Easy Ways To Keep Your Skin From Aging

Nothing completes a picnic like a big chunk of watermelon.

And while taste alone makes this fruit a standout, it's a nutritional gem, too: One cup of watermelon delivers more than 21 percent of the daily value of vitamin C and 18 percent of vitamin A - in fewer than 49 calories.

Watermelon also packs plenty of B vitamins and potassium, known for helping to control blood pressure, and its high water content (92 percent) makes it an ultra-hydrating nosh. Some easy ways to serve this summertime favorite:

Grilled Sea Bass With Watermelon Salsa

In a small bowl, combine 2 cups diced, seedless watermelon; 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion; 1 cup chopped, peeled, and seeded cucumber; 1 tablespoon lime juice; and 2 tablespoons minced cilantro. Serve over two grilled sea bass fillets, rubbed with a mixture of 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and a dash of pepper.

Chilled Watermelon Soup

In a blender, mix 3 cups seeded, cubeb watermelon; 1 cup stemmed strawberries; 1 tablespoon lime juice; and ˝ cup low-fat plain or vanilla yogurt. Blend until smooth, cover, and chill at least one hour.

Watermelon Rind Pickles

Combine approximately 1 pound cubed watermelon rind, trimmed of dark green and pink, with 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup sugar, 4 cups water (or to cover), 2 cinnamon sticks, and 1 tablespoon grated ginger. Bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer until rind is near translucent, about an hour. Pack pickle and syrup mixture in sterilized glass jars, and chill 24 hours. Keep refrigerated.

Spinach And Watermelon Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing

For dressing, combine 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 2 teaspoons honey, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon poppy seeds. In a bowl, toss 4 cups fresh, washed spinach leaves and ˝ cup thinly sliced red onion with dressing. Top with 2 cups cubed, seedless watermelon, and ž cup crumbled feta.

Author: Wendy McMillan

Tired of apples, pears, and other fall fruits? Slice open a kiwi. This fuzzy piece of produce is packed with heart-healthy nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and vitamins C and E.

Research shows eating kiwis daily may help prevent heart disease and stroke by limiting the blood's ability to for life-threatening clots and by lowering triglycerides - fats that thicken the blood.

Kiwis also contain eye-protecting carotenoids, which lower the risk of macular degeneration (a leading cause of age-related blindness). Enjoy the tangy-sweet taste of kiwis on their own or in one of these simple recipes:

Kiwi Fruit Smoothie

In a blender, mix ˝ cup pineapples juice, 1 tablespoon agave, 1 sliced banana, and 2 peeled, chopped kiwis. Blend until smooth.

Honey Mustard Chicken Salad With Kiwi

For dressing, combine 1 teaspoon mustard, ź cup honey, 1 cup plain yogurt, and ž teaspoon celery seed. Drizzle over 3 cups cubed chicken and 3 peeled, diced kiwis; stir to blend.

Kiwi-Marinated Pork Chops

In a baking dish, cover 4 to 6 thin-cut boneless pork chops with 3 peeled, mashed kiwis; marinate for 30 minutes. Sauté ˝ cup chopped Vidalia onion in 2 teaspoons olive oil. Stir in 1 cup applesauce and ˝ teaspoon cinnamon. Spoon sauce over kiwi-topped chops, and bake at 375 degrees, covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for 20 more.

Author: Beth Bence Reinke

Resource For This Articles: Natural Solutions Magazine, June & November 2008