Summer and watermelon are inseparable. Thankfully, watermelon is not only
delicious, it is extremely healthy as well. Watermelon does a lot more than
quench your thirst on a hot summer’s day.
Watermelon nutrition facts reveal this fruit as a jack of all trades; providing
healthy amounts of virtually all essential vitamins and minerals.
One of the main health benefits of watermelon is its status as a powerful
antioxidant, found in vitamins A and C, which helps to neutralize free radicals
that can lead to inflammation, general sickness and chronic illnesses-oftentimes
causing strokes and heart disease.
Some other great benefits of this easy to love fruit:
*Watermelon has a higher concentration of lycopene than any other fresh fruit or
vegetable-providing cancer fighting benefits.
*Watermelon is a fruit that is rich in Electrolytes, Sodium and Potassium that we
lose through our perspiration.
*Watermelon is rich in the B vitamins necessary for energy production. This
makes it an excellent alternative to high calorie, caffeine and sugar drenched
energy drinks that caused dehydration.
*With a water concentration topping 90%, it aids your metabolism. With its
healthy amount of fiber and protein, your body will work hard to simply process
the watermelon.
*Watermelon acts as a cooling agent to your body and helps to remove ammonia
from the body. It is effective in reducing your body temperature and blood
pressure.
*The antioxidants found in watermelon help in reducing the severity of asthma.
*Watermelon protects against macular degeneration and glaucoma.
Wether you choose watermelons for their health benefits or simply for their good
flavor, they can be an excellent snack or summer dish.
Watermelon Mint Pop
- • 1 Cup packed fresh mint leaves
- •4.5 T minced ginger, divided
- • 3 Tbs agave nectar
- •1/2 t dried chili flakes
- • ½ Cup filtered water
- • 4 Cups cubed watermelon
- • Seltzer or Soda Water
- • Pinch sea salt
Make mint syrup. Place mint, 2 Tbs. minced ginger, agave, chili flakes, salt and
filtered water in a medium sized saucepan. Cover and bring to a gentle boil over
medium high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 3-5 minutes. Remove
from heat while mint is still a vibrant green. Let sit for 10 minutes. Pour through
a strainer and discard solids.
Place remaining ginger and watermelon in a blender and puree until well
blended. Pour the mixture through a strainer(preferably lined with a double
layer of cheesecloth) and let stand for 15 minutes and let stand until all the liquid
has dripped through. Do not press the puree. It will make it cloudy.
Mix the mint syrup and watermelon-ginger juice in a sealed glass jar and chill in
the fridge. Mixture will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
To serve. Pour ½ Cup mixture into a tall glass, top with 6-8 ounces chilled
seltzer or soda water and stir.