Fresh

Seasonal Spotlight: Antioxidant-Rich Watermelon

Watermelon is just sugar water. Or is it? Easily summer’s favorite fruit, watermelon might surprise you in just how nutritious it is. Get the facts below and fun ways to incorporate watermelon into your diet this summer.

Not long ago, I heard someone refer to watermelon as “sugar water”. Even though this summer fruit is juicy and sweet, watermelon has so much more to offer.

Watermelon is a healthy addition to your summer diet because it is:

Hydrating. Eating fruits and vegetables that have a high water content is a great way to stay hydrated, and watermelon is no exception. It’s made up of about 92% water!

Full of vitamins and minerals. Watermelon is a great source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps fight free radicals (aka, damage from the sun) and lycopene, which has been shown to lower inflammation.

Anti-aging. Vitamin C helps produce collagen in the skin resulting in a youthful glow, while vitamin A helps create and repair cells to give you that enviable glow. Watermelon is a great source of both of these beautifying vitamins.

A muscle reliever. Potassium and magnesium are important for muscle and pain relief, both of which are found in watermelon. Potassium in particular helps prevent muscle cramping after exercise and speeds up the recovery rate post-injury.

Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy summer’s favorite fruit:

  • In a drink. Make a watermelon slushy by blending with coconut water, lime juice and ice cubes (or try out this recipe for a watermelon lime cooler).
  • Make a salad out of it by sprinkling feta cheese and mint to the watermelon bowl.
  • Eat cold straight out of the container.
  • Turn it into a salsa for a fruity twist on a Mexican classic.
  • Make it the crust for a fruit pizza 

However you choose to enjoy this delicious summer fruit, do so with ease knowing that you are getting a heavy dose of nutrients with each bite!


Carly Paige, health coach and cooking instructor, believes that healthy doesn’t have to be hard. Her mission is to show you simple swaps in and out of the kitchen to elevate your everyday that will transform your health. Carly is the author of Simply Swapped Everyday, a healthy guide and cookbook with over 75 plant-powered recipes and founder of FitLiving Eats – a place where she shares nutritious recipes and how-to guides.

Find Your location and Schedule Your Tour Today!