Turkish Daily News.
No fruit other than a juicy, crunchy, icy-cold watermelon can quench thirst on these hot days. An indispensable ingredient of summer diets, watermelon is outstandingly good for preventing some serious illnesses, and purifying the body of oxidants.
Even though watermelon is not the type of fruit to be consumed just for health concerns, since we enjoy eating it, watermelon is like certain vegetables with plenty of health benefits that talking about the benefits can sometimes be tongue tiring. Containing high levels of lycopene - more than a tomato has, an antioxidant that gives the fruit its red colour, watermelon helps the body fight various cancers and prevents diseases.
Watermelon consists of 92 percent water. Eating watermelon is nearly no different than drinking water. It helps kidney stones pass, improves urination and purifies urea and urea salts in the kidneys. Furthermore, it is fat free and low in calories and it provides one with nutritious doses of vitamin A and C, and potassium.
Rich in fiber, watermelon regulates the functioning of the intestines, therefore prevents intestinal cancer. Approved by the American Association"s "heart check," watermelon lowers cholesterol, thus the risk of heart attacks. It also promotes weight loss; that"s why it is often suggested in diets. Additionally, watermelon controls blood pressure.
Watermelon contains antioxidants, yet first we should see what antioxidants do. Pink watermelons in particular are a source of the potent carotenoid antioxidant that is lycopene. These powerful antioxidants travel through the body neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals are substances in the body that may cause plenty of damage. They have the potential to oxidize cholesterol, making it stick to the walls of blood vessels, which can lead to a heart attack.
Watermelons used to be grown on lighter soils in regions with warmer climates. They were a warm season fruit mainly consumed as dessert. Besides, pickles and preserves were made from their rinds. However, the growing demand for the delectable fruit resulted in the constant supply of watermelon during any season anywhere in the world. Now, it has become an all time favourite fruit, grown in 96 countries. The leading producer is China with around 66 millions tons, followed by Turkey that produces around 4.2 millions tons. While Iran ranks third in watermelon production, the United States comes fourth. And the leading exporting countries are Spain, Mexico, the U.S. and Greece.
The rind of a watermelon is deceptively hardy looking, but is actually quite fragile, requiring handpicking. Like any fruit or vegetable, higher values of nutrients are hidden in the rind of watermelons. That is why one should consume the white part under the red flesh of watermelon as much as possible. The rind is so full of nutrients that they are used in sectors such as medicine and cosmetics. Turkey exports watermelon rinds mostly to Germany, France, the U.K. and Greece.
Pick a good watermelon
Before buying a watermelon, just keep a few things in mind. Try to choose a firm, symmetrical watermelon that is free of cracks, bruises, or cuts. A ripe watermelon will have a dull rind, which sounds hollow. When lifted, it should be heavy for its size. Lastly, the underside of the watermelon should have a creamy yellow spot where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun. Avoid watermelons that are white or very pale green on the underside as that indicates it is not ripe.
A light snack during summer days and rich in lycopene that helps fight cancers, the watermelon seems to keep its place on our tables.
