More than any other fruit, watermelon is the queen of the torrid Mediterranean summers . A companion to many evenings with friends and days at the beach, watermelon is loved by everyone, adults and children. This sugary fruit full of water is a true elixir for health and beauty.
Hydration and Refreshment
Composed of 93% water, watermelon is one of the most thirst-quenching fruits that nature has to offer. Eating a slice is equivalent to drinking a large glass of water, helping you stay hydrated during hot summer days, when sweating causes you to lose a lot of fluids. Thanks to its high water content, watermelon is also perfect for the elderly.
A Help for Ideal Weight: Sugars and Calories
Despite its sugar content (about 9.5 grams per cup cubed) and 30 calories per 100 grams , watermelon can help you maintain your figure. A study by the University of San Diego, in the United States, revealed that a snack of watermelon can satiate you for 2 hours and contribute to a slight weight loss, unlike a snack of cookies that tend to increase body weight.
Satiety and Nourishment
Watermelon is rich in B vitamins, potassium and magnesium , nutrients that help reduce tiredness and provide energy to the body, especially on hot summer days. In addition, its fiber and water content gives it a good satiating power, helping to reduce appetite.
Antioxidants and Heart Health
Watermelon is a great source of antioxidants such as lycopene, which is found in higher amounts than tomatoes, and citrulline , an amino acid with potential antihypertensive properties. These compounds help prevent heart disease and reduce the accumulation of fat in the arteries.
Skin Benefits & Anti-Cellulite
Composed of over 92% water and the rest sugars, watermelon is a powerful ally against cellulite and water retention. Thanks to lycopene, beta-carotene and vitamin A, watermelon helps eliminate swelling and heaviness, making the legs more toned and beautiful.
Versatility in the Kitchen
Watermelon is extremely versatile in the kitchen. In addition to the classic slice, it can be added to salads — try it Greek style, with feta and cucumber, seasoned with oil and salt -, blended with ice and mint for a refreshing drink, used to make popsicles or fruit-only ice cream, and prepared on skewers with fresh cheese. It is also delicious with calamari, roasted cuttlefish, chickpea hummus, or in fruit salads with dried fruit and plain yogurt for a nutritious snack.