Food as Medicine: Watermelon

Watermelon is a rich source of antioxidants and flavonoids. It is high in electrolytes and is comprised of 90% water. A 2012 study showed that watermelon extracts reduced blood pressure around the ankles. Watermelon contains lycopene, an antioxidant that is associated with protection against heart disease. In Chinese medicine, watermelon is used to clear heat and detoxify the body. It is especially good at clearing summer-heat and preventing heat stroke. To take advantage of this, we use a healthy dose of the white watermelon rind.

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Heat Clearing Watermelon Juice

Ingredients:

• 1 watermelon

Directions:

• Wash and cut away the green skin of the watermelon, preserving as much of the white rind as possible

• Cut into large bite sized pieces

• Place in blender or juicer

• Store chilled, serve at room temperature

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References: Arturo Figueroa, Marcos A. Sanchez-Gonzalez, Alexei Wong, Bahram H. Arjmandi, Watermelon extract supplementation reduces ankle blood pressure and carotid augmentation index in obese adults with prehypertension or hypertension, American Journal of Hypertension, Volume 25, Issue 6, June 2012, Pages 640–643, https://doi.org/10.1038/ajh.2012.20

Naz, A., Butt, M. S., Sultan, M. T., Qayyum, M. M., & Niaz, R. S. (2014). Watermelon lycopene and allied health claims. EXCLI journal, 13, 650–660.

Zhao, X., He, X., & Zhong, X. (2016). Anti-inflammatory and in-vitro antibacterial activities of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Qingdaisan. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 16(1), 503. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-016-1475-4

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This website provides general information only. Content does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for medical guidance.