Summer conjures memories of poolside tanning, holiday cookouts, and, of course, fresh, juicy watermelon. At only 40 calories per cup, this sweet summertime staple may pack more of a health punch than you expected. Whether you eat it plain, cook with it, turn it into fruit salad, or just drink the watermelon juice, there are plenty of health benefits from eating watermelon.
Watermelon is rich in vitamin A, which helps to nourish hair and skin. Vitamin A also promotes the growth of collagen and elastin which keep your skin looking young and healthy. In one wedge of watermelon, you can get 32% of your daily value of Vitamin A!
Watermelon also prevents sore muscles after a workout. The amino acids in watermelon increase circulation in your body, helping your muscles recover faster. It is also shown to increase athletic performance in high-intensity workouts like cycling and sprinting. A study that was published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2013 showed that athletes who drank watermelon juice before a workout had significantly decreased muscle soreness the next day. Drink up before your killer workouts to avoid feeling your squats in the morning!
Watermelon is full of lycopene, a red pigment that reduces inflammation. Riper, redder watermelons have higher levels of lycopene, so allow the watermelon to completely ripen before eating to be sure you’re getting the most out of your summer snack. Lycopene is also an antioxidant, prevents cancer, and improves eye, heart, and bone health.
Shop our favorite watermelon themed accessories!
Relax on the beach with this watermelon blanket.
Shop the Watermelon Beach Blanket
Show your summer spirit on your iPhone with this watermelon phone case.
Shop the Watermelon Iphone 7 Case
Trouble cutting your watermelon? Save time and slice your watermelon with ease at your next picnic with this watermelon slicer.
Shop the Watermelon Slicer
Soak up the sun in the pool with this watermelon pool raft.
Shop the Watermelon Pool Raft
Tired of the same old basic watermelon slice? Mix things up this summer with our Watermelon Feta Salad recipe!
Salad
- Baby Spring Mix Lettuce
- Arugula or Watercress
- Basil
- Watermelon, cubed or in small triangles
- Blueberries
- Strawberries, sliced
- Feta Cheese
- Kalamata olives, optional
Dressing
- 1/3 cup Olive oil
- 3 Tbs Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 2 Crushed Garlic Cloves
- Splash of Lime Juice
- Salt
- Pepper
- Curry or Turmeric
- Cayenne
- Maple Syrup or Stevia to taste
Super Simple Directions!
Layer your baby spring mix, arugula, and basil on a plate. Add watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, and any other salad fixings you want (kalamata olives are my favorite). Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top. Finish with your homemade shaken balsamic vinaigrette and enjoy!
