Watermelon -- The Benefits Of This Summertime Delight

My son and I have eaten 2 watermelons in the past week and a half. We love it! And right now it's in-season, so we're getting our fill! I ran across an article in the August 11, 2008, issue of First, touting this fruits great benefits. Did you know:

• By eating just 2 cups of watermelon a day you can slash your risk of sun-related skin damage by 40 percent? According to the Journal of Nutrition, watermelon is nature's richest source of lycopene, an antioxidant that scavenges the free radicals that cause sunburn and wrinkling.
• By eating a few slices after dinner you can extend the deep stages of your sleep by 27 percent? Watermelon's polysaccharide carbohydrates rev the body's output of serotonin. When serotonin rises at night, the brain is less sensitive to disruptive stimuli during sleep.
• A daily serving of watermelon can hoist energy levels by up to 23 percent? Watermelon contains vitamin B6, which the body uses to synthesize feel-good dopamine. Plus, it's magnesium assists in the body's formation of adenosine triphosphate, which fuels cellular function for all-day zip.
• Watermelon ensures quick recovery from summertime scrapes. It's packed with the amino acid citrulline, which the body converts to arginine, which speeds the delivery of white blood cells to injury sites and spurs the growth of new skin tissue.

Tip: Watermelon should be stored at room temperature because long-term refrigeration can sap nutrients and flavor. However, stick it in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing to retain it's juiciness. A quick chill causes the fruit's cells to constrict and thus the juice stays in the slices instead of running out onto the cutting board.