We are approaching that time of year here in south Texas.
The time of year where there are longer days, warm evenings and easier dinners.
One of the foods that make frequent appearances at our summer meals is the sweet and flavorful watermelon.
And not just for dinner but it’s also a cool, sweet, refreshing treat on a hot afternoon.
Let’s take a look at how this delicious treat breaks down…
Watermelon consists mostly of water (91%) and carbs (7.5%). It provides almost no protein or fat and is very low in calories.
The nutrients in 2/3 cup of raw watermelon are:
- Calories: 30
- Water: 91%
- Protein: 0.6 grams
- Carbs: 7.6 grams
- Sugar: 6.2 grams
- Fiber: 0.4 grams
- Fat: 0.2 grams
You can eat a whole lot of it for minimal calories!
Watermelon contains 12 grams of carbohydrates per cup.
The carbs are mostly simple sugars, such as glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Watermelon also provides a small amount of fiber.
The glycemic index (GI) — a measure of how quickly foods raise blood sugar levels after meals — of watermelons ranges from 72–80, which is high.
However, each serving of watermelon is relatively low in carbs, so eating it should not have a major effect on blood sugar levels.
Don’t listen to health “experts” who criticize fruits because of sugars in them. These are naturally occurring sugars and not the simple sugars in cokes, candies or other sweet things.
Those…you definitely need to do in moderation.
The benefits of a fruit far outweigh the natural sugars in them that some people try to demonize.
What other good things does watermelon offer?
- Vitamin C. This antioxidant is essential for skin health and immune function.
- Potassium. This mineral is important for blood pressure control and heart health.
- Copper. This mineral is most abundant in plant foods and often lacking in the Western diet.
- Vitamin B5. Also known as pantothenic acid, this vitamin is found in almost all foods to some extent.
- Vitamin A. Watermelon contains beta carotene, which your body can turn into Vitamin A.
Watermelon is an exceptionally healthy fruit.
It’s loaded with citrulline and lycopene, two powerful plant compounds linked to lower blood pressure, improved metabolic health, and decreased muscle soreness after exercise.
What’s more, it’s sweet, delicious, and packed with water, making it excellent for maintaining good hydration.
For the vast majority of people, watermelon is a perfect addition to a healthy diet.
Tasty ways to eat it
Really the best way is just a big slice, still in the rind, cold, and juicy running down your hands while you eat it.
Yeah, super messy but it’s also one of those fun easy ways to enjoy it
When I serve it with dinner I do cut it from the rind into neatly sized pieces for more manageable eating 🙂
Check out these ideas for watermelon…
Is watermelon a favorite summer fruit for you? How do you like to eat it?
sassyfitnesschick 
I like to eat watermelon BEFORE my meal, since I prefer the sweet before my savory. But if I have to wait until after . . I’ll survive. 😉
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Priorities, right? I’d often prefer dessert first. 😱
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Two votes!
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