Watermelon is a great source of energy
What is watermelon?
There’s much debate as to whether watermelon should be classified as a fruit or vegetable because, although it’s the ripened ovary of a seed plant – the loose definition of a fruit – it’s also planted from seeds and harvested like other vegetables. Thought to originate from southern Africa, the watermelon plant has sprawling stems that can grow up to 3m in length. Today, China is the world’s single largest watermelon producer, cultivating more than 66 million of them every year.
What do you do with it?
Because 91% of a watermelon is water, it comes into its own as a sweet, refreshing post-run snack – just cut into simple, bite-sized chunks. Those with loftier melon ambitions could rustle up a thirst-quenching watermelon-and-basil iced tea or some tasty lamb and minted-watermelon kebabs.
Why is watermelon good for your health?
Just one cup of watermelon provides 20% of your daily vitamin C requirements and 17% of your vitamin A. The former has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and improve asthma symptoms, while regular doses of vitamin A is particularly effective at alleviating the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Even more impressive is its unrivalled lycopene content, a runner-friendly phytochemical essential to bone and cardiovascular health.
Related: Why eggs are a runner’s best friend
Try this: Watermelon Water
What A Melon’s Watermelon Water is 100% natural and makes for the perfect post-run refreshment.
