Summer Drink of Choice: Watermelon Juice

This summer, there's a new fruit in town, and that's watermelon. Well, okay, it's not new but we're learning more and more about its health benefits. And very few people think to pour themselves a glass of watermelon juice. Let's explore.

For starters, watermelons are mostly water —about 92% to be exact. Most people love the refreshing qualities but it's also packed with nutrients. There are significant levels of vitamins A, B6 and C along with lycopene, which is a huge fighter of inflammation, antioxidants and amino acids. 

These nutrients in combination have a restorative quality and effect. 

Did you know watermelon is the cousin of cantaloupe and honeydew? Because of its high water and fiber content, watermelon aids in digestion and helps keep you fuller longer. The choline content in watermelons is also believed to help strengthen memory and reduce inflammation. 

Try watermelon juice this summer, for a change. A particular drink caled agua fresca, a traditional latin american beverage, blends fruit, water and sometimes grains or seeds. 

Other Health Benefits of Watermelon

• Asthma prevention: It's the vitamin C!
• Blood pressure: The American Journal of Hypertension published a study that found watermelon extract supplementation reduced ankle blood pressure and brachial blood pressure in obese, middle-aged adults. It seemed watermelon extract helped improve arterial function. 
• Cancer: Choline helps fight inflammation
• Hydration: it's 92% water!
• Muscle soreness: Both the fruit and juice content have been shown to reduce soreness in the muscles and even improve recovery time following exercise in athletes. 
• Skin: The nutrients in watermelon are great for your skin.