For years now, I was aware of that fact that the deep red color in watermelon was nutrient-rich.
But, how or why, was unclear to me.
On a basic level, watermelon is healthy simply because of its high water content.
After all, people don't drink enough water during the course of the day to maintain proper hydration.
Well, the magical properties of the curious fruit have been revealed!
"The more we study watermelons, the more we realize just how amazing a fruit it is in providing natural enhancers to the human body," said Dr. Bhimu Patil, director of Texas A&M’s Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center in College Station.
For starters, the bulky food stuff is rich in lypocene, beta carotene, and citrulline.
Of course, the good news about citrulline is that it relaxes blood vessels similar to the way Viagra does, too.
Ha!
Just saw a posse of dudes dash out the door to the market to pluck a handful up.
Allegedly, Citrulline interacts with the body's enzymes when consumed in large quantities (bring back a dozen fellas!) and is transformed into arginine which is an important amino acid that benefits the circulatory system, too.
There are issues to address, though.
Citrulline is more highly-concentrated in the rind.
So, scientists are seeking the best method of extracting the wonder nutrient, to take advantage of its potent pulp.
It is wholly possible that a pill may be developed in the near future.
After all, there is another drawback, too.
If an individual consumes several slices in one sitting there may be a diuretic effect.
Yup, you may be dashing off to the mensroom, shortly after you've tested the boner effect.
Another good aspect?
Because the succulent fruit tends to be more alkaline than acidic, watermelon may help reduce acid indigestion.
As an added bonus, studies have also shown that deep red varieties of watermelon have displaced the tomato as the lycopene king, Patil said.
Almost ninety-two percent of watermelon is water, but the remaining eight percent is loaded with lycopene, an anti-oxidant that protects the human prostate and promotes skin health.
"Lycopene, which is also found in red grapefruit, was historically thought to exist only in tomatoes," the diet expert said.
"But now we know that it’s found in higher concentrations in red watermelon varieties."
A quick note in passing.
Watermelons store much better uncut if you leave them at room temperature.
Lycopene levels are sufficiently maintained even as watermelon rolls around on your kitchen floor.
But once you cut it, refrigerate.
What not spruce up the mouth-watering slices with a mix of cantaloupe, strawberries, and grapes?
Get creative in the kitchen and enjoy!
And kids like it, too...
