Scooping out all the goodness.. YUMMM

We are so lucky here in Amsterdam! We got an amazing second Summer here! While I'm enjoying the sun as much as possible I'm enjoying the last summerfruits too! I just can’t get enough of sweet juicy organic watermelons! I bought this beauty at the organic Saturday market (Amsterdam - Jordaan area).

There are many ways to cut open a watermelon but my fav way to eat it is by cutting it open in half and scoop out all the deliciousness with a spoon.. YUP. On hot summer days I even have a melon for lunch!

Another way to slice your watermelon is like the image below. Little ‘pizza’ slices of sweet melon on a stick always works well when you have a party. No mess, no stress!!


Oke enough about the looks of this gorgeous piece of nature. Scroll down to check out all health benefits from eating watermelon!

Did you know..


Reduces Body Fat
The citrulline in watermelon has been shown to reduce the accumulation of fat in our fat cells. Citrulline is an amino acid which converts into arginine with help from the kidneys. When our bodies absorb citrulline it can take the step of converting into arginine if so required. Citrulline, when consumed, has the ability to (through a series of steps) block the activity of TNAP (tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase) which makes our fat cells create less fat, and thus helps prevent over-accumulation of body fat.


Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant Support
Watermelon is rich in phenolic compounds like flavonoids, carotenoids, and triterpenoids. The carotenoid lycopene in watermelon is particularly beneficial in reducing inflammation and neutralizing free radicals. The tripterpenoid cucurbitacin E is also present in watermelon, which provides anti-inflammatory support by blocking activity of cyclo-oxygenase enzymes which normally lead to increased inflammatory support. Make sure you pick ripe watermelons, because they contain higher amounts of these beneficial phenolic compounds.

Diuretic & Kidney Support 
Watermelon is a natural diuretic which helps increase the flow of urine, but does not strain the kidneys (unlike alcohol and caffeine). Watermelons helps the liver process ammonia (waste from protein digestion) which eases strain on the kidneys while getting rid of excess fluids.

Muscle & Nerve Support 
Rich in potassium, watermelon is a great natural electrolyte and thus helps regulate the action of nerves and muscle our body. Potassium determines the degree and frequency with which our muscles contract, and controls the excitation of nerves in our body.
 
Alkaline Forming
Watermelons have an alkaline-forming effect in the body when fully ripe. Eating lots of alkaline-forming foods (fresh, ripe, fruit and vegetables) can help reduce your risk of developing disease and illness caused by a high-acid diet (namely, meat, eggs and dairy).

Improves Eye Health
Watermelon is a wonderful source of beta-carotene (that rich red hue of watermelon = beta carotene) which is converted in the body to vitamin A. It helps produce the pigments in the retina of the eye and protects against age-related macular degeneration as well as prevents night blindness. Vitamin A also maintains healthy skin, teeth, skeletal and soft tissue, and mucus membranes.

Immune Support, Wound healing & Prevents Cell Damage
The vitamin C content in watermelon is astoundingly high. Vitamin C is great at improving our immune system by maintaining the redox integrity of cells and thereby protecting them from reactive oxygen species (which damages our cells and DNA). The role of vitamin C in healing wounds has also been observed in numerous studies because it is essential to the formation of new connective tissue. The enzymes involved in forming collagen (the main component of wound healing) cannot function without vitamin C. If you are suffering from any slow-healing wounds, up your intake of vitamin C heavy fruit!

Beauty starts from within..

xoxo
The Cookteaser