Family, friends, barbecue, and...watermelon!  Summer just wouldn't be as joyful without it.  That juicy, drippy, sweet and beautiful fruit.  Cool off with a slice of heaven and enjoy bountiful health benefits to keep you coming back for more.    

   All the childhood memories aside, let's look at what we are really making....a healthy body.  This wondrous fruit is full of antioxidants, vitamin A, C, B6, B1, potassium, thiamine, magnesium, and is the "lycopene leader."  Watermelon is excellent at promoting health through reducing the risk of heart attack, asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer, and arthritis.

   Considering it is 92% water, it is very hydrating, low in sodium, and low in calories.   

   When choosing your luscious prize, look for fruit that is firm, symmetrical, and free of cracks, bruises, soft spots, or mold.  Your watermelon of choice should have a healthy sheen, a dull rind, dried stem, and a buttery yellow underside.  Of course, it should host a melon-like smell.  Thump once for a dull and hollow sound.

   Do not bring home a melon that is very hard, white, or very pale green in color on the underside, indicating immaturity.