The emblematic fruit of the beautiful season does not only delight us: watermelon also helps our body function well. Discover all the benefits of watermelon (“watermelon” in English)
Sometimes the foods we like the least, like spinach, are also the ones that are most beneficial to our health. But there are some exceptions, including. Watermelon!
This delicious fruit is soaked, sugar, fibre and essential nutrients such as vitamins A, B6 and C, the antioxidant, lycopene of, amino acids, and potassium. Its seeds are rich in protein, magnesium, vitamin B and good fats. Remember to choose it organically to take full advantage of its nutrients. Here are the best reasons to devour watermelon on the first hot days.
Fruit Good For Heart Health
Watermelon is the most decadent food in citrulline. It is an amino acid, a precursor of arginine, which increases the vitality of blood vessels and promotes their dilation. Citrulline also plays a beneficial role in immunity.
Thanks to its nutrients, watermelon helps protect cells from stress-related damage and thus reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a study cited by the American site.Other work has shown a lowering effect of high blood pressure and blood pressure in obese adults. Its virtues are essential for women after menopause.
One kilo of watermelon contains about 2 mg of citrulline. The varieties with orange and yellow flesh, such as Sungold, Jaroski, contain the most citrulline.
Also Read: THREE DIY BEAUTY RECIPES USING COCONUT OIL
Recognized Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The lycopene that gives watermelon its beautiful red colour is used to slow the inflammatory process and neutralize free radicals responsible for cell oxidation. This nutrient, along with choline, helps lower the rate of inflammation in the body and thus improves overall health and well-being.
Watermelon, Ideal For Hydrating With Few Calories
Between 20 and 30% of our daily hydration needs can go through our diet. And fruits like watermelon play a large part in it. In summer, a slice of watermelon hydrates us and gives us energy without weighing us down.
While watermelon is 90% water, it also contains very few calories: 38.9 kcal per 100 g (source: Ciqual nutritional table). It is one of the ten lowest calorie fruits. Therefore, it is ideal for hydrating otherwise (we forget sodas and other sugary drinks) while keeping the figure.
Watermelon Water Recipe:
- Remove the skin and seeds from 500g watermelon, cut the flesh into pieces and put them in the blender bowl.
- Add 10 cl of water or the juice of 2 lemons, a few ice cubes.
- Mix to obtain a smooth mixture.
- Decorate with mint leaves and serve. You can also replace the water with coconut water.
Food To Consume In Case Of Water Retention
Thanks to its richness in water and its high potassium content (129 mg of potassium per 100), and its low sodium level, watermelon is one of the diuretic foods. Potassium helps to drain the body of toxins and remove the surplus water—an ally fruit in cellulite or water retention.
Vitamin A And Lycopene, To Stay Young
Vitamin A is good for the skin and hair because it helps them stay hydrated and stimulates collagen and elastin production. Watermelon is a good source of this vitamin. Not to mention the lycopene it contains, which is also a recognized antioxidant.
Beneficial Nutrients For Muscle Soreness
Athletes and sports women who love watermelon are in luck: consuming it before training would help reduce muscle stiffness the next day and maintain a stable heart rate. In question, the beneficial nutrients (including the amino acid citrulline) improve blood circulation.
Healthy Watermelon Recipes
While the fruit is delicious to eat, there are many other ways that watermelon can be eaten. From gazpacho to granita or salad, here are some equally delicious watermelon-based recipes packed with health benefits.
Watermelon Gazpacho
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Standing time: 1 hour
Ingredients for 6 people:
½ watermelon or 1 small watermelon
10 tomatoes
2 cloves of garlic
2 slices of crustless bread
4 tbsp. To s. olive oil
4 tbsp. To s. Sherry vinegar
Salt
Pepper
Preparation :
Cut and seed the watermelon. Mix all the ingredients in a blender jug. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. Let stand in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
Watermelon Salad With Feta
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Ingredients for six people:
1 watermelon
150g feta
Mint
leaves Basil leaves
Fleur de sel
Olive oil
Preparation :
Cut the watermelon into cubes—place in a salad bowl. Crumble the feta over the watermelon. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with mint and basil. Sprinkle with fleur de sel.
The Watermelon Granita
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Standing time: 3 hours
Ingredients for six people:
800 g watermelon
3 tbsp. To s. lemon juice
120g icing sugar
Preparation :
Cut and seed the watermelon. Puree it in a blender jug. Add the lemon and icing sugar. Pour into a shallow dish and freeze for at least 3 hours. Break the granita every hour with a fork. Serve right out of the freezer.
Find other watermelon-based recipes according to your desires and needs:
- Low-calorie recipe: semi-cooked tuna and watermelon salad
- For cardiovascular health: watermelon, fennel and celery salad
