5 Reasons Why You Need to Eat More Watermelon

Do you really NEED 5 reasons to eat more watermelon in the summer? Yep, I almost had to chuckle when I reread my headline. Seriously now, there are many more reasons other than the list I have below. I just thought it would be helpful to know that these amazing creations from the earth will keep your heart, belly and soul happy all summer long! The bottom line… EAT more watermelon….please! Also, be sure to scroll to the end of this post, I have FOUR sensations watermelon recipes for you to try this summer!

1. Watermelon keeps you hydrated. Did you know that watermelon is 92% water. Now that’s a sweet way to hydrate.

2. Speaking of sweet, watermelon is a super way to get more fiber. More fiber means better bowel movements to keep your digestive tract working effectively and efficiently. Eliminating toxicity helps you to keep your gut in check. Now that’s sweet news!

3. Low in calories and high in nutrition! Yes, it’s true. Watermelon is simply one of the lowest in calories when it comes to fruits. Typically 1 cup is only 46 calories — that’s even lower than low-load glycemic fruits like berries.

Not familiar with “glycemic load”. You should be, It will give you a better idea of a food’s real impact on your blood sugar. Read here to learn the difference between glycemic load and glycemic index.

As far as nutrients go, 1 cup of this summer-time treat includes Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Potassium, Magnesium and Vitamins B1, B5 and B6. Other beneficial plant compounds include lycopene, carotenoids (alpha and beta) and cucurbitacin E

4. Watermelon reduces inflammation and oxidative stress. The fact is that watermelon is rich in 2 anti-inflammatory antioxidants: lycopene and Vitamin C. The research is out: inflaming is linked to a list of chronic diseases. Furthermore you can improve heart health too. Eat more watermelon and help reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, lower blood pressure too.

5. It’s the perfect summer food! Watermelon is a perfect side dish at any summer get-together. You can take it to a picnic, the beach or a barbecue and can serve it up to the gang without alot of prep time.

Watermelon is great for breakfast, in soups and in salads. It’s also a good nite time snack that will digest easily. And of course, throw a cup of watermelon in your next smoothie instead of all the liquid you would normally use plus is will sweeten things up too.

A few more things to should know about watermelon

Now that you have 5 reasons to eat more watermelon the big question is, do you know how to pick the “perfect” watermelon. Click here to find out.  The next time you are in charge of bringing the watermelon to the bar-b-cue you can rest easy knowing it will be perfect!

So should you be an organic watermelon or not? That’s a question I get often this time of year. As always I like to refer to the EWG for the answer. And the answer is simple. As long as you aren’t eating the rind, non-organic is fine. Just be sure to wash it really well before you cut into it.

Now, if you are going to eat OR juice the rind, organic is the only way to go. Yes, juicing the rind with some lime makes the most amazing, frothy beverage. Try it this summer.

What to impress your friends and family with a twist on watermelon this summer? I’ve got a few simple recipe that takes no time at all! This Watermelon Gazpacho will please your blood, boost your immune system and create a feast for everyone’s eyes in a refreshing summer soup full of antioxidants! The Watermelon-Kiwi Popsicles will delight adults and kids alike!

Watermelon Gazpacho

Ingredients:

–   2 cups of watermelon, 1 cup chopped, 1 cup diced
–   ⅓ cup tomatillo, finely diced
–   ¼ (or less) cup yellow onion, finely diced
–   1 Tbsp. garlic, finely diced
–   6 apple, 4 chopped, 2 diced
–   3-4 drop doTERRA Lime essential oil or the juice of 1/2 of a lime
–   1 drop doTERRA Ginger essential oil or 1/2″ of minced ginger 
–   1 Tbsp. grape seed or olive oil
–   ¼ tsp. sea salt
–   2 sprigs of mint

Directions: 

• In a high speed blender add 1 cup of  watermelon, 4 apples, grape seed or olive oil, sea salt and doTERRA Lime and Ginger essential oils; blend well

• Add tomatillo, onions,garlic, remaining apple and watermelon, mix by hand .. do not blend

• Garnish with sprigs of mint in each bowl

• Makes about 4 servings

Watermelon & Feta Salad with Serrano Chile Vinaigrette 
From Athens, Georgia chef, Hugh Acheson

Ingredients:

– ½ to 1 cup olive oil
– 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice or 1 drop of doTERRA Lime Essential Oil
– 2 Tbsp. champagne vinegar
– 2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
– 1 small shallot, minced
– 1 Serrano chili pepper, stemmed and sliced or chopped
– Salt to taste
– 1 small seedless watermelon
– 1/3 lb block of feta cheese, sliced into 1/8″ slices (about 12 slices) *optional
– 1 bunch arugula, washed and drained

Directions :

• In a jar or salad bottle with a tight-fitting lid, combine olive oil, lime juice, champagne vinegar, thyme, shallot, and Serrano pepper. Shake well.

• Season dressing with salt to taste; chill in refrigerator.

• Meanwhile, slice watermelon into 3″ squares, about ¼-inch thick. On small salad plates, begin to assemble each serving of the salad.

• To assemble, place one slice of watermelon on the plate; next, layer one slice of feta on top of the first watermelon slice. Repeat, layering another watermelon slice and then one more feta slice.

• End with a final watermelon slice on top. Place about one handful of arugula on the plate, encircling the stacked watermelon/feta.

• Drizzle the stack and the arugula with the vinaigrette and garnish with a few slices of Serrano pepper.

• Chill for 15 minutes or serve immediately. Serves 6

* For those of you who don’t eat dairy, the salad is also delicious without the feta.

 

Watermelon-Kiwi Popsicles

From Island Jane Magazine and NourishingMeals.com 

Try these healthy popsicles and feel like a kid again!

Ingredients:

– 3 cups watermelon puree (about 1/4 to 1/2 a watermelon) 
– 1/2 cup fresh blueberries 
– 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped 
– 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced 
– 1 peach or nectarine, diced small 
– 1 handful of fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
– Optional: 1 drop of doTERRA Wild Orange essential oil

Directions :

• Cut the watermelon into chunks and then puree it in a blender until smooth.

• Set aside. Set out a dozen popsicle molds and make sure they are sturdy (you may need additional or fewer molds, depending on their size).

• Fill each mold with the chopped fresh fruit.

• Add a slice of kiwi and a few blueberries to each mold.

• Then pour in the watermelon puree until each mold is full to the top.

• Place a popsicle stick into each filled mold.

• Place the molds in your freezer (again ensuring that they are sturdy) and freeze for 6 to 8 hours.

• To release popsicle, run the mold under warm water for a few seconds and pull each one out.

Watermelon Refresher

Ingredients:

– 1 cup watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes 
– 1 peeled and sliced cucumber 
– 5 mint leaves 
– ½ cup ice

Directions:

• Mix all ingredients in a high-powered blender (such as a Vitamix or NutriBullet).

• Blend on low 30 seconds, then on high until smooth, about 30 seconds more.

• Pour into individual glasses and garnish each glass with a mint leaf. Serve cold.

Sure essential oils enhance the flavor of smoothies, soups, salads and other refreshing beverages but the health benefits are incredible. I’d love to teach you how they can benefit you. Let’s talk about it. Click here to book a free consultation. In the meantime, you can order your doTERRA essential oils here.