My melons are wonderful

Where has the summer gone?  The other day I seemed to spend the time running to put the washing out or running out to bring the damn stuff back in again.  Had a wander down to the Riverside Festival on Saturday in blazing sunshine, I arrive then within minutes I was sodden when the skies literally dropped an ocean in a matter of minutes.  Yesterday I went up to The Arboretum for Pagan Pride festival dressed in t shirt and shorts, I had to come back early as I was freezing.

Whilst I was up there I was snacking on some watermelon when I friend said this to me "Eat melon alone or leave it alone because it'll make your stomach groan".  At first I thought she wanted me go away and eat it as I'd never ever heard that phrase before, but apparently if you eat something 30 or so minutes before and after eating melon it can affect you!?!?!? Anyone else heard of that?  So here I am back at home wondering what else don't I know about the humble melon. 

Watermelon has more lycopene than raw tomatoes, lycopene being a powerful antioxidant as well as giving foods their red/pink colour.  Watermelon juice may help reduce/relieve muscle soreness if taken before a work out but beware this also contains high levels of the sugar fructose.

The watermelon rind is edible.  Placed into a blender with some lime it becomes a refreshing treat.  The rind contains more nutrition in some respects than the flesh, particularly citrulline which is an amino acid beneficial for a healthy immune system.  I hate the pips in watermelon but they contain protein & zinc.

As a watermelon is 91% water it is a good way to stay cool & hydrated on hot days(if they ever return).  Watermelon derived supplements namely citrulline & arginine have been shown to reduce blood pressure, inflammation, promote sexual health as well as being called "Nature's Viagra".  I'm hot footing down to Sainsbury's fruit section.....

til next week

MB