Thursday 16 May 2013

RAWesome Friday: The Health Benefits of Watermelon

It's one of the most refreshing, delicious fruits of the summer!
Watermelons are a "sweet" way to quench your thirst! Some countries even use the rind as a vegetable, and others roast the seeds
 (www.nutrition-and-you.com). 

  The amazing Health Benefits of Watermelon:

  • Rich source of phytonutrients, and antioxidants - Lycopene is a phytonutrient that is beneficial to heart and bone health, (www.whfoods.com) 
  • High in potassium & Vitamin A - helps control heart rate and blood pressure (nutrition-and-you.com).
  • High in citrulline - citrulline is an amino acid that enters our bodies and flushes through our kidney's, turning into something called "arginine." Arginine can help improve blood flow and heart health (www.whfoods.com)
  • Helps keep the body alkaline - Keeping your body at a natural alkaline state may help fight disease. When we are overly acidic, the pH imbalance may cause heart issues, and even a weakened immune system  (www.realfoodforlife.com, snyderhealth.info)
  • A Natural Laxative - you can safely relieve or prevent constipation by consuming watermelon (www.naturalnews.com).

How do ya like them melons?

Did you know that allowing a watermelon to fully ripen will give you the best nutrient value? If the watermelon has white flesh, studies show that they have next to no beta-carotene at all (whfoods.com). Wait until the outside is dark green, and the flesh is fully red. Enjoy watermelon at room temp, since our bodies tend to digest them easier that way (www.realfoodforlife.com). 

What are you waiting for? Dig in!




References


http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=31

www.realfoodforlife.com

www.naturalnews.com

http://www.snyderhealth.info/a299940-fight-disease-by-keeping-your-body.cfm





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