The perfect mid summer food, watermelon is delicious and good for you too. Combine it with fresh whole strawberries, tops and all, and you have a recipe for a super snack. Sweet and juicy, these summer time fruits are bursting with flavor and health benefits too.
Well known for its thirst quenching properties, watermelon is a great aid for digestion. These nutrient rich fruits are some of the best sources of natural antioxidants. The red flesh of both fruits are overflowing with cancer fighting free radicals specifically in the form of natural vitamin C and lycopene which is how they get their color. Watermelon may just be the highest natural source of lycopene in the fruit kingdom delivering even more of this important mineral than tomatoes. Lycopene is most known to reduce cholesterol levels and is helpful in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. The high amounts of vitamin C serve to prevent or combat peridontal disease and cancer as well as other conditions such as asthma. With vital amino acids, watermelon is an ideal post workout snack as it restores electrolytes in the body, can prevent heat stroke and speeds recovery. Watermelon is nourishing for the kidneys, potentially preventing diabetes. The amino acids in watermelon are great anti-inflammatories. Loaded with potassium and relatively high in fiber, watermelon is satisfying and filling. Potassium regulates nerve function and helps relieve muscle cramping. Being one of the most alkaline of all fruits, watermelon helps regulate the ph of the body. This is especially important as disease cannot survive in an alkaline environment.
Complementing watermelon with the sweetness of a whole strawberry, you have that much more cancer fighting power. Equally impressive with a number of health full antioxidants, strawberries lower blood pressure and are thought to improve brain capacity and enhance learning. The flavonoids in strawberries also help prevent the breakdown of collagen and helps postpone aging of the skin. The tops and the leaves are equally as beneficial and add a nice backdrop of flavor to the robust flare of the sweet fleshy fruit. The greens contain important minerals and vitamins such as B12 that can be found in the soil. The leaves have been used to remedy digestion, arthritis, and as a metabolism booster. Full of minerals, strawberry tops add a nice color boost and add an extra punch of nutrients beyond that of just the naked fruit.
The quintessential summer time super snack. Watermelon and strawberries pack a punch of sweet deliciousness and are nutrient dense, hence why they are nutrilicious and hands down one of my favorite foods. For me, fruit is more than just a refreshing energizing snack, it is a meal, a wonderful treat, whether its the first thing in the morning, mid day or the last thing at night.
“I love having fruit at most every meal
The more I eat, the better I feel.”
Sources:
Bergoff, Vanessa. Scientific Origin: 10 Best Reasons Why Strawberries are So Good for You 23 June 2021 https://scientificorigin.com/strawberries-10-health-benefits
Catcher, Jess. For Women First. Food and Recipes: Don’t Throw Away Your Strawberry Tops. They Can Ease Arthritis, Boost Metabolism, and Lower Blood Pressure. 8 Aoril 2021 https://www.firstforwomen.com/posts/food-recipes/strawberry-leaves-benefits
Jessimy, Michael, Natural Food Series: Food and Nutrition: 13 Impressive Health Benefits of Watermelon 9 August 2021 https://www.naturalfoodseries.com/13-benefits-watermelon/
Disclaimer:
These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Foods are not drugs and are not used to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure any disease.
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