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Watermelon and the Cretan Bowl Diet…The Greek Islands are famous for their huge and juicy watermelons and Crete seems to have the biggest and best! I look forward to July and August when they are so cheap and abundant. Nothing can beat the cool juicy taste of watermelon on a very hot day. One medium wedge (slice) of watermelon contains 1 gram of protein and 1 gram of dietary fibre. Watermelon contains Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C Vitamin A assists with cell reproduction. It also stimulates immunity and is needed for formation of some hormones. Vitamin A helps vision and supports bone growth, tooth development, and helps maintain healthy skin, hair, and mucous membranes.
Deficiency of Vitamin A can cause night blindness, dry skin, poor bone growth, and weak tooth enamel.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) is important in the production of energy and assists cells in converting carbohydrates into energy. It is also essential for the functioning of the heart, muscles, and nervous system. Shortage of thiamine can cause weakness and fatigue. Vitamin B6 is important in creating antibodies in the immune system. It helps maintain normal nerve function and acts in the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin B6 is also needed for the chemical reactions of proteins. The higher the protein intake, the more need there is for vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 deficiency in the diet can cause dizziness, nausea, confusion, irritability and convulsions. Vitamin C is an important vitamin in that it plays a significant role as an antioxidant, thereby protecting body tissue from the damage of oxidation. Antioxidants act to protect your cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of the body’s metabolism. Free radicals can cause cell damage that may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Watermelon also contains the phytochemical lypocene, which helps prevent disease. Studies indicate that lypocene protects against cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer most notably prostate with some studies showing protective properties against breast, endometrium and lung cancers as well.
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