Watermelon

One of the most delicious fruits that ever existed

When we think Summer, we think of refreshing watermelon juice to calm our thirst, right? But most don’t consider that you can also add it to your meals for an exotic and refreshing change.

There are so many types of watermelon to try, but the most common ones are seedless, picnic, icebox and yellow/orange-fleshed. It is grown in climates from tropical to temperate regions worldwide, although it was originally cultivated in Africa.

Well, our lovely watermelon is not just our summer fruit; it also has a huge range of benefits for our body:

Antioxidants: the free radicals in the body produce oxidative stress, a type of cell damage that can lead to a range of diseases. By consuming a diet high in antioxidants, we help the body to remove these free radicals.

Anti-inflammatory: the watermelon contains high levels of Lycopene –responsible for its nutrients and the pigment that gives it its red colour– which acts as an inhibitor for various inflammatory processes and, also, as an antioxidant.

Additionally, watermelon contains choline, which helps to keep the chronic inflammation down. This antioxidant also helps with muscle movement, learning and memory. Studies show that if you add watermelon juice before a workout session can help reduce muscle fatigue the next day.

Hydration: watermelon is made from 90% of water, so it’s perfect for a refreshing low-calorie summer snack. If you are like me, and your daily water consumption is low, definitely add watermelon to your diet 🙂

It’s also great for digestion because it has fibre, which, on top of the high amount of water, helps promote a healthy gut.

Vitamins: watermelon contains vitamin C, which the body needs to produce collagen. This is essential for cell structure and immune function. Also, vitamin C promotes wound healing.

How to consume watermelon?

Traditionally, we just eat it chopped in little pieces, mixed with other fruits, or as juice or smoothie. These days we find recipes to make watermelon sashimi, salsa ( yep, instead of the chopped tomato, you use watermelon), gazpacho, popsicles, sorbet, and the list is endless.

But today, I’ll give you an easy vegan salad recipe to try.

Ingredients:

• baby spinach
• mint
• cashew ricotta cheese
• dehydrated kalamata olive crumble
• Salt and pepper.
• lemon
• And of course… watermelon!

How to make it:

Grab a bowl, and start adding as much of your ingredients as you like: make a little bed with baby spinach, then add mint leaves ( you can chop them if you prefer).

Then, add the superstar: your watermelon chopped in pieces with the cashew ricotta cheese (another option is to use feta cheese).

Now, add the dehydrated Kalamata olives –you can use regular Kalamata olives chopped in pieces if you like–, then add salt and pepper to your liking.

Finish it with a bit of lemon juice.

Mix it all and enjoy!