We’ve plunged into the summer season, and that means it’s time to start thinking about refreshing and healthy snacks to keep us cool and energized. Well, look no further than juicy watermelon! Not only is watermelon a delicious fruit, but it is also packed with nutrients and health benefits. Let us explore five fun and easy ways to include watermelon in your diet so you can stay hydrated, healthy, and happy all summer long!
Watermelon is an excellent source of hydration, as it is 92% water. Watermelon’s health benefits also include the fact that it’s low in calories and high in fiber – a combination that makes it a great food choice for people trying to lose weight.
Benefits of watermelon
1. Helps with hydration
As mentioned earlier, watermelon is an excellent source of hydration. Consuming watermelon can help keep your body hydrated, especially during hot summer days.
2. Aids Digestion
Watermelon is high in fiber, which helps promote digestion and regular bowel movements. Fiber also helps you feel full, which can prevent overeating.
3. Rich in vitamins and minerals
Watermelon is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin, eyesight and immune system. Watermelon is also rich in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
4. Low in calories
Watermelon is low in calories, making it an excellent food choice for people trying to lose weight, as a serving of watermelon only contains about 46 calories.
5. May Improve Heart Health
The lycopene found in watermelon has been linked to reduced risk of heart disease. Watermelon also contains citrulline, an amino acid that can help lower blood pressure.
5 ways to include watermelon in your diet
If you find eating watermelon plain boring, here are some unique ways to use this fruit.
1. Watermelon Smoothie
This smoothie is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and antioxidants from watermelon, as well as probiotics from Greek yogurt. It is perfect for a refreshing and healthy snack or breakfast. Mix watermelon chunks with ice, lime juice and mint leaves for a refreshing and healthy summer drink.
2. Watermelon Salad
The watermelon salad is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, with the refreshing watermelon paired with tangy feta cheese and aromatic mint. It’s a great side dish for summer barbecues or as a light, healthy lunch. Combine diced watermelon with cucumber, feta cheese and mint leaves for a delicious and colorful salad.
3. Grilled Watermelon
We’ve heard of grilled pineapple, but maybe it’s something new! Roasted watermelon is perfect as a unique side dish for your summer snacks or as a sweet and savory dessert. The balsamic glaze adds a tangy sweetness to the caramelized watermelon, making it a burst of flavor with every bite. Cut the watermelon into thick slices and grill them for a few minutes on each side. Garnish with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil for a unique and flavorful side dish.
4. Watermelon Salsa
Watermelon salsa is perfect as a dip with tortilla chips or as a marinade for grilled chicken or fish. The sweetness of watermelon is balanced by the warmth of jalapeño and the freshness of cilantro, making it a tasty and healthy addition to any meal. Combine diced watermelon with diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno pepper, cilantro, and lime juice for a sweet and spicy salsa.
5. Watermelon Sorbet
This watermelon sorbet is a healthy and tasty alternative to traditional ice cream. It’s also vegan and gluten-free, making it a great dessert option for people with dietary restrictions. To do this, puree chunks of watermelon in a blender and freeze for a refreshing and healthy dessert. Get a detailed watermelon sorbet recipe here.
Now that you know that incorporating watermelon into your diet is an easy way to stay hydrated, aid digestion, and maintain a healthy weight, try these five different ways to have it!
