HEALTH AND NUTRITION

Why you should eat more watermelon during this cold season

Foods are the best way to get all the vitamins and minerals that your body needs.

In Summary

•Foods are the best way to get all the vitamins and minerals that your body needs.

•Melons can be eaten on their own or are easily incorporated into salads.

For most of us, this cold season of July means stocking up on warm clothes, taking less showers or drinking less water.

But for your body to function properly, it needs to be hydrated properly.

Your body loses water through breathing, sweating, digestion, and body temperature regulation.

Well, watermelons could save you the hassle, not only will watermelon give you those extra fluids you need to get better, but will also give you a boost of extra vitamins.

Melons can be eaten on their own or sometimes included in salads or paired with other fruits like oranges, strawberries, cucumber, lettuce, and cabbages. These are good examples of healthy vegetables that contain high amounts of hydrating properties.

Always go for a ripe watermelon, this is because they contain high amounts of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps with the prevention of illness.

Lycopene reduces respiratory inflammation and may prevent infections making it perfect for the colder weather. 

Some signs and symptoms that your body is dehydrated include low moods, a feeling of thirst, dry mouth and lips, dark-coloured urine, dizziness and headaches.

Watermelons are also packed with vitamin C, vitamin A and magnesium, which offer great benefits, especially for people with diabetes and heart disease.

Image: flip.it

Being indoors also means less movement of your joints.

A slice of watermelon will also benefit your joints. It has a natural pigment that protects your joints from inflammation.

The sneezing, coughing, and fever that accompany a cold or flu can also negatively affect your eyes.

Eyes can be dry and tired, and it is common to develop an eye infection while under the weather.

Our eyes are sensitive, so it is important to care for them as best you can, especially during this cold and flu season.

According to WebMD, one medium slice of watermelon gives you 9-11% of the vitamin A you need each day. This nutrient is key in maintaining healthy vision. 

Foods are the best way to get all the vitamins and minerals that your body needs.

Pick a melon that is free of dents, nicks, and bruises if you want to buy a whole piece from the market.

Always look for a yellow, not white, spots on the bottom. This signals that it is ripe.

A juicy, ready-to-eat watermelon will feel heavy for its size, get those Vitamins in!

WATCH: The latest videos from the Star