Watermelons reign supreme as the quintessential seasonal treat, beloved by folks of all ages for their refreshing, hydrating properties, particularly cherished during the sweltering summer months. However, selecting the perfect watermelon can be a bit of a gamble, as its quality remains concealed until sliced open.
Several critical factors come into play when scouting for the ideal watermelon, with shape, appearance, and color being paramount. Primarily, a good watermelon should feel weighty in your hands, indicating its juiciness and ripeness. Keep an eye out for the telltale melon spot, a creamy yellow splotch on the underside opposite the stem; a green or white spot signifies an underripe fruit. Additionally, a glossy rind is a sign of freshness.
To further gauge ripeness, give the watermelon a gentle tap; a hollow sound indicates peak readiness for consumption. Opt for specimens with a symmetrical round or oval shape, steering clear of any irregularities.
In the quest for health-conscious eating, distinguishing naturally grown produce from those laced with chemical fertilizers is paramount. Many farmers resort to growth accelerants to expedite melon development, with a distinct crack in the core serving as a telltale sign of synthetic cultivation.
Should you encounter such a rift in a watermelon, it’s indicative of chemical intervention during growth.
The benefits of watermelon extend beyond its flesh to include its oft-discarded seeds, teeming with essential nutrients. Don’t toss those seeds aside, as they boast a wealth of goodness. A mere 150 grams of dried seeds contain a whopping 30.6 grams of protein, fulfilling 61% of your daily protein needs.
These seeds pack a punch of essential amino acids like tryptophan, glutamic acid, and lysine, alongside arginine, renowned for its blood pressure-regulating properties and arterial health benefits. Niacin, a B vitamin crucial for nerve function, digestion, and skin health, abounds in these seeds, alongside thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6, and pantothenic acid.
Minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, sodium, copper, manganese, and zinc round out the nutritional profile, bolstering muscle and joint health. As for the watermelon rind, it boasts minimal fat and cholesterol content. Citrulline, abundant in the peel, aids in ammonia detoxification in the liver, combats oxidative stress, promotes vasodilation, and boosts energy levels.
This often-overlooked portion also houses a treasure trove of vitamins A, C, D, E, B6, and B12, alongside pantothenic acid, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium. These vitamins, coupled with antioxidants, fortify the immune system and ward off heart disease, joint inflammation, and various cancers, including colorectal, prostate, breast, and cervical.
Surpassing tomatoes in lycopene content, watermelon emerges as a potent antioxidant, slashing LDL cholesterol levels and safeguarding against cardiovascular ailments, cataracts, and osteoporosis.
Fоur Оf Miсhаеl J. Fох’s Kids Наvе Аnnоunсеd Тhе Nеws
Michael J. Fox, the award-winning actor, considers fatherhood his most cherished role. Married to Tracy Pollan for over 30 years, they shаrе four children. Fox humorously mentioned to Reader’s Digest that it sometimes feels likе five.
Fox emphasizes the importance of always being available for his children: “Always be available to your kids. Because if you say, ‘Give me five minutes, give me 10 minutes,’ it’ll be 15, it’ll be 20. And then when you get there, the shine will have worn off whatever it is they wanted to shаrе with you.”
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1991, Fox praised his children for their empathy and resilience. His Instagram often features his close bond with them. On Mother’s Day 2022, he wrote to Pollan, “Our children are beautiful, sensitive, intelligent, empathetic, independent, compassionate, adventurous, lovely people. That’s your fault.”
Fox’s eldest son, Sam, works in entertainment, and his twins, Aquinnah and Schuyler, have careers in media and education. His youngest, Esmé, is a Duke University student. Fox continues to dedicate his life to Parkinson’s research, raising over $2 billion.
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