Watermelon is the fruit of summer. In the United States, it’s more popular than cantaloupe, honeydew and all other melons combined.
It’s good for your body, too, especially on a hot day. Here’s a rundown of watermelon’s healthiest qualities, plus some cool and delicious recipes from New York Times Cooking.
It’s hydrating.
“Watermelon” is a fitting name, because it’s more than 91 percent water. When you eat an average-size wedge (10 ounces or so), you’re effectively drinking a full cup of water.
Hydration keeps the body functioning as it should, from promoting blood flow to bowel regularity. The water in watermelon helps keep you hydrated, which can be extra beneficial in hot weather, when you lose more fluids through sweat.
“Our bodies recognize and utilize water molecules regardless of the source,” said Dr. Tamara Hew-Butler, a sports medicine scientist at Wayne State University. “Moist foods like fruit, vegetables and soups are considered water sources.”
Older people, in particular, may find it easier and more enjoyable to get some of their fluids through fruit, said Amy Ellis, a dietitian and associate professor of nutrition at the University of Alabama. They tend to feel less thirsty and therefore drink less — one of the reasons they’re at a higher risk for dehydration and heat-related illness during a heat wave.