FRUIT SPLASH
Watermelon – the perfect summer fruit – is not only refreshing and tasty but also a great ingredient in your weightloss plans and beauty regime.
This juicy fruit is one of those divine foods that’s healthy yet tasty. It’s low in calories and high on vitamins A, B6 and C, minerals, lycopene, antioxidants and amino acids. It can be added to your salad, juice, soups and desserts. It’s versatile, but ask me how I would like to have it, I would simply cut it into chunks and eat it without any frills and fuss! The benefits of this nutritious superfood are not limited to ingesting alone, you can feed it to your skin by adding it to your DIY beauty recipes. To encourage you further, here are five reasons why you should include this darling in your daily regime:
Anti-ager
Enriched with vitamins A, C and lycopene this hydrating fruit saves your skin from free radical damage, which leads to premature signs of ageing like wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. So whether you apply it or eat it results are going to show up. It also prevents skin from sun damage. Simply rub a slice of fresh watermelon or you can mix 1 tbsp watermelon juice with 1 tbsp mashed avocado. Apply it and leave it on for about 15 minutes and wash off with cool water. This will improve the skin’s elasticity and leave a healthy and youthful skin.
Thirst Quencher
The super cool fruit contains 92 percent water – due to high water content it is perfect for hydrating your body and skin during scorching summers. One glass of watermelon juice gives you a good dose of vitamins and electrolytes, and enough fluid to help the tissues in our body to function effectively. Proper hydration also keeps problems like dizziness, fatigue and increased heart rate at bay.
Another major problem that you can face due to dehydration is dry and dull skin. Mix 1 tsp watermelon juice with 1 tsp honey and apply on the face. Leave it for about 20 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.
Acne Inhibitor
This cousin of cucumber proves to be an excellent healer for acne. It prevents inflammation and soothes the skin. Take watermelon juice, add a drop of tea tree essential oil and gently massage it on your face. Let it stay for 15 minutes and rinse off with water. Or stir up a pack blending 1 tbsp watermelon juice and 1 tbsp mashed banana. Apply it evenly on entire face and wash it with lukewarm water after 20 minutes. Both these DIY recipes will help reduce the excess oil secretion and minimise the pore size.
Tress Tamer
Most of us are concerned about our crowning glory (I truly envy those who don’t have bad hair days, is that even possible?) and in order to keep it healthy you need to have a healthy body. Rich in phytonutrients, watermelon promotes hair growth. And it’s not just the flesh of the fruit that can promote healthy and lustrous mane but chewing its seeds can also strengthen the strands. Include roasted watermelon seeds in your diet to add a shine to your hair. So next time when you have watermelon don’t throw its seeds.
Refreshing Energiser
Watermelon juice can be a perfect partner for your daily workouts. Daily intake of this fruit can boost your energy levels. It contains more than 90 percent water which keeps a person hydrated and energised after a hectic training session. Being a rich source of electrolytes it helps in delivering nutrients to your cells and keeps the body strong. And unlike a few healthy foods, which tend to bring in calories with them this superfood is low on sugar. So you’re not going to end up wearing it on your waist.
Fun Fact: Egyptians placed watermelons in the burial tombs of kings to nourish them in the afterlife.
