Six Reasons to Choose Watermelon as a Snack
Watermelon is a tasty snack to have on hand at any time of the year. Check out these six reasons to keep watermelon on hand for quick snacks.
High in Vitamin A
You’ll get 18 percent of your daily requirement of vitamin A in a cup of watermelon cubes. Why is vitamin A important? It’s a retinoid that is important to how the eyes absorb light. It also helps with the function of the cornea and conjunctival membranes.
Contains Lycopene
You’ll find a good deal of lycopene in a cup of watermelon. This carotenoid gives the fruit its red color and is touted for helping lower blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease.
Minimal Fat
While there are trace amounts of plant-based fats in watermelon, there is not enough to worry about. Watermelon is a fat-free food with only 0.2 grams of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. A cup of watermelon cubes contains 77 mg of omega-6 fatty acids.
Packed With Antioxidants
Vitamin C is one of the most well-known antioxidants. It helps the immune system, helps with calcium absorption, and helps the body form collagen. A one-cup serving of watermelon cubes contains 21 percent of your daily requirement of vitamin C.
Water Content is High
Older adults don’t always drink the amount of water they need. If your parents have ever been dehydrated or been asked to drink more, watermelon is a great way to boost hydration.
The water content in watermelon is 92 percent. Your parents don’t have to eat a lot of it to replace a glass of water.
Rich in Amino Acids
Watermelon is rich in amino acids. They help the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and heal and repair tissues. L-citrulline is one of the most prevalent forms of amino acid found in watermelon.
L-citrulline helps with circulation. It also helps relax the blood vessels, which is an important factor in heart health and blood pressure.
When watermelon is on sale, often around Independence Day and Labor Day, buy whole melons. Cube as much as your parents can eat and tuck it in the refrigerator. The rest of the cubes can be frozen and used for smoothies.
Elderly care services also help ensure your parents have enough water each day. Arrange to have caregivers on hand to cook meals, stay with your parents while they eat, and keep their water glass full. Call an elderly care agency to schedule caregiver visits.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Elder Care in Haverford, PA, please contact the friendly staff at Suma Home Care.
Call today: (484) 206-4544
Sources:
https://nutritiondata.self.com/
https://www.livescience.com/
- Elder Care Strategies for Assisting Seniors in Shingles Recovery - December 29, 2023
- Physical Therapy at Home: How Seniors Can Maximize Benefits - December 19, 2023
- Personal Care at Home: A Guide to Senior Skin Care - December 13, 2023