Tasty Benefits of Eating Watermelon...Daily!

Watermelon has got to be one of my favorite summer fruits. It is one of the most refreshing, thirst quenching fruits that happens to be available year round and is not only delicious but also very nutritious. Great in all types of recipes, watermelon is more versatile than you think. Delicious all by itself, it is wonderful in drinks, summer salads and desserts. Try it drizzled with Agave Nectar, Marcona Almonds and Crumbled Feta Cheese.



As a celebrity chef, natural juices are one of the “must-have” recipes I prepare at my clients request to have in their refrigerator on a daily. My all-time favorite watermelon juice recipe comes from Michael Jackson who enjoyed this refreshing juice made with fresh organic mint. He liked it just for its cool, refreshing taste.




Organic Watermelon-Mint Juice:
(recipe courtesy of celebrity chef Kai Chase)

½ sweet, organic seedless watermelon, cut into chunks
2 organic mint sprigs (finely minced) (optional)
¼ cup Agave Nectar
1/2 lemon, juiced
Cubed Ice (optional)

Method:
In a large mixing bowl gather the watermelon chunks and take to the power blender. Puree the juice, mint (optional) and lemon juice. Stream in the agave nectar. Add more nectar depending on your sweetness level. Pour into a carafe or beverage container. Refrigerate. Once chilled and infused, pour the juice into a glass add ice (optional) and enjoy.

Or take the juice with or without the mint and fill ice cube trays for and you have “Watermelon Popsicles.” Perfect for an after school snack for the kids, poolside or anytime you feel like a healthy “nibble” alternative to unhealthy snacking.



Watermelon Popsicles


Method:Pour the prepared watermelon juice , stir in 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest with a pinch of salt into ice cube trays or popsicle molds. Insert popsicle sticks halfway through freezing (and freeze until done about 3 hours).

Tips for juicier watermelon slices: Long-term refrigeration can sap nutrients and flavor from the fruit, but to guarantee the tastiest fruit, place watermelon in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing it. A quick chill causes the fruit's cells to constrict. This means the juice stays in the slices instead of running out onto the cutting board.

Here are a few more benefits of eating watermelon daily…

Energy: Watermelon can boost energy. A daily serving of watermelon has been shown to boost energy levels. This is because watermelon contains vitamin B6, which the body uses to synthesize feel good dopamine.

Constipation: Drink a big glass of watermelon juice. It is very effective in aiding the elimination of wastes. Consuming plenty of this red juice will do a lot of good.

Fluid Retention: Its diuretic action helps to eliminate excess fluids from the body, reducing water retention, especially for women during their monthly menstruation cycle and in pregnant women.