The first record of a watermelon harvest dates back to ancient Egypt, 5000 years ago. Since then, watermelons have travelled through history to become widely popular with their 1200 varieties and growing in nearly 100 countries across the world. To satisfy consumer demand, seedless watermelons were invented and first commercialized about 50 years ago. More recently, Japanese agronomists started using glass moulds to grow the fruit into a cubic shape. They certainly allow for a more practical storing and transportation and are possibly easier to slice and serve at a party and be an icebreaker for your guests. However, they come with a rather prohibitive price tag ranging from £50 to £70 and guaranteed to discourage the average shopper!
Juicy and nutritional
Classified as both a vegetable and fruit, watermelons carry 92% of their weight in water and a whole lot of juicy nutrients, including: vitamins A, B6 and C, lycopene, antioxidants, amino acids, potassium. With only 40 calories per cup, they can be integrated in any diet built around weight management goals. They are, in fact, fat-free and very low in sodium. And if you don’t mind snacking on watermelon seeds, studies have shown they are high in proteins, magnesium and good fats.
What's not to love?
More juicy news! Watermelons contain the amino acid citrulline, which is believed to increase exercise performance and improve the urea cycle, helping the body get rid of harmful compounds. If that doesn’t give you enough reasons to not miss any opportunity to consume these vegetables, how about their believed aphrodisiac properties? Citrulline converts into another amino acid, arginine, known for stimulating blood flow, reducing fatigue, and strengthening the immune system. This doesn’t only imply improving circulation and overall cardiovascular health, but also relaxing blood vessels in sexual organs, which is the principle of how erectile dysfunction pills work.
Placebo or science?
So, is watermelon really an aphrodisiac? In the words of Mark Twain, who famously wrote about this food, watermelon is the “chief of the world's luxuries… when one has tasted it, he knows what angels eat.” While science shows the correlation between the amino acid in watermelons and sexual health to be just a tiny bit more than a placebo effect, the amount of fruit that one would have to consume to benefit from this effect is arguably unreasonable. If you are looking for more suitable food to set the mood for your loved one, check out our dark chocolate recipe, and find out more about the happy hormone, serotonin.
365 days of watermelon!
While you might be longing for hotter days and sunnier skies, you do not have to wait until summer to enjoy the hydrating and nutritional benefits of watermelon. You can find this ingredient in all The Turmeric Co. shots, made with watermelon juice, chosen for its superior zero-fat and low sugar properties, preferred to sugar-rich drinks such as apple juice. If you are looking for an immunity boost and quick absorbing vitamins but are not ready for cold drinks quite yet, you can treat yourself, your friends and maybe your Valentine to a warming and delicious potent tea. Preparing it is quick and easy: pour one Turmeric shot into hot water, add lemon and honey. Drinking one tea a day, especially in the morning, on an empty stomach, will make you feel energized, and ready to take on colder winter days that can otherwise be a drain on your energy. You can also try taking it before breakfast instead of your usual cup of coffee. Or take your tea after a meal, to facilitate your digestion and experience an improved gut health over time. Enjoy a cosy and warming love boost moment, without renouncing to the more or less aphrodisiac benefits of watermelon all year round!
