Combining a healthy diet with regular exercise promotes good health and can significantly reduce the risk of certain deadly diseases of old age. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains has always had incredible health benefits. Scientifically known as Citrullus lanatus, watermelon has great potential as a staple food source and contributes to a healthy diet.
Watermelons were mainly grown on lighter soils in regions with warmer climates. Watermelons were eaten as a dessert fruit during the warm season, and the peels were used to make pickles and preserves. However, with increased market acceptance, better edible quality, and adaptability for long-distance shipping, watermelon growth has increased globally. Certain watermelon cultivars were developed to be more specific to regions of the world. Breeding has resulted in improved quality that includes maximum sugar content, excellent flavor and firm flesh with deep red pigment due to the presence of lycopene.
The sweet, juicy watermelon is actually packed with some of nature’s most important antioxidants. It reduces the risk of deadly diseases such as asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer and arthritis. Watermelon is rich in the B vitamins necessary for energy production. Watermelon is a very good source of vitamin B6 and a good source of vitamin B1, magnesium and potassium. Watermelon has a high nutrient density than many other fruits due to higher water content and lower calorie content. A rich source of vitamins A and C, watermelon also contains lycopene. Lycopene is a red pigment that occurs naturally in certain plant and algae tissues. Aside from giving watermelon and tomatoes their color, it’s an excellent antioxidant that may help prevent heart disease and some forms of cancer.
Until a few decades ago, the watermelon was largely a seasonal fruit, appearing on the market for a few months and then disappearing at the end of summer. Given the current information on the health benefits of watermelon, the per capita consumption of watermelon has increased tremendously. The increase in winter and early spring imports is helping to meet consumer demand for year-round watermelon supplies.
Selective plant breeding programs are employed to improve the overall nutritional qualities of watermelon. Retail companies employ trained scientists to research and develop long-term solutions that lead to better product quality with regard to a higher sugar content and thus increase consumer acceptance.
Watermelon is the leading U.S. cantaloupe crop in terms of acreage, production, and per capita consumption. A recent survey shows that middle-income groups are the main consumers of watermelons. The majority watermelon Purchased from retail stores and categorized as household food. Among the top 3 melons, the honeydew melon variety is the most common. Utilization of cantaloupe is similar to that of watermelon, with 16 percent being purchased as out-of-home groceries.
Thanks to Christine Macguire