If you’re like most people, you’re probably familiar with watermelon as a stable of summer picnics and BBQ’s.
What if we told you that this unique fruit (or vegetable) is chock-full of key nutrients, like lycopene, L-Citrulline, and Potassium?
What if we told you that drinking watermelon water allows you the opportunity to take advantage of amazingly hydrating properties of watermelon—with no added sugars, artificial ingredients, or additives?
We dove deep into the history and composition of these fascinating plants to give you the facts on watermelon—and why you might want to consider making watermelon water your new favourite drink:
1. A Watermelon is 92% Water
Scientists believe that watermelons originated in the bone-dry Kalahari Desert, with records of this plant going back to at least 5000 BC.
In fact, the wild cousin of our modern watermelons still thrives in the Kalahari Desert: called Tsamma Melons, they’re an incredibly important resource to the indigenous people of Kalahari.
This is because, like cacti, watermelons store vast quantities of water. In the Kalahari, these wild watermelons are used to this day as an important standby in case water runs out.
As you’ve probably guessed from enjoying this sweet fruit in the summer, watermelons have a very high water content.
In fact, each watermelon is about 90% water or more which makes it an incredibly hydrating plant.
This high water content is what gives watermelon water a very light and refreshing flavor—never syrupy sweet or thick.
2. There’s no Need for Added Sugar
One of the most amazing things about fruit is their natural sweetness.
Each watermelon, while 92% water, is 6% sugar. Now, this isn’t the sickly-sweet type of sugar contained in soft drinks.
Sugary soft drinks have actually been shown in studies to make dehydration worse, as the mixture of sugar and caffeine is not nourishing to the body.
It’s natural sugar, and it makes for a uniquely flavorful drink that can hydrate and satisfy a sweet tooth at the same time.
And unlike sugary soft drinks, watermelons have been shown to top the listin terms of hydration. This is because of their high water content and unique blend of electrolytes.
3. It’s Packed with Potassium
Like we just mentioned, watermelon is an incredible source of electrolytes.
This comes down to its high potassium content: a bottle of high-quality watermelon water will contain a significant amount of potassium.
This incredibly important mineral accomplishes so many functions in our bodies, in addition to being a powerful part of adequate hydration.
Interestingly, its effects come down to its ability to produce positively charged ions in water, which then help conduct electricity throughout the body.
4. Ever Heard of Lycopene?
If you’ve ever cracked open a watermelon, then you know it contains bright red vibrant flesh.
Similar to fruits like tomatoes and grapefruits, this unique red-pink hue is thanks to a component of watermelon called lycopene.
In addition to making these fruits vibrantly-coloured, lycopene is a powerful phytonutrient and antioxidant.
5. It’s Both a Fruit and a Vegetable
When you drink watermelon water, you can simultaneously claim to be eating your vegetables and getting in a serving of fruits.
Scientifically speaking, watermelon falls into the rare category of being both a vegetable and a fruit at the same time!
What’s the reason for this double identity? Well, this versatile plant is considered a fruit because it is the “ripened ovary of a seed plant,” which is the very definition of a fruit.
On the other hand, because watermelon is grown like a vegetable crop—and is related to plants like squashes and pumpkins—it’s also considered a vegetable.
This may account for the different ways people consume watermelon.
In many countries, like Australia and the United States, it’s eaten as a fruit.
In countries like China, however, the rind of the watermelon is stewed and sauteed like a vegetable.
Despite its identity crisis, one thing is sure: it’s delicious however you slice it!
6. Watermelon contains L-Citrulline
In addition to being a rich source of potassium and lycopene, watermelon is an excellent source of an amino acid called citrulline.
Tips for Getting the Best Watermelon Water
- No added sugar. Watermelon has its natural sugar content, and there’s no need to add sugar, corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners to this natural beverage. Avoid watermelon water that has added sugar.
- No artificial flavours. Really, there’s no need to supplement the amazing and unique flavor of watermelon with artificial flavourings. Avoid watermelon water that adds unnecessary ingredients.
- No preservatives. Aim to purchase a high-quality watermelon water that doesn’t contain preservatives; a good company will use smart packaging techniques to preserve freshness and flavor, so there will be no need for preservatives or other additives.
This electrolyte and nutrient-packed hydrating drink can help you satisfy a sweet tooth and keep you refreshed on a warm summer day.
Best of all?
It does all this without any additives, preservatives, or sweeteners.
Check out our natural H2melon watermelon water to add this delicious, nutritious beverage into your life!