Have you ever thought much about watermelon? No? Neither have I. But with watermelon becoming a popular decoration, image, meme, flavour in our culture it got me thinking…what’s the fascination?
Is watermelon a fruit or a vegetable?
Well, firstly let’s get things straight. Watermelon is a fruit? Yeah? No! I know, I know. I was shocked too but watermelons are actually a vegetable. They are a related to cucumbers, pumpkins and squash which are also vegetables. Who knew? But now, you know!
So, what are the health benefits?
Lycopene
First, of all watermelons keep you young. I mean it’s not a magical vegetable that has some form of healing powers… but it is close to it. Watermelons have an antioxidant called Lycopene, which helps to keep you wrinkle free and gives you young looking, youthful skin. Who knew? Eating vegetables could be the solution to all our skin care problems. Lycopene also helps to protect against cancer, heart disease and prevents macular degeneration.
l-citruline
This amino acid protects against muscle pain… perfect way to recover after the gym.
Other benefits included:
Watermelon has a variety of other health benefits too: electrolytes, Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorous, B Vitamins (B6), Vitamin A. All of these things make watermelon a great healthy snack all year round, great for after the gym, helping with eyesight and keeping you hydrated as it is 91.5% water.
How do you even eat watermelon?
So, another interesting thing about watermelons is that you can actually eat every part of it! The flesh, the seeds and the rind. There is also a yellow type of watermelon known as the Yellow Crimson. It is sweeter then a normal watermelon but still has all the nutritional value!
Also, watermelon flavoured things are all the new range from drinks to ice creams to cakes.
Fun Facts…(because why not?)
- August 3rd is National Watermelon Day.
- Watermelon is the official state vegetable of Oklahoma.
- The heaviest watermelon weighed 268.8lbs!