The Angels’ Essential?

As a toddler, I used to watermelons ‘huge green pumpkins’. I literally dunno, why. Maybe cause I pretty rarely ate them overall, and pumpkins (the normal ones) were frequent guests in our kitchen.

And nothing really changed when I was growing up. I’d only eat watermelons at friends’ or in the vacation – hardly often at home.

Last week one of this happened. I spent a week in Valletta with family. To conclude, it’s an amazing city (like the whole Malta is), but when it’s +35°C (95°F) every day, all that travelling stuff gets pretty complicated. Not that I’m a crybaby or what. But my country – Lithuania – usually has snow 6 months in a row, so going to any of the warm climate countries makes a huge impact for my body.

How? Well, mostly in dehydrating. That’s why my parents decided to start our vacation extra hyped with all that ‘eat your water stuff’.

And what comes to your mind when someone talks about ‘watery fruits’? Well, cantaloupe, lychee, grapefruit…and, of course, watermelon.

That’s not a lie – watermelon consists mostly of water. Yea, exactly, 92% of this huge one is literally H2O. And is somewhy called ‘an angels’ essential.

Also – one more fun fact – it’s actually a FLOWER. Thass right, guys, if any anniversary is coming, just buy a bunch of watermelons to ya ladies claiming it’s a flower. I’m waiting for their reaction, honestly.

So basically – this weird thing is pretty watery. And has some obvious and already confirmed benefits:

• a study published by the American Journal of Hypertension found that it improves the health of the circulatory system of obese middle-aged adults;
• watermelon also reduces muscle soreness and improves recovery time following exercise in athletes (researchers believe this is likely due to the amino acid L-citrulline contained there);
• as an excellent source of antioxidants, including vitamin C, watermelon helps to combat the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer;
• and, of course, my already mentioned hydration. Made up mostly of water and full of important electrolytes, this fruit helps us to keep the water balance.

 

Well, of course, all of these benefits are priceless. But this still didn’t make me believe that watermelons are so damn innocent, cause:

• excessive consumption elevates levels of certain vitamins in the body, which may cause complications;
• the consumption of more than 30 mg of lycopene (which is a huge part of all the watermelon elements) daily can cause nausea, diarrhea, indigestion and bloating, according to the American Cancer Society;
• allergic reactions can range from being mild to being severe;
• too much of potassium in it is linked to causing hyperkalemia (kidneys failure condition);
•  a VERY important side effect for pregnant women of it –  consuming watermelon in large quantities may give rise to gestational diabetes;
• and now – for all of us – it rises blood sugar levels. Highly.

 

So overall – not the biggest amounts of watermelon may be good for you, but 3 slices a day are already too much.

And now – a short recipe with not much of this fruit

Easy Caprese salad! 

I)In a large bowl, combine 2 slices of cubed watermelon, 2 cups of chopped strawberries, 2 cups of feta cheese and a little bit of extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and toss to coat.

2)Garnish with fresh basil and serve.

Definitely fave Caprese salad version!♥

 

Have a nice week, everyone!

With love,

Maria♥