WATERMELON!

I totally heart watermelon!

Ever since watermelon season started, I have almost singlehandedly eaten 6 watermelons. Granted, the first couple were a little small, but, really!

Can you overdose on watermelon? Can too much of a good thing really be not-so-good? I wanted to know....

Some fun facts about watermelon:
(http://westchesterdish.com/2007/06/ten-facts-you-never-knew-about-watermelon/)

1. Not only does it quench your thirst, it can also quench inflammation that contributes to conditions like asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer, and arthritis.
2. Over 1,200 varieties of watermelon are grown worldwide.
3. Watermelon is an ideal health food because it doesn’t contain any fat or cholesterol, is high in fiber and vitamins A & C and is a good source of potassium.
4. Pink watermelon is also a source of the potent carotenoid antioxidant, lycopene. These powerful antioxidants travel through the body neutralizing free radicals.
5. Watermelon is a vegetable! It is related to cucumbers, pumpkins and squash.
6. Early explorers used watermelons as canteens.
7. Watermelon is grown in over 96 countries worldwide.
8. In China and Japan watermelon is a popular gift to bring a host.
9. In Israel and Egypt, the sweet taste of watermelon is often paired with the salty taste of feta cheese.
10. Every part of a watermelon is edible, even the seeds and rinds.

According to Self Nutrition Data website (http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/2072/2) One cup of watermelon balls contains the following:

46 Calories
0g Fat
0mg Cholesterol
2mg Sodium
12g Carbohydrates
1g Dietary Fiber
10g Sugar
1g Protein
18% DV Vitamin A
21% DV Vitamin C
1% DV Calcium
2% DV Iron

It seems to be that the worst thing about watermelon is the sugar. I say, well, at least it is natural sugar!

Eat on, people! Watermelon lovers unite!

Sprouting seeds

I am involved in a holistic living group here in town. At our last meeting a lovely woman talked to us about sprouting seeds- who knew? I was very intrigued by this and have finally got on the train to sprout my own.

I am sure you have heard of sprouts- the most "famous" being alfalfa sprouts. If you have never eaten sprouts, now may be a good time to enter them into your diet. Here is why:

• They are an amazing source of nutrients given that they contain everything needed to sustain life
• They have an alkalising effect on the body, working against free radicals (cancer causing agents)
• Aid in controlling hot flashes, PMS, menopause and fibrocystic breast tumors
• Contains highly active antioxidants
• Prevent DNA destruction
• Protects from the effects of aging
• Prevents bone breakdown and osteoporosis
• Contains oxygen for healthy cell life
• Provide living enzymes
• Good source of essential fatty acids
• Being a chlorophyll-rich food they act as a blood cleanser

It's not all about alfalfa sprouts. Other common sprouts are broccoli, radish, various bean sprouts, clover and more. For more information about the different types of sprouts and their benefits, see the following websites:

http://www.herbsarespecial.com.au/free-sprout-information/so-good-sprouts.html
http://www.living-foods.com/articles/sproutbenefits.html
http://www.isga-sprouts.org/

Growing your own sprouts!

Growing your own sprouts is super easy! You don't need anything special- just a jar, a breathable cloth, seeds and water. Here is how you do it:

1. Put 2-3 tablespoons of your favorite sprouting mix/seeds in a jar and cover with cheesecloth or other breathable fabric.

2. Rinse with water and drain. Then fill jar up with water a little above the seeds and soak over night. Dry seeds are dormant. By soaking the seeds, you wake them up.

3. Drain and prop at an angle so leftover water can drain throughout the day.

Prop at an angle to drain

4. Continue to rinse seeds twice/day by swirling seeds with a little filtered water and draining and propping up.

5. Sprout for 4-6 days or until the root is 1-2 inches tall.

6. Rinse and place in fridge to be eaten. Consume within a couple days. Yum!

I grew something- yay sprouts!



You can also purchase a sprouter which helps if this is something you plan to have going all the time. Please check out the website http://sproutpeople.org/ for more information.

Here is to better health!