10 Facts About Watermelon
While we all know it contains over 90% water, it's time to discover new facts: it's rich in vitamins A and C, contains an antioxidant also found in tomatoes, and is mentioned in the Bible. Watermelon - A Profile
1. The watermelon is an ancient fruit in our land. It is juicy and sweet, highly recommended for eating and enjoyment. In the Bible, it is mentioned once: "We remember the cucumbers and the watermelons" (Numbers 11). It turns out that in Egypt, they were well aware of the watermelon’s beneficial properties and even enjoyed it..
2. In Africa and warm countries, watermelon grows as a wild plant. In our country, it grows under supervision, and several excellent varieties, with and without seeds, are common in the markets. In Arabic, it is called "Bateekh al-Ahmar" - the red watermelon, in contrast to melon which is called "Bateekh al-Asfar" - the yellow watermelon.
3. Watermelon is a plant from the Cucurbitaceae family. It is an annual plant with large, light yellow flowers.
4. Watermelon is mainly composed of water (about 92 percent) and sugars. It is a good source of vitamin B6, vitamin B1, potassium, sodium, magnesium, and dietary fiber.
5. But more than all the vitamins we've listed, the fruit is especially rich in vitamins A and C. A serving of one cup of watermelon provides 24.3% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C and 11.1% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin A through its beta-carotene content (beta-carotene is used by the body to produce vitamin A).
6. Watermelon also contains the powerful antioxidant lycopene (also found in tomatoes). It belongs to the carotenoid family, and according to medical research, it helps reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
7. Another property attributed to watermelon is protection against heart and cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies also suggest that watermelon can protect the body from air pollution, maintain brain function, and promote eye health.
8. Watermelon can be grown in irrigated fields and dry fields (where the fruit grows only from dew). Watermelon grown in dry fields is tastier and juicier.
9. Watermelon is recommended for cleansing sand and stones that accumulate in the body, against dehydration and fluid deficiencies, and it helps with kidney and urinary tract diseases, and purifies the blood. Additionally, it helps remove toxins absorbed in the body, so it is highly recommended for smokers.
10. The blessing for watermelon is "Borei Pri Ha'adamah"..
