87. WATER MELON

WATER MELON

Nutrition in 100 gm (raw)
Energy: 30 kcal
Carbohydrates	7.55 gm
Sugar	6.2 gm
Dietary fibre	0.4 gm
Fat	0.15 gm
Proteins	0.61 gm
Vitamin A	28 µ gm
Vit B1 (Thiamin)	0.033 mg
Vit B2 (Riboflavin)	0.021 mg
Vit B3 (Niacin)	0.178 mg
Pantothenic acid (Vit B5)	0.221 mg
Vit B6	0.045 mg
Vit B9 (Folate)	3 µ gm
Vitamin C	8.1 mg
Calcium	7 mg
Iron	0.24 mg
Magnesium	10 mg
Phosphorus	11mg
Potassium	112 mg
Zinc	0.10 mg

Watermelon is green and yellow from outside and orange, yellow or pink from inside with many black seeds. It is eaten raw without peel or seeds. Seedless variety is also available. At least 1200 varieties of watermelons are there varying in colour and size.

Water melon contains 6% sugar and the rest is mostly water. It is a good source of vitamin C.

        The rind of the melon is used as a vegetable. It is used in curry, chutney and even pickle.

Benefits:

1. Watermelon is mildly diuretic and contains large amounts of beta carotene.

2. Watermelon with red flesh is a good source of lycopene.

3. Watermelon juice makes a very good drink for hot summer. It is packed with vitamin C, potassium and iron.