Watermelon has long been a popular treat at family picnics or on sweltering summer days, but did you know that this fruit packs quite the health punch as well? Watermelon is not only loaded with hydration but is bursting with nutrients and can even benefit your heart health. Below are just a few top reasons to enjoy this summertime superfood at your next gathering:
Hydration: As its name suggests, watermelon is loaded with water, 92% in fact, and is a great way to stay hydrated in hot weather.
Nutrient Rich: Watermelon is bursting with nutrients to keep your body going all summer long. Both vitamin C and A are antioxidants that provide benefits such as immune and vision support as well as maintaining healthy skin. Lycopene is another powerful antioxidant found in this fruit and has been linked to helping to reduce risks of certain types of cancer.
Healthy Heart: Watermelon is a great source of potassium, which is known for helping to maintain healthy blood pressure and nerve function. Also found in this mighty fruit is citrulline, an amino acid that helps lower blood pressure and improve blood flow. Finally, the magnesium found in watermelon helps your heart keep a steady rhythm.
Digestion: The high-water content mixed with the small amount of added fiber helps keep food moving through your digestive system, promoting healthy bowel movements and preventing constipation.
With these benefits and more, it’s no wonder why watermelon remains a favorite summertime fruit. Emily Lavertu, MS, RDN, LD, program coordinator for Northern Light Surgical Weight Loss, shares, “With summer quickly approaching, watermelon is an easy and versatile treat to bring in for school activities, birthday celebrations, graduation parties, and other events! Try watermelon “fries” (watermelon cut into strips) with yogurt dip or build your own watermelon pizza bar (watermelon circle with fruit and other toppings) to introduce a new and exciting variety of hydrating produce into you and your family’s diet.”
Emily also shared the following favorite recipe from the Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center Surgical Weight Loss cookbook:
Watermelon Mint Sorbet
Ingredients
- 6 cups diced watermelon
- 4 teaspoons lime juice
- ½ tsp lime zest
- 2 teaspoons fresh mint, minced
- 1 tsp sweetener of choice
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup warm water
Directions
- Freeze watermelon chunks overnight on a parchment-lined or silicone lined baking sheet.
- When ready to make the sorbet, let the frozen watermelon pieces defrost slightly, about 15 minutes.
- Add the watermelon pieces, lime juice, lime zest, minced mint leaves, honey, and sea salt into a food processor.
- Blend until smooth. Use the warm water as necessary to assist in the blending process.
- Eat immediately if you like a softer consistency or transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze until firm, about 3-4 hours.