People soak whole watermelons to naturally cool them for better flavor, remove surface dirt/pesticides before cutting, reduce the fruit's "body heat" (a traditional belief), or soak seeds for faster planting; however, soaking cut fruit or seeds for too long can cause mushiness or nutrient loss, so rinsing well or using warm water for seeds is key.
The "two-finger rule" for picking a ripe watermelon involves checking the dark green stripes on the rind: hold two fingers (index and middle) together lengthwise and place them on a dark green stripe; if the stripe is about the width of your two fingers, it's a good sign of ripeness, indicating the melon had enough time to mature, but also check for a large yellow "field spot" and a dull (not shiny) rind for best results.
2️⃣ Keep it whole: Once you've cut into your watermelon, transfer any remaining portions into airtight containers or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to preserve their juiciness. 💧🔒 3️⃣ Refrigerate for freshness: To extend your watermelon's shelf life, refrigerate the whole watermelon or the sliced portions.
Notably, studies involving pre-hypertensive or obese individuals have shown promising results. For instance, six weeks of supplementation with concentrated watermelon powder (providing ~4 grams of L-citrulline and ~2 g L-arginine) were found to significantly reduce blood pressure and arterial stiffness.
But have you ever been interrupted when drinking water after eating watermelon? If you have, this is because many believe that drinking water after consuming watermelon may dilute the digestive juices and hinder the digestion process. However, Dr Das said, “There is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
The best time to eat watermelon for hydration, digestion, or weight loss is almost any time of day. The high water content, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins in watermelon make it a good addition to meals or as a snack for supporting overall health.
Acidic Fruits: Avoid combining melons with highly acidic fruits like oranges, lemons, or grapefruits, as this may cause digestive upset or acid reflux in some individuals. Carbonated Drinks: Carbonated beverages can cause bloating and discomfort when combined with melons due to the gas they produce in the stomach.
Watermelon helps the liver process ammonia (waste from protein digestion) which eases strain on the kidneys while getting rid of excess fluids. Rich in potassium, watermelon is a great natural electrolyte and helps regulate the action of nerves and muscles in the body.
The top fruits for lowering blood pressure include bananas, apples, pears, apricots, grapes, raisins, kiwis, mangoes, watermelon, pomegranate, plums, prunes, avocado, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, tomatoes, citrus fruit, berries, and more.
Some drinks can help lower your blood pressure, including:
Regardless of how you slice it, always store cut watermelon in an airtight container (preferably, glass) in the fridge to keep it fresher for longer.
However, by doing this, the antioxidants present in it are reduced, and its nutritional value also diminishes. This is why experts recommend not to store watermelon in the refrigerator.
🌡️✨ 3️⃣ If you've cut into your watermelon, wrap the remaining slices tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. This helps retain its succulent taste and texture. 🌬️👍 4️⃣ Consider refrigerating sliced watermelon to enjoy a chilled treat.
For companion plants, you're going to want to plant it with things like radishes, lettuces & then avoid things like cucumber, zucchini, and basically anything in the melon family. Basically they make it difficult for the plants to grow and mature and can attract diseases.
3421 – Mini Seedless Watermelon, 3-7 lbs.
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Beets: This root vegetable is high in nitrates, which the body converts into nitrous oxide, a molecule that's been shown to reduce systolic blood pressure. Try beets as a side dish or add it raw to salads. You can even purchase beetroot juice (with no added sugar) to drink on its own or add to smoothies.
Watermelon — the disease fighter
Lycopene is an antioxidant linked to decreased risk of cancer, heart disease and age-related eye disorders.
Studies show that eating watermelon reduces the inflammatory marker CRP. It's also high in the carotenoid beta-cryptoxanthin, which can reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It's also packed with lycopene, an antioxidant that may help protect against certain cancers and lower heart attack risk, says Dulan.
While there's no single "number 1" healthiest fruit, blueberries are consistently ranked at the top for their exceptional antioxidant power (anthocyanins), supporting brain health, heart function, and potentially reducing inflammation and risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Other top contenders include avocados for healthy fats and fiber, raspberries for fiber, and pomegranates for antioxidants, but blueberries often stand out as a top choice.
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Watermelons are generally safe for everyone to eat, apart from a few exceptions. While watermelon is a nutritious fruit, eating too much of it may cause blood sugar spikes, which can negatively affect someone who is managing diabetes or insulin resistance.
Watermelon pairs wonderfully with salty cheeses (feta, halloumi), fresh herbs (mint, basil), tangy citrus (lime, lemon), spicy elements (chili, Tajín), and other fruits (berries, cucumber, mango), creating refreshing salads, drinks, and snacks that balance its sweet flavor. It also shines with simple enhancements like a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of flaky salt, or a splash of balsamic glaze.