Watermelons reign supreme as the quintessential seasonal treat, beloved by folks of all ages for their refreshing, hydrating properties, particularly cherished during the sweltering summer months. However, selecting the perfect watermelon can be a bit of a gamble, as its quality remains concealed until sliced open.
Several critical factors come into play when scouting for the ideal watermelon, with shape, appearance, and color being paramount. Primarily, a good watermelon should feel weighty in your hands, indicating its juiciness and ripeness. Keep an eye out for the telltale melon spot, a creamy yellow splotch on the underside opposite the stem; a green or white spot signifies an underripe fruit. Additionally, a glossy rind is a sign of freshness.
To further gauge ripeness, give the watermelon a gentle tap; a hollow sound indicates peak readiness for consumption. Opt for specimens with a symmetrical round or oval shape, steering clear of any irregularities.
In the quest for health-conscious eating, distinguishing naturally grown produce from those laced with chemical fertilizers is paramount. Many farmers resort to growth accelerants to expedite melon development, with a distinct crack in the core serving as a telltale sign of synthetic cultivation.
Should you encounter such a rift in a watermelon, it’s indicative of chemical intervention during growth.
The benefits of watermelon extend beyond its flesh to include its oft-discarded seeds, teeming with essential nutrients. Don’t toss those seeds aside, as they boast a wealth of goodness. A mere 150 grams of dried seeds contain a whopping 30.6 grams of protein, fulfilling 61% of your daily protein needs.
These seeds pack a punch of essential amino acids like tryptophan, glutamic acid, and lysine, alongside arginine, renowned for its blood pressure-regulating properties and arterial health benefits. Niacin, a B vitamin crucial for nerve function, digestion, and skin health, abounds in these seeds, alongside thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6, and pantothenic acid.
Minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, sodium, copper, manganese, and zinc round out the nutritional profile, bolstering muscle and joint health. As for the watermelon rind, it boasts minimal fat and cholesterol content. Citrulline, abundant in the peel, aids in ammonia detoxification in the liver, combats oxidative stress, promotes vasodilation, and boosts energy levels.
This often-overlooked portion also houses a treasure trove of vitamins A, C, D, E, B6, and B12, alongside pantothenic acid, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium. These vitamins, coupled with antioxidants, fortify the immune system and ward off heart disease, joint inflammation, and various cancers, including colorectal, prostate, breast, and cervical.
Surpassing tomatoes in lycopene content, watermelon emerges as a potent antioxidant, slashing LDL cholesterol levels and safeguarding against cardiovascular ailments, cataracts, and osteoporosis.
Simone Biles responded to critics about her hair just hours before winning her 8th Olympic medal.
Even though Simone Biles is the most decorated U.S. Olympic gymnast with over 35 medals and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, some people still criticize her.
One person complained, “Simone Biles’ hair never looks right. Everyone else on the team looks put together, but she looks like she just rolled out of bed.”
Before the women’s gymnastics team finals, Simone Biles, 27, shared a message for her critics on her Instagram Story.
“Don’t comment on my hair,” Simone Biles wrote in a video she posted. “It was done, but the bus had no AC and it was super hot. Plus, the ride was 45 minutes.”
In another Instagram Story, she shared a selfie and said, “Gonna hold your hand when I say this
Next time you want to comment on a Black girl’s hair, JUST DON’T.”\PARIS, FRANCE – JULY 30: Simone Biles of Team United States reacts after finishing her routine on the uneven bars during the Artistic Gymnastics Women’s Team Final on day four of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on July 30, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Many women usually wear their hair in a slicked-back ponytail or bun, but Simone Biles has been wearing a looser style.
The rules say USA gymnasts must be “well groomed” and keep their hair “secured away from the face” so it doesn’t block their view of the equipment.
Despite the rules, many people on social media have criticized Simone Biles’ hairstyle.
Comments include:
“Simone Biles’s hair stylist should be fired.”
“Did Simone Biles purposely not do her hair? Every other gymnast’s hair is neatly done, but hers is messy. It almost seems on purpose… wtf?”
“I know Simone Biles talked about hair comments in her documentary, but she needs someone else to do her hair, not just her mom.”
“Simone Biles is flawless, but her hair isn’t.”
I don’t see anything wrong with Simone’s hair. She’s following the rules, so she should be able to wear it however she wants. People need to leave her alone!
Share if you agree!
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