Watermelon… Magic Fruit?

Submitted by Kelly Devine Rickert, MS, RDN, CSSD, LDN, Registered Dietitian/Health Coach, Franciscan WELLCARE

Having difficulty with eyesight? Body fat reduction? Or cardiovascular health? Who knew watermelon can assist with all of these issues! Watermelon is not only an amazing and fun summer treat, it also beneficial in the following ways:

• Body Fat Reduction: Watermelons contain the amino acid citrulline which goes through a series of steps that results in our fat cells creating less fat than usual.
• Bone and Cardiovascular Health: Large amounts of watermelon have been linked to improved blood flow through relaxing blood pressure. Additionally, watermelon contains lycopene which promotes bone health, due to the lessening of oxidative stress, therefore improving bone strength. Watermelon also contains potassium which assists in calcium retention in ones bones.
• Antioxidant: Watermelon is rich in flavonoids, carotenoids, and triterpenoids. Lycopene is a cartenoid that reduces chances of inflammations by eliminating free radicals that can infect the body.
• Diuretic & Hydration: Watermelon contains about 92% water. Therefore it is a natural diuretic that increases urination without putting stress on the kidneys like alcohol or caffeine.
• Improves Eye Health: Watermelon is a wonderful source of beta-carotene or vitamin A. Vitamin A assists in skin, teeth and eye health.

So make sure to indulge in this sweet treat as often as possible this summer! Watermelon Strawberry Smoothie Recipe (courtesy of food.com)

• 3 cups watermelon
• 1 1/2 cups strawberries
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 cup ice
• sugar, to taste ( I use Stevia sweetner)

1. Make a smoothie by blending watermelon with the strawberries, lime juice, ice, and sugar (Stevia).
2. Or juice small amount and add a splash to lemonade.

Sometimes Meat and Potatoes Just Don't Play Well Together

Submitted by Lori Granich, RD, Clinical Dietitian at the Midwest Bariatric Institute

There are thousands of bacteria naturally present in our environment. Not all bacteria are harmful; in fact, some are used beneficially in foods such as yogurt.

Pathogenic microorganisms are the viruses and bacteria that can make you and your family sick. Cross contamination is the transfer of pathogenic microorganisms from one surface to another. This occurs when juices from uncooked foods come in contact with cooked foods or raw fruits and vegetables.

It is estimated that each year about 1 in 6 Americans get sick from a foodborne illness and 128,000 are hospitalized. Prevent cross contamination in your home

Tips for Preventing Cross Contamination

1. Separate raw meat, poultry and seafood from other foods in your grocery cart. This can prevent any raw juices from dripping onto other foods and contaminating them.
2. Store raw meat, poultry, and seafood below all other foods in your refrigerator to prevent juices from dripping onto other foods.
3. After preparing food, make sure to wash, hands, kitchen surfaces, and utensils with hot soapy water for at least 20 seconds.
4. Use a separate cutting board for cutting raw meat, poultry, and seafood. If this is not possible, make sure to wash with hot soapy water all surfaces that come in contact with the raw food before moving onto preparing any other food item.
5. Never use marinade that held raw food for marinating cooked foods. Have a separate container of marinade for using on cooked foods.
6. When grilling, always use a new plate for serving the cooked food. Never reuse the plate that held the raw food unless it has been washed in hot soapy water.

For more information on food preparation and food poisoning, visit our online Total Health resources.

Dietetic intern Ashley Chambers, Purdue University, contributed to this post.
Sources: USDA.gov, FoodSafety.gov, CDC.gov