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Lycopene Leader
Watermelon is the Lycopene Leader in fresh produce, having higher concentrations of lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable. In fact, fresh watermelon contains higher levels of lycopene than fresh tomatoes - a 2-cup serving of watermelon contains and average of 18.16 mg and one medium-sized tomato contains 4 mg.
Heart Healthy
Watermelon has heart healthy properties because it is naturally low in saturated fat, total fat and cholesterol.
A recent study by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) about watermelon consumption Heart Healthyand heart healthy benefits was completed and published March 2007. The NWPB has four new structure-function claims derived from this study:
1. Watermelon consumption increases free arginine and citrulline, which can help maintain cardiovascular function.
2. Eating watermelon can help maintain cardiovascular health.
3. Watermelon has amino acids such as citrulline and arginine that help maintain the arteries.
4. Watermelon amino acids citrulline and arginine can help maintain blood flow and heart health.
WATERMELON PALMERS
1/3-cup lemonade
1/3-cup watermelon puree
1/3-cup peach iced tea
Pour ingredients into a tall glass over ice and stir. Makes 1.
Breakfast a Go-Go
Ingredients
1/3 cup low fat granola
¾ cup de-seeded watermelon chunks
5 ounces low fat banana (or other substitute) yogurt
Instructions
In a large, cylindrical glass, 'to go cup' container or plastic glass, create the following parfait:
Bottom layer: Low fat Granola
Next Layer: Small chunks of seeded watermelon
Next Layer: Banana Yogurt
Next Layer: Low fat Granola
Next Layer: Small chunks of seeded watermelon
Top Layer: Banana Yogurt
Garnish:
A slice of banana, toasted almonds or coconut, a wedge of watermelon, a strawberry or an orange wheel
Servings:
Serves 1.
Watermelon Kebabs
An Easy, Fast, No-Mess Meal
Ingredients
1-inch cubes of seedless watermelon
Smoked turkey breast
Cheddar cheese
Coffee stirrers or Beverage straws
Instructions
Cut watermelon, turkey and cheese in cubes and skewer on stirrers or straws.
Watermelon Kiwi Smoothie
Deliciously smooth for breakfast or a refreshing afternoon snack.
Ingredients:
2 cups seedless watermelon chunks
2 kiwis, peeled and chopped
2 cups vanilla yogurt
1 cup ice
Sprigs of fresh mint for garnish
Instructions:
Place all of the ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Pour into 2 glasses and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
Servings:
2
For TONS more REFRESHING WATERMELON RECIPES, visit our partner The National Watermelon Board at www.WATERMELON.org!
