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    LifeFoodFood For Thought: Watermelon Is A Secret Health & Weight Loss Superfood

    Food For Thought: Watermelon Is A Secret Health & Weight Loss Superfood

    Thick, juicy, yummy slices of watermelon on a hot summer afternoon is a delight! It is a common site in desi households and an activity kids look forward to the most. Consuming watermelon is the best way to keep yourself hydrated during this hot and humid weather. Watermelon can be consumed not just in the form of juice but also in the form of lollipops, sorbet, salad, soups, mocktails or even chutneys! Watermelon is also low in sodium and contains no fat or cholesterol. As a result, watermelon can be consumed as a part of a heart-friendly diet. Watermelon is also beneficial for hair and skin as well as contains higher amounts of lycopene (an antioxidant) compared to tomatoes.

    Nutritional Values

    Watermelon (100g)Nutritional Content
    Energy32 kcals
    Carbohydrates6 gms
    Protein0.5 gms
    Fat0 gm
    Fiber0.4 gms
    Vitamin C 8 mg
    Vitamin A 560 IU

    Benefits Of Watermelon

    Now that you know about the nutritional value of watermelon, let us look at some benefits of watermelon.

    1. Lowers Blood Pressure 

    Watermelon is a good source of citrulline and arginine. Both these amino acids are required for the production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps in lowering blood pressure. 

    2. Keeps You Hydrated

    Watermelon is made up of 92% water. This helps in keeping your body hydrated especially during hot summers.

    3. Good Source Of Vitamin C

    Watermelon is a rich source of vitamin C. Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Vitamin C also helps in the maintenance of immunity.

    4. Healthy For Heart

    Watermelon helps in lowering blood pressure which prevents the risk of developing heart attacks or strokes. It can also lower cholesterol levels thus preventing the risk of developing atherosclerosis as well.

    5. Anti-Cancer Properties

    Watermelon contains lycopene which is an antioxidant and has been associated with a reduced risk of cancer. Consumption of watermelon has also been associated with lower levels of Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) which has been linked with cancer.

    Nutritional Recipes

    Now that you know the benefits of consuming watermelon, let us look at some delicious recipes that incorporate watermelon.

    1. Watermelon Cooler

    This tasty drink can hydrate your body and appeal to your sweet tooth as well!

    Cooking time: 10-15 mins

    Nutritional values (1 serving approx)

    Energy: 50 kcals

    Carbohydrates: 8 gms

    Protein: 1 gm

    Fat: 1.5 gms

    Ingredients:

    • 1 cup watermelon
    • ¼ cup milk
    • Sugar to taste

    Method:

    1. In a blender, blenderize the watermelon.
    2. Strain the watermelon mixture.
    3. Onto the strained mixture, add milk and sugar. Mix well.
    4. Pour the mixture onto a glass and add ice cubes. Serve chilled.

    2. Fruit Salad

    This healthy salad is a combination of seasonal fruits. It can be consumed as a mid-morning or mid-evening snack.

    Cooking time: 10-15 mins

    Nutritional values (1 serving approx)

    Energy: 50 kcals

    Carbohydrates: 8.5 gms

    Protein: 1 gm

    Fat: 1 gm

    Ingredients:

    • 1 cup watermelon cubes
    • ½ cup apple cubes
    • ½ cup pineapple cubes
    • ½ cup grapes
    • 1 cup orange
    • ¼ cup cucumber cubes
    • Salt to taste
    • Pepper powder to taste

    For dressing:

    • ¼ cup curd
    • ¼ cup onion
    • 1 tbsp capsicum
    • Sugar to taste

    Method:

    1. In a bowl, mix all the ingredients. Add the dressing on top of the fruits and cucumber.
    2. Refrigerate the mixture and serve chilled.

    3. Watermelon Ice Cream

    This tasty ice cream is easy to prepare and sure to delight your children!

    Cooking time: 10-15 mins

    Nutritional values (1 serving approx)

    Energy: 175 kcals

    Carbohydrates: 25 gms

    Protein: 5 gms

    Fat: 10 gms

    Ingredients:

    • 1 cup watermelon cubes
    • 1 cup whole milk
    • Sugar to taste
    • ¼ cup condensed milk (optional)

    Method:

    1. Cut the watermelon into small cubes and freeze these cubes for at least four hours.
    2. In a mixer, combine all the ingredients and blend.
    3. Transfer the mixture onto a container and freeze for two to three hours.
    4. Transfer the ice cream onto a bowl. Enjoy!

    Key Takeaways

    1. Watermelons, if cut, needs to be stored in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.
    2. Watermelon has a high glycemic index as a result of which needs to be consumed in moderation by diabetics.
    3. Consumption of watermelon can cause indigestion in some individuals as watermelon contains fructose.
    4. Watermelon can also help ease symptoms of muscle fatigue or soreness as citrulline present in watermelon helps reduce muscle fatigue.
    5. As watermelon contains good amounts of fibre and water which can promote satiety, consumption of watermelon can aid in weight loss.
    6. The rind of the watermelon can be used to prepare chutneys or dosas as well! The seeds of watermelon are a good source of omega-3.
    7. Eating watermelon can be messy for some individuals. To prevent this messiness, cut off the two sides of a watermelon’s rinds. The watermelon will have a diamond shape as a  result. This would be easy to consume as the juice of the fruit would not spread all over the face.

    Now that you know how watermelon works wonders for your health and weight, watch this superb video about weight loss myths that you need to stop believing and live a healthy and stress-free life!

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