Summer Drink Series: Watermelon Slush
Ingredients:
1 medium sized watermelon
1 lime
juice of 1 lemon
Directions:
Cut watermelon in half and scoop out. Freeze 1/2 of the watermelon until frozen, 1-2 hours
Blend unfrozen and frozen watermelon with lemon juice until smooth.
Pour back into scooped out watermelon, add lime to decorate - ENJOY!
(You can add Vodka to this one if you like) :)
Benefits of Eating Watermelon
In this Summer heat you need to hydrate as much as you can, and while drinking plenty of water is important, it’s very helpful to eat foods with a high water content - like watermelon. It doesn’t hurt that this version of watermelon feels even more refreshing - and lets be honest fancy and fun - than just eating plain old watermelon.
But that’s not all!
It Contains Nutrients and Beneficial Plant Compounds
As far as fruits go, watermelon is one of the lowest in calories — only 46 calories per cup.
That's lower than even "low-sugar" fruits such as berries!
Watermelon has many other nutrients as well, including these vitamins and minerals: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Potassium, Magnesium and Vitamins B1, B5 and B6. It also contains important antioxidants:
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage from free radicals.
Carotenoids are a class of plant compounds that includes alpha-carotene and beta-carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A.
Lycopene is a type of carotenoid that doesn't change into vitamin A. This potent antioxidant gives a red color to plant foods such as tomatoes and watermelon, and is linked to many health benefits.
Cucurbitacin E is a plant compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Some compounds in watermelon, including cucurbitacin E and lycopene, have been studied for their potential to prevent cancer.
Additionally watermelon has several heart-healthy components, including lycopene, citrulline and other vitamins and minerals.
Lycopene and vitamin C are anti-inflammatory antioxidants found in watermelon. Inflammation is linked to many chronic diseases.
Lycopene may help keep eyes healthy and protect against AMD through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions.
Watermelon juice has some potential as a recovery beverage after exercise. Citrulline may be partially responsible for its effect of easing muscle soreness.
Several nutrients in watermelon are good for your hair and skin. Some help keep skin supple while others protect against sunburn.
Fiber and water are important for healthy digestion. Watermelon contains both.
Bottom Line? Watermelon is a surprisingly healthy fruit. It has a high water content and also delivers many other important nutrients, including lycopene and vitamin C. These nutrients mean that watermelon isn't only a tasty low-calorie treat — it's also very good for your health.
So blend it up, make it your own and stay cool!