Watermelon, health food

This heat does bring back memories of eating sloppy wet pieces of watermelon at my aunt’s house or the park near her home during summers of my youth.

Now science has endorsed that activity by finding great health benefits in the fruit. Most obvious to anyone who has eaten it by the slice is the high water content (94%) that can go a long way toward replacing water lost from the heat. Also found in various watermelon studies are high levels of antioxidants, particularly carotinoids and lycopene. These antioxidants are beneficial in helping the body avoid and/or repair cellular damage caused by living and outside influences such as chemicals and the sun.

Another interesting thing that was borne out by research goes back to the “old days” as well. Watermelons stored at and served at room temperature maximize the amount of anitoxidants delivered in a serving (sliced, chunked or balled). We never had watermelon chilled and I think it is much tastier a bit on the warm side.

So, if you are out and about in the heat or want a treat at home this summer seriously consider the health benefits, tastiness, and fun of having a bit of watermelon.