It’s almost summertime, and that means it’s almost time for those lazy pool days, beach bumming, sleeping till noon, and of course, watermelon.
Photo courtesy of hellogiggles.com
Watermelon time is my favorite time of the year, and as soon as I see them appearing in my grocery store, I get excited. Probably too excited.
I mean we can’t forget this Vine where the dude spazzed out over “watermeloneee inside a watermeloneeeee.”
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But can you blame him? It’s the most versatile fruit in existence. You can cut it up into pizza slice-size triangles and carry it around, cube it and throw it into a bowl or fruit salad, blend it up with a few other ingredients and make an amazing watermelon smoothie, or use it in homemade gelato or salsa (yes, that’s a thing), and so, so much more.
Ever heard of Watermelon Agua Frescas?
Photo courtesy of UT Spoon
I’m crying because it looks amazing, and it’s really easy to make. Definitely on my summer to-do list. Here’s the recipe. If fruity drinks aren’t your thing, try out some other really great watermelon recipes here.
Unfortunately, there’s a certain stereotype, at least where I live, that watermelon contains nothing but sugar and is generally not the healthiest thing ever. Let’s set the record straight on this one, because watermelon is too good to pass up, and might just save your summer.
Photo by UMD Spoon
And here’s why:
A watermelon is actually about 92% water.
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That’s right, a couple of slices of watermelon can help keep you hydrated while you’re lounging outside or on the beach.
Watermelon is also packed with electrolytes, making it a super-good alternative to Powerade or Gatorade, which is packed with added sugar. Doesn’t sound like a bad bargain, huh? Get you some. Cut yourself a couple of pieces (carefully, those things can be scary to chop) next time you’re heading out.
Watermelon is fat free.
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Yes, you heard me right. How can something that tastes so good be so good for you? Take advantage of this. Looking for a great way to stay in shape this summer? Add watermelon to the equation. Fat-free, I tell you. It’s the most guilt-free you’ll feel while indulging on something that tastes so sweet.
So grab a piece. Or two. Or six.
It’s packed with nutrients.
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Each bite you take is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, some more science-y stuff, and this really cool thing called lycopene (the thing that makes watermelon red).
Lycopene is found in fruits and veggies, and watermelon has the highest amounts of it out of any fresh produce. When this stuff gets in your system, it causes all sorts of healthy reactions that make your body happy.
And when your body is happy, you’ll feel fab.
It’s got crazy health benefits.
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The lycopene I just mentioned does great things for your heart, like protecting cells from damage and lowering the risk of heart disease. Amazing, right? It’s also good for your bones, and aids in prostate cancer prevention. Let’s just go ahead and name watermelon the super-fruit of the year.
Watermelon is also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties. Your body can become inflamed when you’re sick because of stress, smoking, pollution, and other stuff, and watermelon can help because its magic powers, according to Victoria Jarzabkowski. (Don’t worry, she’s a nutritionist, so she knows her stuff).
If these reasons aren’t enough to convince you to go pick up a watermelon (or roll it, if you’re like me and have twigs for arms), go get one anyway, just because they taste fabulous. No matter what you do with it, a little bit of watermelon can go a long way and give you that little taste of summer you’ve been waiting for.
Gif courtesy of giphy.com
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