8 reasons to eat watermelon this summer and 13 ways to prepare

Watermelon is the fruit of summer. Or at least one of them. There is more to see search results from Google Images words Summer Fruits and take account of their relevance. The red watermelon is everywhere.

This fruit begins its season enter the months of March and April, when it begins to make an appearance in supermarkets, and lasts until September, although arguably his quintessential month is July. So much so that in the US, the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) has declared the National Watermelon Month.

Come on, this is the best time to enjoy this fruit. Especially since find wherever we go - Spain is a major world producers, along with Turkey, Italy, Greece and China, because it is full of qualities and because it offers multiple forms of preparation. Sobran reason to eat it, but if you have not yet clear, here we explain why and how.

8 reasons to eat

• Low in calories. "It is the fruit with more water so its nutritional value is very low," says Vanessa Leon, member of the press committee of the Association of Nutritionists-Dietitians of Madrid (ADDINMA). One serving (about 200 grams) contains 50 to 60 calories, "so it can be included in diets". The same amount of melon provides 68 calories and if we talk about other fruits like apple, the figure rises to 104 kcal.

• Natural diuretic. Its high content of water - up to 92 of its composition is the element-liquid watermelon makes it an excellent natural diuretic.

• Hydration against evil spirits. Thanks to the high water content, is "perfect for hydration of the body during the summer fruit," says Leon. This makes it a perfect tool to prevent the side effects of dehydration, which are particularly striking in the case of young women. According to The Journal of Nutrition, it can cause headaches, lack of concentration, fatigue and moodiness.

• Viagra poor. So he called him in 2008 when researchers at the University of Texas found that its high content of citrulline you provided a viagra effect. This component "increases the synthesis of arginine, an amino acid that enhances nitric oxide production by the body, which results in better blood flow" continues Leon.

• Against muscle pain. Scientists from the School of Agricultural Engineering (ETSIA) Cartagena (Murcia) concluded in 2012 that the watermelon juice helped reduce muscle soreness at 24 hours of intense sports activity, hence it is advisable to consume before play sport. The reason for this is again a high content of citrulline, located mainly in the cortex.

• Prevents hypertension and cardiovascular problems. This is also due to its high content of citrulline, which has the ability to produce a relaxation of the capillaries and the same glasses to help improve erectile dysfunction produces benefits for the heart and circulatory system.

• Protects cells. The lipoceno, responsible for giving the characteristic red color and is found in greater proportion than in tomatoes, acts as a powerful antioxidant component. "This component is able to protect cells from premature aging caused by oxidative stress, one of the leaders of cardiovascular and degenerative diseases" qualifies nutritionist Vanessa Leon. From The Huffington Post added that "it can help fight heart disease and some cancers."

• Rich in vitamin C and A. If 92% of watermelon is water, the rest is made up of vitamins and minerals. Among these are the presence of vitamin C and A. According to the USDA, contributes 20% of the daily intake of vitamin C (essential to increase our natural defense and necessary for collagen production) and 17% of vitamin A, necessary for the proper maintenance of skin and mucous membranes.

13 ways to prepare

We used to eat watermelon for dessert. The ration of rigor, about 200 grams, and ready. However watermelon is much more than a fruit. There are many ways to prepare. From a gazpacho or cold soup to salad or cake form. Here are 13 possibilities:

The second version is very skilled. Because it needs less than 30 seconds to have the perfectly cut and peeled slices. Here's a video that explains how:

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What is good to eat watermelon?

Although it might seem, watermelon is a nutrient-dense food that gives us a lot of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for a low amount of calories. With the arrival of summer, watermelon becomes a vital ally thanks to its sweet taste because it is one of the most refreshing fruits in the world. Not surprisingly, is composed by 92% water and it benefits us in all these fields:

Asthma Prevention: Risks for developing asthma are lower in people who consume a large amount of certain nutrients. One such nutrient is vitamin C, found in many fruits and vegetables, including watermelon.

Blood Pressure: The watermelon extract supplements reduce blood pressure in the ankle brachial blood pressure in middle-aged adults with obesity with prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension.

What is good to eat watermelon?

Cancer: As an excellent source of antioxidants vitamin C and other, watermelon can help combat the formation of free radicals that can cause cancer.

Digestion and regularity: Watermelon, due to its high water content and fiber helps prevent constipation and promotes regularity of a healthy digestive system.

Hydration: Being composed by 92% water and full of important electrolytes, watermelon is a great ally to have on hand during the hottest months months to avoid dehydration.

Muscle pain: The watermelon and watermelon juice have shown help reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery time of athletes after exercise.

Skin: Watermelon is also great for the skin because it contains vitamin A, a necessary for the production of sebum that keeps hair hydrated nutrient. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all body tissues, including the skin and hair.

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5 reasons to eating watermelon

Relieves muscle aches
According to a new study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, drinking watermelon juice before a hard workout helps reduce heart rate of athletes and muscle pain the next day.

The reason is that watermelon is rich in an amino acid called L-citrulline, which the body converts L-arginine, an essential amino acid that helps relax blood vessels and improve circulation.

Good for heart health
According to a study published by the physiologist at the University of Florida Arturo Figueroa, Postmenopausal women have better cardiovascular health after taking supplements watermelon extract for 6 weeks.

Moreover, in another 2012 study published by Figueroa also confimaba such supplements helped relieve blood pressure in obese middle-aged adults.

It could be a natural Viagra
Besides the benefits for the heart seems that also can serve as a natural viagra. It is also true that to achieve the desired effect is necessary to ingest large quantities which can cause other undesirable since Watermelon is considered a good diuretic effects.

Rich in vitamins and minerals and low in calories
People often think that watermelon has little nutritional value because 80% of its composition is water. However 300ml (wedge) of watermelon is about a third of the daily amount of vitamins A and C recommended. In addition it also contains some potassium.

You might even fight cancer
Watermelon is one of the best dietary sources of lycopene, an antioxidant linked to both prevention and treatment of prostate cancer, although scientists are still investigating the details of that connection.

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