When most people eat a watermelon, they devour the red flesh inside and toss the rest of the watermelon in the trash or, if you’re a gardener, the compost heap. Using the whole watermelon is a fantastic way to make multiple meals and lessen waste. The key to chowing down on watermelon rind is knowing how to prepare it.
Nutritional Benefits of Watermelon Rind
Watermelon may be one of the most appropriately named fruits. It’s a melon that’s 92 percent water. It’s also got a healthy amount of vitamins A and C, potassium, magnesium, and other important nutrients. The most popular part of the watermelon is the pink flesh, but like its cousin, the cucumber, the whole thing is edible. This includes the green scraps that usually end up in the compost bin. Many may not realize, however, that it is completely safe to eat the rind, which is the green skin that keeps all that water-logged delicious fruit safe.
Next time you slice into a watermelon, consider keeping the rind. It’s a quick and tasty way to improve your overall health.
Why You Should Consider Eating Watermelon Rind
Here are just a few reasons why you should consider not throwing it out:
Potential Health Benefits
No, watermelon rind isn’t nature-powered Viagra, but some research shows that it may help men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. Its libido-boosting powers come from the amino acid citrulline, which is concentrated in the rind. One study showed that taking L-citrulline supplements can improve erections without many of the potential side effects associated with Viagra. Try spritzing your watermelon rind with lemon juice and sprinkling some chili powder on it. Both additives also are good for your heart, and your, ahem, other love organ.
Besides improving your performance in bed, citrulline might improve your next athletic performance as well. However, most evidence for this is anecdotal. Citrulline promotes the dilation of blood vessels. One study suggests that citrulline supplements improve oxygen delivery to muscles, potentially improving exercise performance.
If your doctor instructed you to lower your blood pressure, try eating watermelon - rind and all. Some research has shown that watermelon extract supplements are able to help obese adults control their blood pressure. However, citrulline supplements are likely more effective. Most studies suggest citrulline supplements reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension. Watermelon is also a potential diuretic, which often is prescribed for people with high blood pressure.
Rich Source of Fiber
Another benefit of watermelon rind is that it’s a rich source of fiber. A diet high in fiber has a whole host of health benefits, including the following:
- Fiber helps maintain regular bowel movements and may help reduce the risk of developing diseases of the colon.
- Fiber can help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
- Foods with fiber fill you up faster, helping achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Only about 5 percent of adults in the United States get the recommended daily value of fiber. Consider eating the rind to boost your fiber levels!
Ways to Prepare Watermelon Rind
The key to chowing down on watermelon rind is knowing how to prepare it. Here are a few popular options:
1. Pickled Watermelon Rind
Watermelon rind is pretty similar to a cucumber, which is why it’s no surprise that pickled watermelon rind is such a popular option. To get it naturally, try pickled watermelon rinds, an old-fashioned treat in the southern states.
2. Juiced Watermelon Rind
By now, we’ve all heard about watermelon juice, which is made from the juicy, red flesh of the melon, but did you know you can juice the rind, too? Just like the watermelon flesh, rind is loaded with water and nutrients.
3. Stir-Fried Watermelon Rind
When it’s cut up, watermelon rind is just like a vegetable, which means it can be tossed in a pan and stir-fried right alongside broccoli and carrots.
Old Chinese Recipes: Watermelon Rind With Pork
Looking for some inspiration? Try freezing whole watermelon slices for a nice treat on a summer’s day.
tags: #eating #skin #of #watermelon