Cool watermelon

Cool watermelon

Lately the weather as been really hot making us release a large amount of sweat, and craving for a nice cold glass of water. Did you know that eating a watermelon is much more cooling than drinking an ice cold glass of water? Well, I just got to know that as I was eating one I realised that watermelons was something I could put on my blog today. So I started surfing the net and found loads of information and recipe ideas on watermelons. There was a study conducted by University of Leeds, UK that Watermelon has 53% more cooling effect than a ice cold glass of water. So why dont we all crave for watermelon rather than an ice cold glass of water?

After all Watermelon is also very nutrious as well as a good prevention to certain disease. Watermelons are low in calories.Watermelon is high in lycopene, second only to tomatoes. Recent research suggests that lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, is effective in preventing some forms of cancer and cardiovascular disease. According to research conducted at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, men who consumed a lycopene-rich diet were half as likely to suffer a heart attack as those who had little or no lycopene in their diets. Watermelon is also high in Vitamin C and Vitamin A, in the form of disease fighting beta-carotene. Research also suggests that the red pigmented foods provide this protection. Lycopene and beta-carotene work in conjunction with other plant chemicals not found in vitamin/mineral supplements. Potassium is also available, which is believed to help control blood pressure and possibly prevent strokes.

Watermelon is truly one of summertime’s sweetest treats. It is fun to eat, and good for you. Sometimes on a hot day i feel like pouring ice water on my head. So here is an idea, smash watermelon all over your body! hehehe....alright bad idea as its a little too messy.

Want some watermelon recipes which I found off the net:

Watermelon Granita

5 cups seeded watermelon pulp
1 cup sugar syrup*
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Thin watermelon wedges, cut into strips for a garnish

1. Puree watermelon in a food processor.

2. Pour into a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Stir in the syrup and lemon juice. Freeze for about 4 hours or until frozen solid.

3. To serve, scrape up granita with a large spoon and place in goblets, tulip shaped wine glasses or ice cream dishes. Garnish with a narrow wedge of watermelon. Makes 4 servings.
*To make sugar syrup; Combine 1/2 cup water and 1 cup sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil for one minute. Stirring constantly until all of the sugar has dissolved. Cool in the refrigerator.

Watermelon Smoothie

1 - 8 ounce lemon, fat-free yogurt
3 cups cubed, seeded watermelon
1 pint fresh strawberries, cleaned and hulled
1 tablespoon honey or strawberry jam
3 ice cubes

1. In a blender or food processor, combine yogurt, watermelon, strawberries, honey and ice cubes.

2. Process until smooth and frothy. Serve in tall glasses with a straw. Makes 4 servings.

Well that is all I have to say about watermelons. Have a good day, and don't forget if your feeling hot to drink a nice cold glass of watermelon juice. Cools you down!