Watermelon time – to chill or not?!

Watermelon is one of our family’s favorite summer fruits! Not only will it help to keep your hydrated, watermelon is also a wonderful source of phytonutrients, especially lycopene. Lycopene is a carotenoid that gives many fruits and veggies like tomatoes, pink guavas, pink/red grapefruit and watermelon their color. It is one of the most powerful antioxidants found in food and may play a significant role in preventing several common cancers, including lung, prostate and stomach cancers, and may reduce your risk of developing colorectal, pancreatic, oral, esophageal, cervical, and breast cancer.  Lycopene is also known for helping to reduce blood pressure and LDL cholesterol, which can lower heart disease risk and slow macular degeneration.

Prep Smart Tip: Since research has shown that up to 40% more lycopene is formed at room temperature, as compared to when chilled, you may want to leave whole watermelon on the counter for several days before serving, to maximize the lycopene content. Once cut, it is important to refrigerate any leftovers promptly! Need a recipe idea for watermelon? Try my Citrus-Infused 50-50 Salad!  For more info about lycopene and preventing cancer with your fork, check out my article: A Powerful Tool for Cancer Prevention and http://pcrm.org/health/cancer-resources/diet-cancer/nutrition/how-lycopene-helps-protect-against-cancer

Timaree Hagenburger, a registered dietitian, certified exercise physiologist with a master’s degree in public health, is a nutrition professor at Cosumnes River College and sought after speaker. She is so excited about the Plant-Based Nutrition and Sustainable Agriculture certificate program that she and her colleague started there, and also conducts local events, corporate wellness work, has a regular segment on California Bountiful TV, is a frequent podcast guest, and published her innovative and practical cookbook – The Foodie Bar Way: One meal. Lots of options. Everyone’s happy. available at www.FoodieBars.com Find details about Timaree’s upcoming events (cooking demos, book signings and talks about the incredible power you yield with your fork!), and if you missed any of her newspaper columns, podcast interviews or TV appearances, you can find them here at https://www.thenutritionprofessor.com/