Scene - Blogs - What a melon sweet and savory watermelon salad

What a melon: sweet and savory watermelon salad
Published: 7/2/2012 10:30 PM
Last Modified: 7/2/2012 7:22 PM

from the National Watermelon Promotional board

Watermelon is one of the world’s healthiest foods.

This is actually a food that tastes great, satisfies your sweet tooth and is good for you.

Go figure.

Here are some of the health benefits of watermelon, courtesy of the World’s Healthiest Foods and the National Watermelon Promotional Board.

And below that, I have included a recipe for a watermelon salad.

- Watermelon is said to quench the inflammation that contributes to conditions like asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer, and arthritis.

- Watermelon contains higher levels of lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable (15 to 20 mg per 2-cup serving). Researchers report that plant compounds that give plants red, orange and yellow pigments may act as antioxidants that protect cells from oxygen-related damage that can result from regular cell functions.

- Vitamin A found in watermelon is important for optimal eye health and boosts immunity by enhancing the infection-fighting actions of white blood cells called lymphocytes.

- Vitamin B6 found in watermelon helps the immune system produce antibodies. Antibodies are needed to fight many diseases. Vitamin B6 helps maintain normal nerve function and form red blood cells. The body uses it to help break down proteins. The more protein you eat, the more vitamin B6 you need.

- Vitamin C in watermelon can help to bolster the immune system's defenses against infections and viruses and can protect a body from harmful free radicals that can accelerate aging and conditions such as cataracts.

- A two-cup serving of watermelon is also a source of potassium*, a mineral necessary for water balance and found inside of every cell. People with low potassium levels can experience muscle cramps.

Mediterranean Watermelon Salad

6 cups torn mixed salad greens
3 cups cubed seeded watermelon
1/2 cup sliced onion
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 dash cracked black pepper
In large bowl, mix all ingredients except oil and pepper. Just before serving, toss salad mixture with oil. Garnish with pepper.
Makes 6 servings.

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Thunder196 (8 months ago)

Love watermelon. It is a good snack for the grand kids. I cut it up put it in zip lock bags of some kind. When they want a snack they go to the refrigerator and grab some watermelon for a snack.

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Taste

Food Writer Nicole Marshall Middleton joined the Tulsa World in May 1993 after graduating from Oklahoma State University. She has covered crime, city government and general assignment beats during that time - but mostly crime. But when she isn’t at work, Nicole is a devoted food hobbyist. She enjoys meal planning and cooking with her husband, Steve, every day of the week and on holidays it’s a family affair. When the opportunity to become the food writer at the Tulsa World presented itself in the summer of 2011, Nicole jumped at it. She is excited to explore a new side of Tulsa and make the transition from crime to cuisine. .

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Past Articles By Nicole Marshall Middleton

2/16/2013		Valentine's weekend is last call for hearts
2/14/2013		Have you tried ... greek frozen yogurt
2/14/2013		5 to Find: Last-minute Valentine's Day gift ideas
2/13/2013		Recipes: Meatless main dishes make great meals for Lent
2/13/2013		Eggs and croutons made from the heart
2/12/2013		Puff pastry a timely bit of food from the heart
2/10/2013		Nothing conjures love more than chocolate
2/9/2013		Chocolate filigree hearts great for Valentine's Day cupcakes
2/9/2013		Leftovers inspire a Valentine treat
2/7/2013		Have you tried cacao nibs?
2/7/2013		Mardi Gras mystery: Strange events at S & J Oyster Co. lead to talk of haunting
2/7/2013		What are you ...? with the King and Queen of Blue Dome District's Mardi Gras parade

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