Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Another excuse to eat watermelon


During a hot summer day, the mention of watermelon can make anyone week in the knees. We all knew this summer fruit favorite was good for us but more and more research is emerging about its effects on our skin.

Watermelon is the lycopene leader in fresh produce, beating out any other fresh fruit or vegetable. Lycopene has been considered a potential agent for the prevention of some types of cancers. It also promotes cardiovascular health, and a two-sup serving of watermelon is an excellent source of vitamin A, B-6 and C.

While consuming watermelon has great health benefits, new research is emerging in the topical spa treatment arena. Watermelon seed oil and watermelon extract are both highly sought-after ingredients in spa products and treatments.

Watermelon seed oil is rich in omega-6 and -9 fatty acids, it is highly moisturizing and helps dissolve sebum buildup and restore elasticity. Now, watermelon is commonly found in professional skin care products as well. It is often used in baby formulations, creams, lotions, soaps and eye treatments.

Watermelon extract also aids in protecting some cell structures from damage by UV-induced radicals and decreases redness after UV exposure.

Many spas this time of year offer different treatments involving the oils and extracts. Be sure to pamper your summer skin with a watermelon treatment before the chill of fall moves in.

So the verdict is in. Enjoy these summer fruits before their season is over. The watermelon does wonders inside and out.

If you have any great recipes or new beauty products utilizing watermelon, please do share.

share

2 comments:

  1. Great post. I didn't know that watermelon was good for you in all those ways. That's really interesting to me. And makes me want to go out and get some!

    ReplyDelete
  2. It makes me want to go out and get a Watermelon Margarita!:D

    ReplyDelete