Charis Cuisine

Wonders of Watermelon

Watermelon is not only delicious, but extremely healthy, as well.
Discover how to make a Watermelon Bowl
 

Watermelon is about 90% water. The high zinc content in watermelon makes it an excellent kidney and bladder cleanser. It helps to lower blood pressure and, for you gentlemen, has been shown to promote prostate health.


Watermelon has always been a good source of vitamins A and C, and provides potassium and fiber. But now consumers have even more reasons to enjoy a sweet fruit.

Scientists indicate that watermelon contains high levels of lycopene-an antioxidant that may help the body fight cancer and prevent disease. Found only in select fruits and vegetables, lycopene is very effective at trapping cancer-promoting agents called free-oxygen radicals.

A study conducted by Harvard University found that men who ate lycopene-rich diets of tomatoes and tomato products had a much lower risk of developing certain cancers, especially prostrate cancer.  Lycopene is found only in red watermelon varieties.  In fact, it gives watermelon its red color, thus, the redder the watermelon, the more lycopene it contains.


We have always known that watermelon offers a number of benefits.  Lycopene continues to emerge as a possible important, effective agent in disease prevention.  In addition to lycopene, watermelon offers a host of other health benefits. It is fat-free, yet delivers 100 percent on the critical energy component found in functional foods.

In fact, most melons are rich in potassium, a nutrient that may help control blood pressure, regulate heart beat, and possibly prevent strokes. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines state that a potassium-rich diet helps keep salt from raising blood pressure and may also reduce the risk of developing kidney stones and possibly age-related bone loss. The guidelines encourage adults to consume 4,700 milligrams per day (while keeping sodium to less than 2,300 milligrams per day, which is one teaspoon of salt).

Melons are also abundant in vitamin C, one arm of the now-famous disease-fighting antioxidant trio. Another arm that's well represented is beta-carotene.

Researchers believe that beta-carotene and vitamin C are capable of preventing heart disease, cancer, and other chronic conditions. No matter which way you cut them, when it comes to nutrition, melons are number one.

Watermelon is a valuable source of lycopene,  one of the carotenoids that have actually been studied in humans.  Research indicates that lycopene is helpful in reducing the risk of prostate, breast, and endometrial cancers, as well as lung and colon cancer.

Whether you choose watermelons for their health benefits or simply for their good flavor, they can be an excellent snack, summer dish -- or gardening project.

How To Make a Watermelon Bowl

To make a watermelon bowl garnish:

1. Place watermelon on its side on cutting board.  Cut a thin piece off bottom of melon with chef's knife to create flat surface.

2. Cut off top one-third of watermelon; reserve fruit for snacking.

3. Set watermelon upright on its flat surface. Remove pulp from watermelon using long-handled spoon, leaving shell intact.

4. To scallop edge of watermelon bowl, place open end of drinking glass against melon so top edge of glass is aligned with top edge of bowl.
Draw a pencil line around glass edge to form scallop shape. Repeat around entire edge of watermelon.
 

5. Carefully cut along pencil lines with utility knife to form scalloped edge; fill bowl as desired.

6. Garnish.

Sources:
Watermelon nutritional facts source: USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 19 (2006)
Knowledge based Script
Dietary Fiber Food