WATERMELON AGUA FRESCA
Watermelon is a mainstay to eliminate thirst in the dry season. When fully cooked, it tastes sweet and rich in water content, the amount can reach 92 percent. Each runny bite has levels of vitamins A, B6 and C, lots of lycopene, antioxidants and amino acids. There is also a small portion of potassium content. Watermelon is also famous for being fat free, low in sodium, and low in fat. A cup of watermelon juice only contains 40 calories.
Health benefits of watermelon:
1. Healthy heart
A study published by the American Journal of Hypertension found that watermelon extract can help reduce hypertension and reduce blood pressure in obese adults. In addition, the high content of watermelon lycopene is very active in protecting cells from damage and helping to reduce the risk of heart disease. A study also found that consumption of watermelon by elderly women who experience aortic stiffness (arteries in the left ventricle of the heart), for six consecutive weeks, can relax the stiffness compared to those who do not consume watermelons at all.
2. Maintaining Healthy Skin and Hair
Watermelon is high in vitamin A, and it is very good for your skin. A cup of watermelon juice contains almost a quarter of your daily vitamin A intake. According to the Cleveland clinic in Ohio, United States, vitamin A can help keep skin and hair moist. The content of vitamin A also promotes the growth of healthy collagen and elastin cells. In addition, the content of vitamin C in watermelons is also useful to support the growth of collagen for healthy hair.
3. Reducing the potential for muscle pain
According to a study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry in 2013, for athletes, drinking watermelon juice before intense exercise helps reduce muscle pain and heart rate the next day. This is also related to the content of amino acids, citrulline, and arginine to help improve blood vessel circulation. In addition, a study published in the Journal of Applied Phyusiology in 2015 states that citrulline can also help athletes work. Study participants who used citrulline supplements experienced improved performance and had more energy after cycling or running.
4. Anti-Inflammation
The content of lycopene in watermelon makes it an anti-inflammatory fruit. Lycopene acts as an inhibitor of the inflammatory process and as an antioxidant to neutralize free radicals. According to a study published in the medical journal Shock in 2006, the content of choline in watermelons also helps keep chronic inflammation down. Watermelon can also be used as a drug to reduce inflammation for arthritis sufferers. The anti-inflammatory properties can help maintain immunity.
5. Maintaining Hydration
According to one study, watermelons help overcome hydration throughout the body. A Nutritionist and Dietitian from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Chicago, Anggela Lemond said that 20 to 30 percent of our fluid needs through our own diet, and fruits such as watermelon are very helpful.
6. Reducing the risk of cancer
According to the National Cancer Institute, the content of lycopene that is active in watermelons can reduce the proliferation of cancer cells. In addition, like other vegetables, the antioxidant content of each fruit can help to reduce the risk of cancer.
Now let’s make one processed watermelon.
Watermelon Agua Fresca Recipe
Ingredients:
9 cups seedless watermelon cut into chunks
1 cup cold water
2 tablespoons sugar or agave nectar
2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice or more to taste
6 small watermelon wedges for garnish, optional
6 lime wedges or wheels for garnish, optional
How to Make:
In a blender, combine 4 cups watermelon, 1/2 cup water, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 tablespoon lime juice and blend until smooth. Pour into a large pitcher.
Repeat with remaining 4 cups watermelon, 1/2 cup water, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer if desired (see notes). Chill until serving time.
To serve, pour over ice-filled glasses and garnishes with watermelon wedges and lime wedges, if desired.
