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Watermelon diet

The watermelon is very rich in nutrients and licopene and it is worth including in a personal diet program. The watermelon is one of the few food products with a high content of licopene (a natural pigment, that gives the red color and that is a very powerful antioxidant).

Studies have shown that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables reduces the occurrence of heart disease and cancer. If until now, most clinical studies involved only tomatoes, scientists from South Central Agricultural Research Laboratory (SCARL), Oklahoma have initiated a study in order to determine the level of licopene in the watermelon. Surprise! The results of scientists have proven that the watermelon contains more licopene than tomatoes.

Watermelon contains no fats

With a low calorie content, the watermelon has no fats and is an ideal source of vitamins (A, B6, C and tianine) and potassium. Studies have shown that a cup and a half of watermelon contains between 9 and 13 mg of licopene. Moreover, the watermelon has 40% more licopene than raw, unprocessed tomatoes. In order to fully benefit from these properties, it is best to choose the ripe watermelon, the redness being an indicator of sweetness. A recent study of the Agriculture Department in USA shows that, unlike tomatoes, the watermelon doesn't have to be boiled to free the licopene. If you prepare a watermelon juice, you will notice the licopene as red, thin strips.

Watermelon is recommended for various diseases

The watermelon is easy to digest is consumed by itself (combining it with other foods slows down their digestion). Taking into account that the watermelon is 96% water, it has powerful benefits for the health of the heart (it contains cucurbocitrin, that dilates the capillaries and adjusts the blood pressure), stomach and bladder. Also, the watermelon can treat edema, gangrenous injuries or kidney and urinary tract infections (it is an excellent diuretic).

Don't even think about throwing away the peel, because it is rich in silica and chlorophyll. The silicium improves the activity of the pancreas, being essential in the stabilization of calcium in the organism and in the fortification of the bone system. The chlorophyll (the substance that gives plants their green color) has antibacterial, antifungal and detoxifying properties.

Recipes for the diet

Watermelon and cheese salad

This salad has to be served shortly after it was prepared.

For 6 portions, you need:
6 cups of spinach
2 cups of watermelon (chopped into cubes), no seeds
1/2 cup of finely chopped onions
1/2 cup of crumbled cheese
pepper

In a large bowl, mix the spinach, watermelon, onions and cheese. Before the serving the salad, splash some vinegar and season with peppercorn.

Watermelon in vinegar

2 teaspoons of cherry jelly or honey
1/4 cup of seedless watermelon
2 teaspoons of vinegar
1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon olive oil

Place the jelly (or honey) in a pan and melt it, to a simmer. After it has cooled off, pour it over the watermelon and add the rest of the ingredients. Store the mash in the fridge and shake well before consuming.

Watermelon cocktail

2 cups of watermelon (chopped into cubes)
30 ml vodka

Mash the watermelon to obtain 200 ml fluid. Add natural juice and vodka. Put the mix in a martini shaker, together with 5-6 ice cubes. Shake the ingredients thoroughly and pour in a martini glass. On top place ice cream or ice cubes and decorate the cocktail with a watermelon slice.

Fruit watermelon

1 longish watermelon
1 cantaloupe (very sweet)
1 candied watermelon
1 pineapple
2 peaches or nectarines
2 cups of grapes
mint leaves
50 g chamomile honey

Cut the watermelon as a basket, remove the core and the seeds and put it in the fridge. Meanwhile, cut the cantaloupe and peaches into small cubes and mix them. Over them, pour honey and put them in the fridge also. Before serving (16 portions), place all the ingredients in the "basket" and decorate with grapes. Separately, combine the chamomile watermelon with the remaining ingredients and pour the composition of top of the other fruits. Season with mint leaves.






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