Watermelon

Juicy Trivia

Watermelons are generally believed to have originated in the Kalahari Desert in Africa then onto Asia and Europe, reaching America during the 1600’s. According to the Guinness Book of Records, the worlds heaviest
watermelon, grown by Lloyd Bright in Arkansas weighed 267.8lbs Watermelons were placed in the burial tombs of Egyptian kings to nourish them in the afterlife.The watermelon is related to cucumbers, pumpkins and squash and has a 92% water content with high levels of nutrients such as phytonutrients, lycopene, and citrulline an amino acid that converts to arginine

Jason Says...

Melon is a delicious juice all on its own. It’s high water content makes it an incredibly thirst quenching drink, hydrating the body instantly. When juicing watermelon, juice the skin as well, as this it is rich in chlorophyll, which is great for the blood. Watermelon has an amazing taste that is a winner on a hot summers day served with ice.

Juice or Smoothie?

Juice and smoothie: Both the skin and flesh can both be juiced, just cut down the middle and scoop the seeds out. However, always remove the skin if blending.

Juicy Benefits

Cools the body, cleanses the kidneys and purifies the skin, promoting shiny hair and strong nails.

Watermelon has a high levels of lycopene, citrulline and arginine and may help lower the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, bone health and may also help in preventing prostate cancer.

The lycopene also makes watermelon an anti-inflammatory fruit so works as an antioxidant to neutralise free radicals.

The water content found in watermelon is full of electrolytes that can help keep you hydrated and can help muscle soreness following intense exercise. Whilst the amino acids citrulline and arginine can help improve circulation.

Research

A study led by Arturo Figueroa for Department of Nutrition, Florida State University, Tallahassee on the effect of watermelon extract on obese patients with pre-hypertension or hypertension. The study showed that watermelon extract supplementation reduces ankle BP, brachial BP, and carotid wave reflection in obese middle-aged adults with prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension and normal ABI, which may reflect improved arterial function.

A study led by Dr Le Jian, Professor Colin Binns and Associate Professor Andy Lee on Chinese subjects with prostate cancer. According to Professor Binns the study shows the risk of developing prostate cancer was reduced by about half in the men who regularly consumed tomatoes, watermelon, citrus, pumpkin and spinach as compared to those who did not eat much of these sorts of fruits and vegetables.

Vitamins, Minerals and Extras

Vitamin A, C, B1, B2, B3 niacin, B5 pantothenic acid, B6, B7 biotin, B12 folic acid, E, K, calcium, choline, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium, zinc, oleic acid, linoleum acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, beta-carotene, Cryptoxanthin, Lutein and Zeaxanthin, lycopene and boron. Watermelon also contains the amino acids alanine, arginine, aspartic Acid,glutamic Acid, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, cysteine - another reason the watermelon is excellent for those who exercise.

References

www.livescience.com
www.whfoods.com
www.today.agrilife.org
www.ajh.oxfordjournals.org
www.news-medical.net

Disclaimer

Please be aware that we are not Doctors, so it is important BEFORE making any changes that you consult with your GP or Medical Practitioner. The suggestions above are not meant as an alternative to any current medical treatment so please DO NOT stop taking any medications you are on. They are also not an endorsement of their effectiveness, nor a recommendation that they should be followed but instead, provided for informational purposes. None of the information on the Natural Juice Therapy site is intended or implied to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease.

‍