Watermelons reign supreme as the quintessential seasonal treat, beloved by folks of all ages for their refreshing, hydrating properties, particularly cherished during the sweltering summer months. However, selecting the perfect watermelon can be a bit of a gamble, as its quality remains concealed until sliced open.
Several critical factors come into play when scouting for the ideal watermelon, with shape, appearance, and color being paramount. Primarily, a good watermelon should feel weighty in your hands, indicating its juiciness and ripeness. Keep an eye out for the telltale melon spot, a creamy yellow splotch on the underside opposite the stem; a green or white spot signifies an underripe fruit. Additionally, a glossy rind is a sign of freshness.
To further gauge ripeness, give the watermelon a gentle tap; a hollow sound indicates peak readiness for consumption. Opt for specimens with a symmetrical round or oval shape, steering clear of any irregularities.
In the quest for health-conscious eating, distinguishing naturally grown produce from those laced with chemical fertilizers is paramount. Many farmers resort to growth accelerants to expedite melon development, with a distinct crack in the core serving as a telltale sign of synthetic cultivation.
Should you encounter such a rift in a watermelon, it’s indicative of chemical intervention during growth.
The benefits of watermelon extend beyond its flesh to include its oft-discarded seeds, teeming with essential nutrients. Don’t toss those seeds aside, as they boast a wealth of goodness. A mere 150 grams of dried seeds contain a whopping 30.6 grams of protein, fulfilling 61% of your daily protein needs.
These seeds pack a punch of essential amino acids like tryptophan, glutamic acid, and lysine, alongside arginine, renowned for its blood pressure-regulating properties and arterial health benefits. Niacin, a B vitamin crucial for nerve function, digestion, and skin health, abounds in these seeds, alongside thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6, and pantothenic acid.
Minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, sodium, copper, manganese, and zinc round out the nutritional profile, bolstering muscle and joint health. As for the watermelon rind, it boasts minimal fat and cholesterol content. Citrulline, abundant in the peel, aids in ammonia detoxification in the liver, combats oxidative stress, promotes vasodilation, and boosts energy levels.
This often-overlooked portion also houses a treasure trove of vitamins A, C, D, E, B6, and B12, alongside pantothenic acid, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium. These vitamins, coupled with antioxidants, fortify the immune system and ward off heart disease, joint inflammation, and various cancers, including colorectal, prostate, breast, and cervical.
Surpassing tomatoes in lycopene content, watermelon emerges as a potent antioxidant, slashing LDL cholesterol levels and safeguarding against cardiovascular ailments, cataracts, and osteoporosis.
An 82-year-old woman was caught shoplifting in a supermarket store
An 82-year-old woman was caught shoplifting in a supermarket. “Please don’t call the police, I don’t want my grandchildren to know”. What happened to her afterward is unbelievable…
The number of people who struggle to make ends meet is way higher that we can even imagine. Not being able to provide for the family is an issue many struggle with, especially these days when the entire world is facing crisis in terms of lack of electricity and inflation. The prices of the basic products get higher and the number of businesses that are forced to shut down grows bigger. Finding a job isn’t as easy it once was. Life is hard for many, especially those who are unable to work because of various reasons.
One 82-year-old grandma was left to take care of her grandchildren. Sadly, because of her age, there was nothing she could do in order to get food. The little money she had wasn’t enough, so she was forced to do something she wasn’t proud of, steal food from a local shop at Via Casilina in Ferentino, Frosinone, Italy.
When an employee spotted her putting canned food in her bag, they confronted her. The grandma was scared and begged them not to call the police. “Please don’t call the cops; I don’t want my grandkids to know,” she kept repeating.
She then explained that she struggled to provide food for her grandchildren as tears rolled down her face.
The store manager was deeply touched by her story. Not only he didn’t call the police, but he let her take anything that she needed. He even told her to stop by whenever she needed food.
“Come grab what you need anytime you want; a few euros don’t matter anything to me,” he said.
We are glad there are still people there as considerate and as caring as this market owner.
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