#Blogchatter A2Z2023challenge

 Watermelon is the word!

The watermelon plant(Citrullus lanatus) bears fruit annually and grows well in hot climates. The vines are prostrate with branched tendrils and deeply cut leaves. Single flowers either masculine or feminine grow at the axil of the leaf. The fruit is a type of berry botanically known as Pepo. Watermelon is part of the Cucurbitaceae family and is related to pumpkin, Zucchini, Cantaloupe and Cucumber. 

Watermelons are either oval or spherical in shape and are dark green or maybe green with white stripes. The sweet juicy flesh is either reddish or pink and holds pips that are either black, brown or white in colour. Watermelons weigh anything between 2kg to 20kg and the number of fruits per vine varies between 2 to 15. Native to Africa, watermelons also grow in the Middle -East, USA, India, Japan and Europe. China leads the world's production of watermelons producing almost 60% of the production. 

Nutrition: 

• The watermelon is low in calories and 92% water, thus keeping you hydrated and full.
• The watermelon is packed with nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A and C. It contains ample amounts of the amino acid Citrulline, the highest content of which is found in the white rind that surrounds the flesh. Citrulline is transformed into the essential amino acid Arginine which supports lung, kidney, liver and reproductive health, It also boosts immunity. 
• This delicious fruit is also Lycopene rich. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant responsible for the red colour of watermelon. Watermelon contains more lycopene than fresh tomatoes.  The body uses Lycopene to form Beta - Carotene which is then converted to vitamin A. 

Health Benefits:

• The amino acid citrulline improves muscle mass and exercise performance. 
• The vitamins A and C in watermelon reduce the risk of age-related Macular Degeneration. Macular degeneration is a common eye problem that can cause blindness in older people.
• Watermelon is rich in vitamin C, which plays an important role in forming collagen and absorbing iron. Collagen is a protein that keeps your skin supple and hair strong. 
• A 2012 study of watermelon revealed that watermelon extract reduced blood pressure in and around the ankles of middle-aged people suffering from obesity and hypertension. 
• The Lycopene in watermelon may help protect against heart disease.
• The fibre and water content of watermelon may aid digestion and bowel movement. 

On Your Plate:

• A healthy low-calorie snack
• Toss it into a fruit salad
• Pair it with Feta cheese and grill
• Freeze for popsicles 
• Watermelon lemonade - blend the juice with lemon juice, cinnamon, rock salt and ice cubes. 

Look for watermelons that are free of dents and bruises together with a yellow, not white splotch at the bottom. A ready-to-eat watermelon will feel heavy and produce a hollow sound when thumped. 

(If afflicted with a medical condition, keep your healthcare provider in the loop before indulging in watermelon.) 

This post is part of the Blogchatter A2Z 2023 challenge.