Watermelon Nutrition: This Sweet Summer Treat is Super for You

We love watermelon! It’s a perfect summer treat.  It’s also super good for you. Here are some fast facts about watermelon nutrition you’ll want to know.

Powerful Antioxidants
Fresh watermelon is full of disease-fighting lycopene, plus other antioxidant carotenoids, fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin A. These are all important SuperNutrients that are vital to long-term health. Some experts even believe that some watermelons are a richer source of lycopene than tomatoes.

Disease Prevention
A number of studies have demonstrated that lycopene may help lower the risk for prostate, breast, digestive tract, cervical, bladder and lung cancers. Lycopene is most easily absorbed by our digestive systems when it’s consumed with a little healthy fat, so try to eat watermelon as a dessert after a meal. Or, if you have it as a snack, eat a couple of crackers with peanut butter too.

You can also add chunks of watermelon to any salad or make it into a salsa for fish or chicken. You can even make a tasty, cold watermelon soup. Check out our Watermelon Salsa and Cold Fruit Soup recipes for two wonderful, delicious options.

How to Choose the Right Watermelon
When shopping for a watermelon, look for one that is symmetrical and heavy. It should also be creamy yellow (not white) where it sat on the ground. Look to make sure it has a black sugar ring around the stem. It should also vibrate when you thump it with your palm.