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
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: