IS it just me or have you noticed how the days and nights are getting hotter? And to think we are only at the beginning

of May!

To help us adjust I would recommend taking the “hot days equal cooling foods” approach. There are many foods and drinks we can enjoy to help regulate our temperatures and keep us cool over the sizzling summer months. I will highlight some of these over the next few weeks.

In the spotlight this week is one of the top cooling foods/fruits that we all know and love – watermelon. Not only is it the “coolest” fruit ever, but its benefits are simply amazing.

I find watermelon juice (next to young coconut water) to be the perfect drink to beat the summer heat. It contains 97 per cent water and natural sugars and is super hydrating and cooling for the body — and if we can get it organic and served chilled, then it’s even more enjoyable.

About 3-5 per cent of a watermelon’s content is other minerals, which essentially strengthen the body, help to normalise blood pressure, and reduce the risk of cardiac arrest. These include vitamin C, beta-carotene, riboflavin, niacin, panthothenic acid, choline, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorous, sodium, zinc, and lycopene.

With all these easily absorbed nutrients packed in watermelon, it is hard not to love this wonderful fruit.

FACTS ABOUT THE “COOLEST” FRUIT

Watermelon, especially red watermelon, helps in the prevention of several diseases.

It contains lycopene which is an antioxidant that helps to defuse free radicals that could potentially damage tissues and organs of the body. Free radicals augment inflammation and cholesterol in blood vessels, which then could lead to heart attack and stroke.

A glass of watermelon juice every day could reduce the risk of acquiring or the worsening of diseases such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and colon cancer. Furthermore, since watermelon is rich in antioxidants, it can help to prevent the development of kidney stones.

Watermelon is vital to obtain a low fat, low cholesterol diet. A few glasses of watermelon juice are enough to be considered a complete meal. It also contains protein, especially when the seeds are consumed, so, in addition to its water, sugar and other minerals, we get a balanced food in every sense.

Loaded with vitamin B, natural sugar as well as water, it is an excellent source of energy. Watermelon is the most preferred fruit by many athletes or even tri-athletes for its rejuvenating properties.

Watermelon helps to prevent bone loss as we age. It is rich in calcium which aids in the preservation and strengthening of bone structures. Additionally, it reduces the risk of age-related eyesight deterioration that could potentially lead to loss of sight.

WATERMELON AND ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

Now here is the most “juicy” part. Many studies have indicated that watermelon has been known to address erectile dysfunction. Although, research has not yet formally concluded the reasons behind this, many individuals have verified, experienced and testified about this miraculous curative.

Studies have also indicated that approximately 20 per cent of Viagra is made from the outer skin of watermelon! This can be linked to the amino acid citrulline, which is heavily concentrated in the watermelon’s skin, and helps to relax the blood vessels in the penis in order to get an erection.

In fact, I recently happened upon a local juice bar that was serving juice from the watermelon skin for this very reason — ‘natural Viagra’ they called it. Needless to say, this juice bar is a popular spot for men. In fact, I was the only woman there at the time!

Bena Nakawuki is an internationally trained and certified raw food teacher, wellness coach and editor. She is currently the only certified member of the International Association of Raw Food Coaches and Teachers in Jamaica. She is the owner of The Lotus Line and may be contacted at TheLotusLine@gmail.com, www.facebook.com – The Lotus Line of Natural Health Products and Services, and twitter.com/TheLotusLine.