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watermelon

Red Hot & Ready!

Fire up those vasodilators with watermelon. That’s right, watermelon is considered natures “Viagra”! It dilates the blood vessels which improves circulation…and summer time fun! It is also a fruit and a vegetable ~ related to cucumbers, squash, and pumpkins!

Also, just like the name says, watermelon it is a great source of WATER!   In fact, since watermelon is over 90% water, it is a great “water-content” food to help you stay hydrated on hot days…plus it tastes like candy. But that’s not all, watermelon contains many nutritional benefits, such as:

  • Lycopene antioxidant which gives the melon color and its anti-oxidant powers may play a role in reducing the risk of stroke, cancer activity, and tumor growth
  • I-citruline amino acid in both the flesh and rind that may reduce muscle aches and pains, improve heart health, and immune system
  • Electrolytes to balance hydration and avoid dehydration on hot days
  • Chlorophyll in the rind (completely edible) for building blood
  • Zinc, iron, protein, and fiber are valuable nutrients offered by black watermelon seed, which you can eat
  • Lycopene, cucurbitacin E,and tripterpenoid; anti-inflammatory antioxidants
  • And, potassium, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin C, folate, phosphorus, vitamin B6, selenium, choline, calcium, bentaine, and magnesium may also be found in watermelon
  • Vitamin A to support healthy hair, skin, and other bodily tissues

You’ll want to pick a watermelon that shows a pale spot on one side. This demonstrates that the melon ripened on the ground. Also, if it feels heavy it’s full of juice… Yummy!

A word of caution:

  • Avoid overeating watermelon, it is high in sugar (calories, blood sugar, blood pressure issues).
  • It is recommended to eat it alone, without other foods, to prevent tummy upset.

How to eat it:

  • Serve it as a desert – sliced or cubed
  • Blend the seeds, rind, flesh, and meat with fresh lime and a few ice cubes in the blender to make a wonderful, refreshing drink for summertime or pool time.
  • Add cubes of watermelon to your salad with mint sprigs and goat or mozzarella cheese
  • Blend and pour into ice cube trays or popsicles for the kids.

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More nutritional information in Part II of Intestinal Health ~ A Practical Guide to Complete Abdominal Comfort  www.intestinalhealthbook.com

 

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