Watermelon

Watermelon ~ Natures Super Foods

This Super Fruit is High in Lycopene's for Cancer & Heart Protection

One of a hot summer day’s simple delights is a slice of watermelon.

But, did you know that it might be one of the healthiest items at the picnic too?

If you're like most of us, you'd consider this super fruit healthy because it's a delicious way to hydrate, given that it's 92 percent water.

But food scientists have discovered this juicy red fruit is loaded with antioxidants to fortify the body, especially carotenoids that can offset cell damage caused by chemicals and sun.

Need even more reasons to take a bite?

Watermelon is especially high in lycopene, which is more typically associated with cooked tomatoes.

Lycopene first made the news as a protector against prostate cancer in men.

It has since been rated as equally potent for preventing heart disease, high blood pressure and erectile dysfunction.

Seeing the potential for the picnic favorite melon, scientists have delved even deeper into the nutrient power of watermelons with recent studies.

The fruit is about six to ten inches in diameter and perfect for singles or couples. Researchers tested 15 different lines of mini-watermelons and discovered a good number of them have even more with lycopene than the larger melons we all remember from summers past.

But there is one catch to the lycopene bonanza.

Don’t refrigerate the melon.

USDA researchers discovered that chilling down this super fruit inhibits the antioxidants while keeping it at room/air temperature optimized the power-nutrient content.

What's more, the food scientists discovered that room-temperature watermelons stored for two weeks after deemed ripe to pick by growers, contained 40 percent more lycopene and 50 to 140 percent more betacarotene than just-picked melons.

The researchers documented that lycopene continues to be manufactured in the melon.

When you hear vegetarians or raw food enthusiasts talk about "live foods," this sort of lycopene and nutrient production is an example of what they mean.

One note: Mass-harvested melons from big growers are typically stored for two to three weeks at 55 degrees, which doesn’t quell the lycopene as much as the standard 37 to 41 degrees of a fridge but still is down from the optimum of 70 degrees or room temperature.

So, when possible, buy your juicy red fruits from local or small growers, then keep them out for a while at home.

Maybe look for mini-melons if you don’t have a big crowd on hand.

But, once you've cut the melon, it should it go into the fridge.

So make room for another slice or bowl of melon balls.

Watermelon Shows Potential to Prevent Erectile Dysfunction

Watermelon, of all things, is good for the blood vessels.

It contains substances that relax and open up those blood vessels, which is a major benefit for the body’s heart and circulatory system.

Earlier studies have showed that lycopene concentrations in red-flesh watermelon rival or even outdistance those of tomatoes.

Lycopene has been documented as a protector and fighter against prostate cancer.

What researchers at Texas A&M found in a recent study is that this super food, despite being 92 percent water, packs a wallop in the other 8 percent.

Along with lycopene, this super fruit contains other phytonutrients.

One recent discovered phytonutrient in this super fruit is "citrulline".

When citrulline is consumed, it converts to the amino acid "arginine" in the body through the work of selected enzymes.

Arginine has long been linked to improved heart and immune function, plus it shows promise as a way to offset Type 2 diabetes.

As for ED, arginine increases the blood supply’s level of nitric oxide that in turn relaxes the blood vessels.

The Director of the fruits and vegetables “improvement” lab at Texas A&M, says the effect is similar to Viagra (used for ED treatments) but not as “organ-specific.”

He says regular consumption of this super fruit might even prevent ED.

Another benefit of this nitric oxide reaction is a natural lowering of blood pressure.

Some advice on eating watermelon with ED or any health benefit in mind:

Don’t refrigerate this juicy red fruit until it's cut

As I mentioned above, the refrigeration diminishes the lycopene content.

Plus, the highest concentration of citrulline is in the rind.

So, you might consider using a professional-quality juicer to use the entire fruit.

The Director and his lab colleagues are working to develop watermelons with more citruline in the red flesh portion of the fruit.

For now, this summertime treat couldn’t taste better and when your guests arrive at the picnic or barbecue, you can offer this light and festive thirst quencher.

If you're wondering what to have with dinner this evening ...

Watermelon, Tomato and Cucumber Salad



Servings: 6

Ripe heirloom tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, pungent red onion, and fresh basil are gently tossed with ripe, juicy super fruit for a sweet surprise.

Ingredients;

2 large red tomatoes, cut into 1-inch wedges (about 2 cups)

2 pounds watermelon, cut into 1/2- by 2 1/2-inch wedges

1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch wedges

1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced (about 1/4 cup)

3 tablespoons red-wine vinegar

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground pepper

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced

Directions;

Make the salad: Gently toss the tomatoes, your juicy red super fruit, cucumber, and onion together in a large bowl and set aside.

Combine vinegar, oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

Pour vinaigrette over the entire mixture and toss to combine.

Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours.

Sprinkle with basil and serve.

Nutritional Information;

Per serving:

Calories 100;

Carbohydrates 13g;

Fat 5g;

Sodium 364mg

Newsletter

Natures Super Store

Super Fruits ~ Return

________________________________________________________________