As I sat on the beach in Mallorca, Spain devouring that delicious watermelon, I intuitively knew that there was some serious healing happening on many levels. I had spent the last four hours lost in the woods, hiking in the middle of nowhere. Unsure of how to get to the right side of the island, I felt defeated by the powerful Mallorcan sun. When I caught a peak of the coast and saw a couple selling a basket of fruits, I leaped joyfully with my eyes on the prize! In the bountiful basket of fruits, I knew right away what I wanted and needed.
Sandía, por favor. Watermelon, please
I knew that watermelons were incredibly hydrating, full of electrolytes, and high in vitamins A and C. After one majestic bite, I also knew that I had more to learn about this incredible fruit/veggie. Yes, watermelon is both a fruit and a vegetable. I always thought tomatoes were the queen of lycopene (lycopene is a powerful carotenoid antioxidant), but it turns out that watermelon has more lycopene than tomatoes!
In true Fuddhist fashion, I proceeded to research and nerd out on all the benefits of this wonderful vegeta-fruit. 🙂 Needless to say, I spent the rest of my vacation sipping on fabulous sandía.
Here is a list of all the wonderful reasons you should be snacking on more watermelon. 🙂
| Benefits | Description |
|---|---|
| Aids in weight loss | Watermelon is more than 90% water, very low in calories, and contains an amino acid that has a fat burning effect! |
| Has anti-inflammatory properties | Watermelons contain choline, a water-soluble nutrient that promotes restful sleep, facilitates muscle movement and flexibility, supports the brain in functions of both learning and memory. It’s also known to alleviate chronic inflammation! |
| Promotes healthy skin and nails | Vitamin A is one of the watermelon’s key ingredients, as well as one of the key nutrients your skin needs for cell growth and sebum production. It keeps your skin and hair healthy and hydrated. |
| It’s a brain and mood booster | Watermelons also contain a good amount of vitamin B6, which is responsible for our mood and behavior. Low levels of B6 contribute to reduced short-term memory, making watermelon the perfect snack for students! |
| Supports healthy muscles and nerves | Watermelon is a great source of potassium and citrulline which help keep your muscles and nerves working properly. It improves circulation and relaxes the blood vessels. Citrulline has been proven to reduce soreness in overstressed muscles and speeds up recovery time. Thus, making watermelon a popular choice amongst athletes. |
No Comments