With 4 weeks of Summer left, you may want to stock up on melons.
Why?
Melons are loaded with powerful compounds that keep you happy,
healthy and slim.
But wait, there’s more, melons can also…

a) Keep The Heart Healthy-
A slice (or two) of melon, (watermelon, cantaloupe or honeydew)
can lower cholesterol by 60% in less than 30 days. Melon contains
2 compounds (lycopene and citrulline) that prevent plaque buildup
and widen blood vessels. Plus, melons can lower heart disease risk by 40%.

b) Reduce Bloating-
If bloating is something you struggle with, perhaps more melon may
be the only natural Rx you need. Melon is way better at hydrating the
body than water. Melons contain rich stores of electrolytes (including
potassium and magnesium) which help balance fluid levels within cells,
prompting the release of excess water for an instantly slimming effect.

c) Skin Care-
Concerned about the damage your skin is taking from being outside?
Well protect it (your skin) by eating more melon, (watermelon). Again, the
lycopene in melon increases the ability of the skin cells to defend against
damaging UV rays, plus helps heal damaged tissue to accelerate recovery
if the skin does burn. Lower sunburn risk by 35% with a slice (or two)
of watermelon 3 to 5 times a week.

And now, it’s time to use those melons to make some
tasty and refreshing beverages.

Beverage No. 1-
Cantaloupe and Kiwi Cooler!
To make:
Place 4 cups of cantaloupe in a blender (you may have to put 2 cups in at first),
1 peeled kiwi and 1/2 tsp. of mint extract and 1/2 cup of water.
Blend until smooth and if you want it colder, add 3 ice cubes.
Garnish the beverage with a sprig of mint.
Calories per serving- 65, Carbs-16g. Prot-2g.

Beverage No. 2-
Watermelon-Basil Blast!
To make:
In a small saucepan, add 3 Tbs. of sugar, 2 basil leaves and 1/4 cup of water,
cook until sugar dissolves, strain into a glass or bowl. In a blender, puree 4 cups of
cubed watermelon, 2 Tbs. of lime juice and 1/2 cup of water. Blend until smooth
and pour into a pitcher. Add the Syrup and some Ice cubes and serve.
Calories per glass-77, Carbs-24g, Prot-1g.

Beverage No. 3-
Cilantro-Honeydew Slushie!
To make:
In a small saucepan cook 3 Tbs. of agave syrup, 2 cilantro sprigs and 3 Tbs. of
water until flavors blend, strain into a bowl or glass. Puree 4 cups of cubed honeydew
melon with 1/2 cup of water. Strain into a pitcher, Stir in the syrup and 1 cup of Ice.
And lastly, if you want it more “fizzy” pour some club soda on top.
Calories per glass-110, Carbs- 28g. Prot-1g.

Sources:
* Journal-Nutrition Research
* U.K. Researchers
* Weill Cornell Medical College
* Foodviva.com-Popular blog

Please share this article (and the recipes) with family and friends over at Facebook,
Tik-Tok, Snapchat, LinkedIn, Reddit, Pinterest and Twitter.