VEGETABLE OF THE DAY

WATERMELON
 

 

Watermelon is a fleshy, nutritious and extremely high water content vegetable. Though people refer to it as a fruit, but it is really a vegetable. It belongs to plant species called Citrullis lanatus. Apart from the popular pink/red colour, some species come in yellow, orange or white. And there are 600 - 1,200 different varieties of it worldwide.

It is believed to have originated from Southern African countries, but can be found in different parts of the world today.

This fleshy veggie contains 91% water (and fructose), 5% protein and 4% fat.

 

Watermelon contains the following :

Potassium - helps to regulate blood pressure and may prevent hypertension.

Vitamins A & C - aid proper vision, hence good health.

Lycopene - found in the red/pink flesh of watermelon. An anti-oxidant that may help reduce diseases.

Fibre - helps the movement of stool.

Citrulline - (amino acid) is a known stimulator of nitric oxide. It helps to relax and expand blood vessels.

Also, it is very low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium.

To purchase a fully ripe watermelon, look out for the following:

• The weight - it will feel heavy for its size.
• The rind should be smooth, and slightly dull on top.
• The underside should be creamy yellow
• Check out for a deep hollow sound rather than shallow sound when tapped. 

For those who don't eat watermelon because of the seeds, some are seedless. (About 85% of watermelons produced in the United States are seedless. It has long been a 4th of July holiday staple).

 

Watermelon is highly nutritious that every part of it (flesh, seed & rind) is consumed. I truly recommend it to weight watchers.