Watermelon Wellness: Delicious Recipes for Summer

Nothing says summer more than the sweet and juicy taste of watermelon. This versatile fruit is a great way to stay cool in the heat, and it's packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that can help boost your health. Plus, there are plenty of tasty recipes that you can make with watermelon. 

In this blog, let's look at some of the benefits of watermelon and a few summer watermelon recipes you should try.

 
 

Health Benefits of Eating Watermelon

Watermelons are incredibly nutritious- and there’s so many reasons why we should eat them all year long- but especially when they are ripe and fresh and juicy in the Summer. 

  1. Hydration: Watermelon is composed of over 90% water, making it an excellent choice to help you stay hydrated especially on those hot summer days! 

  2. Nutrient-rich: Watermelon is a good source of vitamins A, C, and B6.  These are important for immune function, vision, and skin health. It also contains minerals like potassium and magnesium.

  3. Antioxidant properties: Watermelon is rich in antioxidants like lycopene, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. These compounds help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

  4. Low in calories making them an excellent choice for a healthy snack and aiding in weight loss efforts

  5. Heart health: The lycopene content in watermelon has been associated with heart health benefits. It may help lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and improve blood pressure.

  6. Hydrating for the skin: The high water content in watermelon can contribute to skin hydration and help maintain a healthy complexion.

  7. Exercise recovery: Watermelon contains the amino acid citrulline, which has been found to aid in post-exercise muscle recovery, reduce muscle soreness, and improve athletic performance.

  8. Eye health: Watermelon is a source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Adequate vitamin A is essential for good eye health and may help protect against age-related macular degeneration and night blindness.

  9. Digestive health: Watermelon is rich in fiber, which can aid in digestion and promote regular bowel movements.

  10. Kidney function: Watermelon has diuretic properties, which means it can increase urine production and help flush out toxins, potentially benefiting kidney function.

Summer-Ready Watermelon Recipes

When it comes to making delicious recipes with watermelons this season, there are plenty of options available! Here are some simple and refreshing watermelon recipes that are sure to delight your taste buds while providing essential nutrition:

Watermelon Salad

Toss together cubes of seedless watermelon, feta cheese, mint leaves, and olive oil for a refreshing salad that's perfect for outdoor entertaining. 

Watermelon Fruit Salad

Toss together cubes of seedless watermelon, and 1 cup of each of the following- cantaloupe, cubed peaches, blueberries, blackberries, and green grapes. Gently toss in a bowl. 

Grilled Watermelon

Slice a seedless watermelon into 1-inch thick rounds and brush them lightly with oil. Grill over medium heat until you have grill marks on both sides, and then drizzle with honey or agave nectar before serving. 

Watermelon Juice

For an easy summer cooler, blend chunks of seedless watermelon in a blender until smooth and strain through a sieve if desired. This juice makes an excellent base for homemade mocktails. Optional- add lemon, lime, ginger or mint! More watermelon juice recipe here.

Coconut and Watermelon drink

Mix together 1 cup coconut water, 2 cups watermelon, ½ tsp lime juice and 1 cup of ice. Blend until smooth . Then add 2 tbsp chia seeds and a dash of salt. Mix again. Full recipe here!

Whether you're looking for something sweet and hydrating to snack on during those hot summer days or searching for ways to add more nutrients to your diet without compromising on flavor, watermelon is the perfect solution. 

With its refreshing and hydrating qualities, watermelon not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers a wide array of health benefits. From its high water content to its abundance of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this juicy fruit is a true superstar when it comes to supporting your overall wellness. So go ahead and indulge in the delicious recipes in the blog, or create your own!  Let the natural goodness of watermelon nourish your body and delight your senses this summer.

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