Watermelon is one of the quintessential summer fruits. It is refreshing and highly hydrating, but it also has a large number of nutrients that are very beneficial for our health. It contains vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, magnesium, lycopene and beta-carotene. Specifically, the amount of lycopene and beta-carotene increases the riper the watermelon is, so it is better to eat it when it is very ripe to take full advantage of its properties.
How can eating watermelon help us in our daily lives? Here we list 5 benefits of watermelon that will make you want to introduce it into your diet from today.
1. It is good for the heart. It contains citrulline, which is transformed into arginine. These amino acids help maintain the elasticity of the arteries and blood vessels, promote blood flow and contribute to proper cardiovascular function.
2. It helps you lose weight. This fruit is low in fat and calories but rich in nutrients. It only provides 30 calories per 100 grams. It is an excellent solution to end the mid-morning “bug” and is also very easy to prepare to take to work.
3. It is good for the eyes. As we have said, watermelon is a great source of beta-carotene, which is converted in the body into vitamin A, excellent for preventing age-related degeneration. It also contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that reduces the risk of cataracts.
4. Reduces inflammation. Its high antioxidant content makes watermelon an excellent fruit for fighting inflammation. Drinking a glass of watermelon juice every day could reduce the risk of suffering from diseases such as arthritis, asthma or colon cancer.
5. Boosts energy levels. Contains vitamin B6 and magnesium, both of which help the body to have energy throughout the day.
Watermelon Salad...very refreshing!
If you've never tried watermelon in a salad, you need to make this recipe ASAP! Juicy and fresh, watermelon pairs well with the other ingredients, some creamy, some crunchy and some spicy.
We will use red onion, to give it an intense flavor and a crunchy texture.
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Cucumber, a fruit that is also crunchy and very refreshing.
Feta cheese, to add a creamy and acidic flavor
Avocado, to give the salad more creaminess.
Mint and basil, to give it a note of fresh herbs.
Chili (optional) to add a little spice
And a lemon dressing that will bring all the flavors together.
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons lemon juice
½ clove of garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon salt
For the salad:
300grs of diced watermelon
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1 medium cucumber, diced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
200grs crumbled feta cheese
1 avocado, diced
1 bunch of mint or basil leaves
½ jalapeño or serrano chile, thinly sliced, optional
Salt
Elaboration
Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and salt.
Place the watermelon, cucumber and red onions on a large plate or platter.
Drizzle with half of the dressing. Top with the feta, avocado, mint and serrano pepper, if using, and drizzle with the remaining dressing.
Watermelon Salad with Tomatoes
This is a slightly spicy salad…we will use jalapeño, although of course it is optional… We recommend not skimping too much because the fresh watermelon and creamy avocado reduce the flavor of the spice.
We finish the combination of avocado, jalapeño, juicy watermelon and tomato with lots of fresh basil and cashews for crunch. The spicy dressing mixes with the watermelon and tomato juices and brings it all together in an explosion of flavor.
This Spicy Tomato and Watermelon Salad is delicious and refreshing – the perfect summer side dish! If you are sensitive to heat, add a little less jalapeño and add more to suit your taste.
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons of white or apple cider vinegar
1 small clove garlic, minced
½ teaspoon chopped ginger
For the salad:
3 medium ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges
400g of watermelon cut into triangles or cubes
1 jalapeno or chili pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
1 bunch of fresh basil
2 tablespoons roasted cashews
½ avocado, diced
Salt
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Lime slices, to serve
Elaboration
In a bowl, prepare the dressing by combining the lemon juice, vinegar, garlic and ginger.
Place the tomatoes, watermelon, and jalapeños (optional) on a platter or in a shallow bowl. (This salad should not be served in a deep bowl because the juices will settle on the bottom.)
Drizzle with dressing and top with basil, cashews and avocado. Season to taste and serve with lemon wedges.
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