Originally published August 15 2005
New smaller watermelons pack a healthy punch
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
New, smaller watermelons called "pure hearts" have the same great taste as larger watermelons, as well as the same health benefits.
These super-delicious, totally seedless, single-serving-size melons are the perfect fruit -- especially if you're 3 years old.
On her last sleepover, I cut my niece, Maya, a nice thick slice and set it on her breakfast plate.
I went outside to water the kitchen window box and noticed she was climbing down from her chair as I reached for the watering can.
When I returned to the kitchen, no more than two minutes later, she had the entire melon on her plate.
Whatever wasn't running down her chin and over her tummy, dripping onto the kitchen floor, was being devoured.
Regardless of the size, shape or color it comes in, watermelon is a perfect summer food.
Since it is made up of 92 percent water, a serving of watermelon can rehydrate you as well as a glass of water.
Watermelon gets the "heart smart" seal of approval because it contains zero fat or cholesterol, is high in fiber and vitamins A and C and is a great source of potassium.
It has long been known that tomatoes have a very high level of this powerful antioxidant, but recent research has found that watermelon contains much more than the average raw tomato.
A 2-cup serving of watermelon contains 18.16 mg of lycopene, while one medium-sized tomato contains just 4 mg.
It's clear that whatever the health benefits of watermelon, Americans love to eat them.
And lest you think you're working in more servings of fruit after a satisfying wedge or two of watermelon, keep in mind, it's a vegetable related to cucumbers, pumpkins and squash.
So the next time your mom tells you that you have to eat your vegetables, ask her for some watermelon.
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