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The summer season is almost in. And what would be a more refreshing and natural way to cool your bodies than a tasty, juicy slice of watermelon? That would certainly be a delightful treat after a long summer day. You could almost taste the sweet pink juice oozing out and trickling down your chin as you bite onto its red, rich, sweet flesh.
Watermelon (or Citrullus lanatus) is a fruit of a vine-like herb originally cultivated in South Africa and was described by David Livingstone, an explorer of Africa, to have come from the Kalahari Desert. It was a popular of source of water in the diet of the people in the ancient times especially during periods of drought. It was even used by Egyptians to be placed in the burial tombs of their pharaohs to nourish them in their afterlife.
Watermelons are an ideal health food because it is fat-free, cholesterol-free, contains 90% water and is a great source of vitamins and minerals. One of which is iron. Watermelons are often regarded as an "iron fruit" because it is rich in iron as spinach is. But unlike spinach, it doesn't have oxalic acids that bind with iron inhibiting its absorption in the body.
Iron is essential in the development and preservation of our bodies. It helps boost energy therefore making our bodies active. It plays a key role in transporting oxygen from the lungs to all other parts of the body. It is also helpful in preserving and strengthening all the organs in the body as it plays a key role in enzyme systems responsible for energy production and metabolism.
Significant amounts of essential nutrients such as Vitamin A, B6, C, beta-carotene, and lycopene are also provided by watermelons. Vitamin A provides the body with good eyesight (preventing at the same time eye-related ailments) and better bone growth and development. It also helps regulate the body's immune system.
Vitamin B6 is essential for protein metabolism and red blood cell metabolism. It also helps increase the amount of oxygen transported to our tissues and organs.
Vitamin C and beta-carotene are very potent antioxidants the body needs to fight against free radicals that can lead to cancer cell formation. Beta-carotene is also tightly connected with Vitamin A that helps the heart to function well. They are also natural anti-wrinkling and anti-ageing agents of the skin.
Lycopene is a naturally occurring red pigment found in plants and is also a very active carotenoid that functions as an antioxidant, as well. It also inhibits cholesterol formation and helps improve long term and short term memory.
Also, because of its high water content, watermelons also help detoxify our bodies and aid the kidneys to eliminate body waste. It is also very beneficial when used in certain weight loss programs. Other essential nutrients present in a raw slice of watermelon include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, zinc and dietary fibers.
Amazing isn't it? A simple slice to cool you off on a sunny day is loaded with vitamins and minerals your body needs to function well. It certainly is a wonderful treat!
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