Watermelon is one of those special summer fruits. It’s refreshing, tasty and almost everyone loves it, even picky kids! But Food Facts wants to dig a little deeper into this beautiful red fruit that is at home on our picnic blankets, beach blankets, patio tables and our air-conditioned kitchens during the summer months.

Many people mistakenly believe that there really isn’t much to the watermelon. And that’s really a powerful misconception. Let’s take a look:

Watermelon is packed with vitamin C. One serving can provide up to 39% of your recommended daily allotment. And let’s not forget about the Vitamin A content of that same wedge, providing up to 33% in the serving. Vitamin A is supportive of our vision and help with heart function.

Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body. Watermelon contains a tremendous amount of lycopene, this makes it a valuable food that helps prevent some types of caner, especially skin, cervical, breast and prostate cancer. In addition and can help improve short and long term memory and protect against heart disorders. Watermelon contains the highest concentration of lycopene of any fresh fruits or vegetables.

Additionally, this special summer fruit is high in electrolytes, sodium and potassium which we need to replace in our bodies during these months as they are lost through our perspiration.

Watermelon is a good source of thiamin and magnesium as well as the B vitamins we need to produce energy.
Food Facts is more than enthusiastic about watermelon. This sweet and juicy treat reminds us that nature really does know best and has given us what’s best for our health.

If you’re looking for interesting ways to incorporate watermelon into your meals, you might try a tomato and watermelon salad. Just make a tomato salad with red onion and add chunks of watermelon over a small bed of romaine lettuce. Add a bit of a simple vinaigrette and enjoy. You won’t be disappointed.

Food Facts will bring you more important information on the nutritional value of summer fruits in the coming days. Meanwhile, enjoy watermelon every chance you can!