Watermelon, an all time favorite fruit for meals and snacks is
actually a "vegetable". The origin of watermelon can be traced back to
early Egyptian civilization, which is still evident in the hieroglyphics
on the wall paintings. The fruit was held in high regard and often
placed on the tombs of many kings and pharaohs. Watermelon has played
the role of a thirst quenching fruit in countries in the Mediterranean
region due to the scarcity of water in those areas. The African slaves
brought watermelon seeds to the western countries and eventually United
States has turned out to be one of the leading commercial growers of
watermelon. Recent researches show that watermelon is one of the major
cucurbit crops in the world accounting for around 7% of world area
devoted for vegetable crops.
Watermelons are available throughout
the year and are grown for their fleshy, juicy and sweet fruit. Its
natural sweetness makes it a delicious and refreshing dessert especially
in hot climate. Watermelons are perfect addition to a salad, salsa or a
cool drink. Today there are numerous varieties of watermelon with red,
pink, orange or yellow flesh. Watermelon consists of more than 91% of
water and nearly 8% sugar.
The sweet and juicy watermelon has lots of nutritional benefits:
- It is fat free.
- It has very low sodium content.
- It is Cholesterol free.
- It is a good source of Vitamins A & C
- It is high in Lycopene content
Recent study on watermelons has revealed that it has
numerous health benefits. The red variety of watermelon contains high
concentrations of Lycopene, an anti-oxidant that helps to reduce the
risk of many diseases. Watermelon contains Lycopene and beta-carotene -
these are plant compounds classified as Carotenoids, which are highly
colored pigments that help protect plants against damage from sunlight.
These antioxidants neutralize the harmful free radicals in the human
body. Free radicals in the human body cause great deal of damage by
oxidizing cholesterol and making it stick to the blood vessel walls,
eventually leading to heart attack or stroke. Lycopene in watermelons
get rid of these thereby reducing the risk of other fatal diseases such
as asthma attacks, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, colon cancer
and other heart diseases.
The American Heart Association has
certified watermelon to be one of the constituents of a sensible low
saturated fat, low cholesterol diet. Watermelon is grown in many nations
and is highly priced in a few. Watermelon is often given as a precious
gift in Japan where they call it, Suika. The Japanese wrap it
beautifully in a protective covering or cellophane and present it. All
parts of watermelon are edible. The rind is used for making sweet
pickles and the seeds can be baked and salted.
Watermelon
juice, known as Agua Fresca in Mexican is a delicacy in the country.
With more than 50 varieties of watermelon there are varieties of
watermelon juices in the market some of which even comes as a perfect
blend with other additives.
