Wednesday, July 14, 2010

WATERMELON: A Thirst Quencher & Body Soldier


Summer is here again and as usual we expect the sun to be blazing hot. When thirsty a wonderful option is eating a slice of watermelon or drinking a glass of watermelon juice to quench your thirst and guess what, they are in season. Though they are available throughout the year, the quality and taste is better during the summer. Watermelon contains about 92% of water. WOW!!

Watermelon does not only quench thirst, it also has health benefits. It is a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. It also contains important antioxidants e. g. lycopene and beta carotene which can be found in the red flesh of the watermelon.

Antioxidants neutralize the effects of free radicals. Free radicals are capable of damaging body cells; they play a role in heart attack or stroke, asthmatic attacks and cancer.

These anti oxidants will protect your eyes from other age related ailments such as drying up of eyes and optical nerves, glaucoma etc.

A good amount of potassium and magnesium, present in water melons, are very good in bringing down the blood pressure. The carotenoids present in them prevent hardening of walls of arteries and veins, thereby helping reduce blood pressure.

Lycopene improves cardiac functions. Beta carotene, known for its remarkable anti oxidant and anti aging properties, also keeps you young at the heart and prevents age related heart problems. Lypocene is found to be effective in preventing cancer, prostrate growth and repair damaged tissues.

Watermelon is a fruit that is rich in electrolytes sodium and potassium that we lose through our perspiration. Water melon is effective in reducing your body temperature and blood pressure.

The antioxidants help in reducing the severity of asthma. It also reduces the risk of colon cancer, asthma, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and prostate cancer.
Watermelon is a good source of thiamin, potassium and magnesium which protect our body from so many diseases.

For a great summer thirst-quencher and a good fight against diseases, blend chunks of watermelon with a few ice cubes and a splash of lime juice.

No comments:

Post a Comment