon is practically a multi-vitamin unto itself. With a 2-cup serving of watermelon containing excellent levels of vitamins A, B6 and C, this product contains a number of nutrients that are vital to good health.
Vitamin A found in watermelon is important for optimal eye health, can help prevent night-blindness, and boosts immunity by enhancing the infection-fighting actions of white blood cells called lymphocytes.
Vitamin B6 found in watermelon is used by the body to manufacture brain chemicals (neurotransmitters), such as serotonin, melatonin and dopamine, which preliminary research shows may help the body cope with anxiety and panic.
Vitamin C in watermelon can help to bolster the immune system’s defenses against infections and viruses and can protect a body from harmful free radicals that can accelerate aging and conditions such as cataracts.
Watermelons are not only rich in Vitamins; they also contain fiber, protein, calcium, folic acid, magnesium and potassium. Folic acid played a vital role in our body in the growth of tissues and formation of hemoglobin.
Magnesium serves as a component to maintain cells in your nerves and muscles. Potassium helps to regulate fluids and mineral balance; it also helps in maintaining normal blood pressure. They also have zero cholesterol and are very low in sodium content. Beta-carotene found in watermelons promotes clear vision, bone growth and healthy reproduction.
Watermelons are low in calories and very nutritious. They can be consumed without the tension of gaining weight. With all goodness and full of nutrients, consumption of water melons is a must, especially during the summers to beat the heat and protect oneself from sun-stroke and dehydration.
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