Natural Cook Studio of Bend

Watermelon

No other fruit says summer like the thirst quenching watermelon. It is a classic picnic food. There is logic to the fact that this watery fruit originated in Africa’s hot and arid Kalahari region.  So when your not in Kalahari but feel like it, cool down and rehydrate with watermelon.
Technically a vegetable, watermelon is more closely related to a cucumber than a cantaloupe.  Watermelon is mostly composed of, as it name suggests water. Making it an excellent thirst quencher, as well as a quencher of inflammatory conditions such as: asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon caner, and arthritis to name just a few.  It is a excellent source of Vitamin C, and vitamin A, and a very good source of Vitamins B1,and B6, and the minerals potassium and magnesium. Surprisingly sweet with only 5% sugar, watermelon is actually packed with some of the most important antioxidants found in nature, a carotenoid antioxidant, lycopene.  These antioxidants neutralize free radicals that can cause a great deal of damage.  Oxidation contributes to cholesterol, making it stick to blood vessel walls, they add to the severity of asthma by causing airways to close down. They increase inflammation that occurs in osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, and they can damage cells lining in the colon, turning them into cancer cells.
For the most antioxidant activity choose fully ripened fruit that is stored at room temperature. According to the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry carotenoid contents increased by between 50-139% when stored at 69.8°F over that stored at 41°F, which is refrigerator temperature.
How fortunate we are to have an ally so low in calories that can deliver these health benefits!
For a great summer thirst quencher try blending chunks of watermelon with ice cubes and a splash of lime juice, served with a fresh mint leaf and enjoy.

In Health,

Lisa