why watermelon?

If it’s summer, it’s watermelon time. And, unlike many other summer treats, watermelon is good for you! In fact, it is practically a multi-vitamin unto itself. A 2-cup serving of watermelon is an excellent source of vitamins A, B6, and C, providing a host of health benefits, including heart health. And a two-cup serving of watermelon has 7 percent of the recommended daily value of potassium. In addition, a growing body of evidence suggests people who eat enough fruit and vegetables to meet the daily requirements for vitamin C have healthier blood pressure levels than those who don’t eat enough of these important foods. Two cups of watermelon has 25 percent of the daily value of Vitamin C.

You’ve probably heard of lycopene, a carotenoid and pigment that gives fruits and vegetables their red color. Quite often when people think of lycopene, they think of tomatoes, when in fact, fresh watermelon contains higher levels of lycopene than fresh tomatoes – a 2-cup serving of watermelon contains 18.16 mg and one medium- sized tomato contains 4 mg. Researchers report that carotenoids may act as antioxidants that protect cells from oxygen-related damage that can result from regular cell functions. There have been a number of studies that have drawn a correlation between lycopene and the possible prevention of cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

Preliminary studies with processed tomatoes and tomato products show that lycopene’s antioxidant capacity can protect against hardening of the arteries, a risk factor for heart disease. And in Europe, researchers have found a statistically significant association between high dietary lycopene and a 48% lower risk of heart disease.

Watermelon also helps with weight loss. Being overweight or obese can lead to diabetes, which also increases the risk of heart disease. Overweight is defined as a body mass index of 25 or more, obesity is 30 or more, and severe obesity is 40 or more. Eating highly nutritious, filling foods such as watermelon provides satisfaction as well as a wide array of essential vitamins and minerals, and only 80 calories per two-cup serving! It’s an ideal food with virtually no fat for anyone watching their weight.

Early intervention with healthy food choices is a key to success in raising children with good eating habits. Parents and caregivers can be instrumental in preventing their children from becoming overweight by promoting and reinforcing good lifestyle choices and habits. Try to ensure they get regular exercise and allow them to assist with food shopping and meal preparation. Including children in these processes helps them learn how to make their own healthy choices.

Here are a few tips on choosing, storing, and handling watermelon