Health Articles
July 2008
Beat the Heat with a Watermelon Treat
Summertime takes me back to my childhood days of watermelon memories.
Thumping and selecting the perfect melon at the local produce stand, chilling it to perfection, slicing a big wedge and devouring the dark, juicy fruit, and wiping the excess juice from my chin with the sleeve of my t-shirt. And of course, who could resist the seed-spitting contest? Talk about childhood fun! Remember those days? Every 4th of July was a family gathering and every one of us couldn’t wait for the ice cold watermelon.
Health Benefits
Watermelon is not only great on a hot summer day; this delectable thirst-quencher may also help quench the inflammation that contributes to conditions like asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer, and arthritis. Sweet, juicy watermelon is actually packed with some of the most important antioxidants in nature.
Good source of vitamin A: Vitamin A has many roles in promoting overall health. It helps your eyes see normally in the dark, promotes the growth and health of cells, and protects against infection by helping to maintain healthy skin and tissues. It also is involved in hearing, taste, growth and normal development of fetuses. A two-cup serving of watermelon provides 20 percent of the recommended daily intake for vitamin A.
Good source of vitamin C: Like vitamin A, vitamin C has many responsibilities in the body. Probably vitamin C's most well known role is as an antioxidant protecting body cells from damage by free radicals. Studies have shown that cell damage by free radicals may lead to chronic health problems, including cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants, such as vitamin C, appear to counteract the effects of free radicals. Vitamin C is also required for the production and maintenance of collagen, it boosts the body's ability to fight infection, and helps keep capillaries and gums healthy. A two-cup serving of watermelon supplies 30 milligrams of vitamin C.
Provides potassium: Although the scientific reasons are not fully understood, foods high in potassium may help protect against high blood pressure. Potassium also helps regulate fluids and mineral balance in and out of body cells, aids in muscle contraction, and helps transmit nerve impulses. Several fruits and vegetables are among the best sources of potassium, including watermelon, which has approximately 350 milligrams per two-cup serving.
The antioxidant lycopene is a plant chemical that gives certain foods (watermelon, tomatoes, red grapefruit, and guava) their red color. Part of the large class of plant compounds called carotenoids, which help protect and preserve body cells from oxidation and damage, lycopene may reduce one’s risk of prostate cancer and protect against heart disease. Watermelon intake elevates arginine level in humans. Arginine is essential for the synthesis of nitric oxide, proline and creatine which are required for various biological processes. For example, nitric oxide helps relax vascular vessels and improves immune function. Proline is essential for joint function and wound healing. Creatine plays important roles in neurologic and muscular functions.
Ninety-two percent water: Staying properly hydrated is extremely important, particularly during the hot days of summer. While plain water and other beverages provide a significant amount of most people's fluid requirements, solid food, especially fruits and vegetables, also provide a substantial amount. Watermelon is 92 percent water by weight, the highest percentage of any fruit. Low in calories - yet, filling: A two-cup serving of watermelon has only 100 calories. However, as a result of its high water content, watermelon is quite filling. Among its other health benefits, watermelon is naturally low in fat and cholesterol free. Research suggests that diets moderate in fat and cholesterol promote health and may aid in the prevention of certain chronic diseases.
Watermelon Selection & Storage
Follow these 3 easy steps to choose a perfect melon every time: Choose a firm, symmetrical fruit that is free of bruises, cuts, and dents. Pick up the melon, it should feel heavy. (A good watermelon is 92% water.)
The underside should have a creamy yellow spot where the melon sat on the ground and ripened in the sun. Compared to most fruits, watermelon should be stored at a warmer temperature—about 55 degrees Fahrenheit—since temperatures too low can cause chill damage. After 2 days at 32 degrees, the flavor will be “off,” and the melon will lose color and become pitted. Whole melons will keep for 7-10 days at room temperature. Once a melon is cut, it should be wrapped and stored at 37-39 degrees Fahrenheit. Here are a few recipes my family and I enjoy, try them I think you will too. Be smart, try to stay healthy.
Balanced pH is Critical for the Body:
Proper fat metabolism and weight control.
When the body is in its natural alkaline state, body weight and insulin production normalize. When we alkalize the body, it works so well at dropping excess weight that many of us lose weight just by eating more alkaline foods, and by adding supplements that alkalize to our diets.
Proper calcium utilization.
The body will do anything to maintain a balanced pH, including the leaching of important minerals like calcium, potassium and sodium from the tissues. To maintain alkalinity, the body first goes for sodium, then potassium, and then calcium. It literally leaches the calcium from your bones, making your bones porous and fragile. This is a major contributor to both osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.
Appropriate cholesterol levels.
Balancing your pH helps to maintain proper cholesterol levels so that plaque does not form.
Good pH controls cancerous cells.
Cancerous cells thrive in an acidic environment, and perish in an alkaline one. Cancerous cells simply cannot survive in an alkaline environment!
Proper electrolyte activity and efficient heart function.
Proper electrolyte activity is crucial to balanced energy levels.
Smooth blood flow.
Alkalizing helps to remove plaque from the arteries, veins, and heart tissue.
Healthy oxygen flow.
When we alkalize the bloodstream, it flushes toxins from tissues and protects against premature aging.
