No other fruit heralds long, hot summer days as much as a watermelon does. Apparently, watermelon contains more than just water and sugar. Here are some of its nutritional benefits:
- watermelon contains 92% water so it is a great thirst quencher and diuretic.
- watermelon is an excellent source of vitamin C and a very good source of vitamin A because of its beta carotene. High intakes of vitamin C and beta-carotene have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, improve asthma conditions, reduce the risk of colon cancer, and alleviate some of the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It also aids in improving eye health!
- watermelon is rich in lycopene, which has antioxidant and cancer-fighting properties. It also aids in protecting the skin from harmful UV rays.
- citrulline, a component in watermelon, aids in effective weight loss.
The Prophet (saw) was also found of watermelons. Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to eat watermelon with ripe dates, saying:
“The hotness of this substance (dates) neutralizes the coolness of that (watermelon).”
It is recommended to eat watermelon before a meal because it is said to cleanse the stomach and remove ailments. So, bring on a bowl of watermelon during Iftar and do your body good!