One thing that I can't help but notice, since I arrived in China 3 months ago, is the chinese people's love of watermelon!
Watermelon has to be China's favourite fruit! I can't go even a few hours without seeing somebody, somewhere eating the fleshy red fruit. I see it in every shop!. It is served daily to the kids in my centre, my ex-housemates would eat it almost religiously after dinner.
Just this evening, as I was walking back home through the houtong I could see many men and women sitting outside enjoying watermelon too! So that is what inspired this post!
Benefits of Watermelon
- Watermelon is 90% water, perfect for hydrating on a hot summer day in beijing
- In chinese medicine,watermelon is thought to cure constipation caused by heat - scientifically speaking this is due to its rich water and fibre content
- Watermelon is a "cold" food in nature,chinese medicine has the yin and yang theory of balancing hot and cold to restore balance within the body
- High in vitamin A, helping keep our skin,hair and body tissues in tip top condition
- High in vitamin C,keeps our immune systems strong
- Great for weight regulation, watermelon has that satisfying sweet taste while simultaneously being low in calories, the fibre and water create a full feeling in our stomach making us feel full up!
I think the chinese may be onto something here ;)