Watermelon - Anti-Aging, Heart Healthy Summer Fruit

Watermelon is a favorite fruit in summer. It's cool, juicy and sweet. But there is much more. Besides the taste there are at least 7 reasons, why you should love this fruit. Anti-aging and heart health are just the two most important ones.

Read more and see some recipe ideas.

7 reasons to love watermelon

Nutritional Value
Watermelon contains lots of important vitamins and minerals. It is a very good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium, and a good source of magnesium, vitamin B-6, and beta-carotene. In addition there is a lot of lycopene (you may have heard about in context with tomatoes), and citrulline, which makes the path for arginine, an essential amino acid. Both are well researched in terms of heart health, chronic inflammatory diseases, immune system, and anti-aging properties.

Heart Health
Modern research begins to confirm that watermelon are beneficial for your heart by dilating blood vessels and improving blood flow.
Citrulline is responsible for preparing arginine, an amino acid that paves the way for the widening of blood vessels. That helps with cardiovascular diseases, some kinds of headaches, and even erectile dysfunction. Watermelon's content of vitamins C, B-6 and E may also regulates blood pressure.
Lycopene has been found to be heart-protective and lowering cholesterol levels.
Watermelon is a very good source of potassium, which decreases high blood pressure.

Anti-Aging
Watermelon has a lot of constituents that are vital in the process of anti-aging. Vitamin C and Lycopene are potent antioxidants. Lycopene protects the body from 'free radicals' that damage cells - especially skin cells. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant as well. Arginine boosts muscle growth. Vitamin A let's your skin look more healthy.

Detoxifying
Watermelon is diuretic and - at the same time - hydrates your body. This way it helps your kidneys in the process of detoxifying and cleansing. Citrulline cleanses your blood. It is involved in the process of removing nitrogen from the blood and excreting it via kidneys and bladder.

Healthy Eyes
Watermelon contains a lot of beta-carotene - like other red fruits and veggies. It's converted to vitamin A, which helps your eyes.

Immune System
Arginine stimulates the immune system. So does vitamin C. Vitamin A as well promotes a strong immune system.

Cancer Prevention
High level of Lycopene, a very powerful antioxidant, is an active component reducing the risks of certain cancers. Vitamin C has shown cancer fighting activities as well.

Recipe Ideas

Summer Salad
Try sweet watermelon in a Greek salad: Combine tomatoes, cucumber, watermelon - everything diced - with crumbles of feta cheese. For the dressing whisk together red vine vinegar & olive oil with salt and pepper to taste.

Gazpacho with a sweet kick
Ever tried Gazpacho? This cold soup that is served at summer's hot peek? Usually tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and garlic are combined in a blender, salt added to taste, maybe a little wine vinegar and a drizzle of olive oil on top.
Now try to substitute cucumber for watermelon. The acidity of tomatoes in combination with the sweetness of watermelon is a surprising match for hot summer days. Add onions and garlic, salt and fresh lemon juice to taste. Blend well in a blender. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil.