Wealth of health in luscious pink fruit

Watermelon is not only delicious, but also extremely healthy.For a dedicated foodie like me, the watermelon has not always been my culinary favourite. Yet, however, that hot summer afternoon, as I sat savouring a salad of watermelon cubes, garnished with mint leaves, my perception about the watermelon changed.

Browsing through the pages of history, dating back to more than 5000 years, I found that the fame of the juicy watermelon, gradually spread to Great Britain, France, Turkey, China, India and to countries as far as the U.S.A. Interestingly, historical sources throw a light on the fact that during the time of the American Civil War, the Confederate Army boiled the watermelon so as to make a heavy syrup for culinary purposes. Indeed, the watermelon has had a long sojourn. While many have looked upon the watermelon as a refreshing fruit through the ages, scientists and doctors feel that the simple watermelon has a lot more to offer as a health food.

The refreshing watermelon fruit is full of beta-carotene as well as essential anti-oxidants like lycopene that help prevent prostrate cancer, heart diseases, asthma and even skin ailments. In fact, the traditional Spanish Watermelon and Cucumber Gazpacho Soup would be ideal for deriving the maximum health benefits of beta-carotene and anti-oxidants found in the watermelon and the cucumber. Preparation of the Spanish Watermelon and Cucumber Gazpacho Soup would require 1 ½ cups of peeled watermelon, de-seeded and then cut into both large chunks as well as fine strips; 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; salt; a pinch of black pepper powder; some olive oil. Blend all the ingredients until a frothy mixture is obtained. Add the finely chopped watermelon strips. Mix well and serve chilled.

According to scientific studies, the watermelon fruit contains substantial amounts of vitamin A that is required for maintenance of the skin tissues and the bones, immune-boosting vitamin C as well as vitamins B1 and B6 that are necessary for a proper working of the nerves and muscle tissues. As a matter of fact, a typical vitamin-rich dish would be a simple Watermelon Salad with Cheese, Lettuce, Raisins and Mint. Preparation of the Watermelon Salad with Cheese, Lettuce, Raisins and Mint would require 1 ½ cups of watermelon cubes; 1 cup of coarsely chopped vitamin A-rich lettuce leaves; a few vitamin E-rich raisins; a grated cheese cube and a sprig of mint leaves that contain substantial levels of vitamin A. As for the dressing mixed with the healthy salad, one requires ½ teaspoon honey; 1 tablespoon each of vinegar and lemon juice; a pinch of black pepper and some salt. Mix these dressing ingredients well with the watermelon cubes, cheese, lettuce leaves, raisins and serve, garnished with the mint leaves.

Then, there is the healthy ayurvedic preparation like the Watermelon Drink with Lime Juice and Cardamoms. According to ancient ayurvedic texts, the presence of the watermelon fruit in this drink calms the pitta, that is, it reduces inflammation of the body tissues as a result of excessive heat. In addition, it also helps prevent bladder infections. Also, the lime juice cools down the body. Furthermore, the crushed cardamoms present lead to a healthy digestion process. Preparation of Watermelon Drink with Lime Juice and Cardamoms would require 1 cup of watermelon (de-seeded and then cut into cubes); ¼ teaspoon lemon juice and ½ teaspoon of crushed green cardamoms. Blend all these ingredients to a purée-like consistency and then pour into glasses.

Of course, these could be varied, with many health benefits. The watermelon fruit can definitely be fancied with a difference.