It is mistakenly believed that watermelon is only a store of sugar and water. But the health benefits of watermelon don’t end with its great nutritional value. It is the food richest in citrulline, an amino acid which improves the activity of the vessels and intervenes at the immune level.
IDENTITY RECORD
Name : Watermelon
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Scientific name : Citrullus lanatus
Varieties: Sugar Baby, Crimson, Jubilee, Charleston Gray
Caloric value: 40 kcal / 100 g
High season: May – September (calendar)
Producers: China, Turkey, Iran, Morocco, France
France: DOM-TOM, PACA, Midi-Pyrénées
Storage: to enjoy the benefits of watermelon, store the fruit for 7 days at room temperature (max)
Watermelon, with a sweet flavor and rich in water, comes from the Cucurbitaceae family. She is originally from Africa and can weigh up to 5 or 6 kg. Also called watermelon, it is now one of the emblematic fruits of the summer season! Watermelons are cultivated in the south of France.
Watermelon, a slimming fruit?
According to legend, watermelons were brought back to France by the Crusaders who had discovered them among the Arabs. Very refreshing, watermelon also has many health benefits.
Watermelon is packed with water, sugar, fiber and essential nutrients like potassium, vitamins A, B6 and C, amino acids, antioxidants, lycopenes, etc. Its seeds are rich in protein, magnesium, vitamin B and good fatty acids.
Watermelon helps to lose weight. Normal, because it consists mainly of water (more than 90%). It is therefore to be preferred if one wishes to follow a slimming diet and lose weight. Especially since this fruit, which also has a diuretic action, is very low in calories with only 30 kcal per 100 g.
The health benefits of watermelon
Among the proven benefits of watermelon, we can mention the presence of an amino acid called citrulline, which contributes to the vitality of blood vessels. Including watermelon in your diet would thus reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
If you want to maintain a tanned complexion all summer long, watermelon can help! It is recommended for good hydration, watermelon stimulates tanning thanks to a high concentration of vitamins B and B6. Some cosmetics brands even market watermelon tanning oils. The oil would also speed up healing.
See as well :
The slimming benefits of cucumber
The benefits of pumpkin
Zucchini, the favorite vegetable for slimming diets
Pumpkin for weight loss?
Watermelon, the hydrating fruit par excellence!
The health benefits of melon
Watermelon is a fruit that has a reputation for preventing certain cancers. The red color of its flesh is due to the presence of lycopene, an antioxidant effective in countering the onset of diseases that particularly affect the prostate.
What about watermelon seeds?
If they facilitate theelimination of toxins accumulated in the body, watermelon seeds – which some unfortunately prefer not to keep – contain fibers that contribute to good intestinal transit. These “glitches” are also a great source of energy.
Among other properties, watermelon seeds dilate blood vessels, lower high blood pressure and thus prevent cardiovascular disease.
Watermelon Summer Salad Recipe
- Cut the flesh of half a watermelon into triangles.
- Cut half a cucumber into thin slices.
- Peel a quarter of a black radish, cut it into slices and then each slice into sticks.
- Put everything in a salad bowl with 1 punnet of crumbled feta, 1/2 bunch of fresh coriander and 6 sprigs of peeled mint.
- Add 1 tsp. of cumin seeds, and fleur de sel.
Drizzle with lime juice and 2 Tbsp. tablespoons of olive oil.
This salad, ideal for lunch, is even better when it has rested for a few hours in the refrigerator!
