01/08/2024
✨With summer kicking off, watermelon is usually on the menu more frequently!
🍉Watermelon sometimes gets a bad reputation because it has a high glycemic index (GI). But here’s the thing: the glycemic index doesn’t tell the whole story and it was never intended to dictate your food choices.
❗️(And side note: ice cream has a lower glycemic index than watermelon because it naturally has fat and a little bit of protein to “balance out” the carbs. However, most would agree that watermelon is a healthier choice more routinely than ice cream, right?)
💧Since watermelon has such a high water content, it actually has a low glycemic load (GL), meaning it doesn’t impact blood sugar levels as much as the glycemic index would suggest.
Moreover, when you combine watermelon with other nutrients like protein and fat, you can keep blood sugar levels even more stable. WIN!🏆
•Besides being delicious, watermelon offers a lot of health benefits:
🌿VITAMIN C: A powerful antioxidant that may also boost egg quality. Studies show vitamin C’s role in reducing oxidative stress, which is important for reproductive health .
🌿ANTIOXIDANTS: Watermelon is high in carotenoids and lycopene, which have been shown to reduce inflammation, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Lycopene, in particular, has been studied for its potential anti-cancer benefits .
🌿HYDRATION: Given the name, this is probably not surprising, but watermelon has a high water content, which helps keep you hydrated .
✨Watermelon is tasty in:
🥤Smoothies
🥗Salads (think: watermelon & feta salad!)
🍉As part of a snack with a handful of zinc-packed pepitas!
What’s your favorite way to enjoy watermelon?