01/06/2025

ON SUNDAY JUNE 1, 2025 theSunday Special VIII

Watermelon knows what the weather’s like

Not just the ultimate thirst-quencher. It cools, cleanses and quietly powers up your body, especially when eaten right

I T’S hard to think of a more satisfy ing snack on a hot Malaysian day than a cold slice of watermelon. Whether it’s cut into triangles and served at a kenduri, packed into school lunchboxes or blitzed into juice at a mamak stall, watermelon is one of those simple pleasures that somehow feels like both food and drink in one bite. It doesn’t need frills. No fancy prep, no added syrup, no hype. Just cold, red and juicy. Beneath that familiar sweetness is a fruit that’s quietly working overtime to keep your body hydrated, balanced and functioning at its best. In a climate like ours, where the sun doesn’t just shine, it scorches and the humidity clings to your skin like cling wrap, watermelon is more than a casual treat. It’s practically a survival tool. With its high water content, natural electrolytes, gentle sugars and anti R[LGDQWV LW FRROV \RX GRZQ ÀXVKHV \RXU system and gives you just enough of a lift to carry on with the day. Unlike many trend driven “superfoods”, it doesn’t come with a price tag that makes your wallet sweat. Y RX¶OO ¿QG LW HYHU\ZKHUH ± IURP pasar tani WR URDGVLGH VWDOOV LQ OXQFK EX̆ HWV and packed into Tupperware. Always D̆ RUGDEOH DOZD\V LQ VHDVRQ DOZD\V GRLQJ its job without demanding attention. S R LI \RX¶YH EHHQ EUXVKLQJ LW R̆ DV D ¿OOHU IUXLW LW PLJKW EH WLPH WR UHFRQVLGHU

Here’s what watermelon can do for your health and why making room for it in your daily routine could be one of the most H̆ RUWOHVV ZHOOQHVV XSJUDGHV RXW WKHUH Hydration, the tasty way With over 90% water content, watermelon KHOSV UHSOHQLVK ÀXLGV ORVW WKURXJK VZHDW sun exposure and everyday activity, without the need for sugary drinks or store-bought isotonic solutions. It also contains potassium and magnesium, essential electrolytes that help keep your ERG\¶V ÀXLG EDODQFH LQ FKHFN 7KLV PDNHV it especially helpful after exercise, outdoor work or even a hot commute. Just a few slices can do what a bottle of coloured VSRUWV GULQN FODLPV WR ± PLQXV WKH DG ditives. Speeds up post-workout recovery Watermelon contains an amino acid called L-citrulline, which may help improve EORRG ÀRZ DQG UHGXFH PXVFOH VRUHQHVV Some small studies even suggest that drinking watermelon juice after a workout can reduce next-day muscle pain. It’s also naturally high in natural sugars, which means it helps replenish glycogen stores after physical activity, ideal for those breaking fast, hitting the gym or recovering from a hike. Just skip the salt; some stalls like to sprinkle it on top, but it doesn’t need the help.

Lycopene in watermelon supports heart and skin health.

Supports heart health Bright red and naturally sweet, water melon owes its colour to lycopene, a pow erful antioxidant also found in tomatoes. Lycopene helps neutralise free radicals LQ WKH ERG\ UHGXFHV LQÀDPPDWLRQ DQG is linked to a lower risk of heart disease. It also supports healthy blood pressure levels and can help keep blood vessels flexible. That means watermelon isn’t just good for cooling you down, it’s quietly helping to protect your heart with every juicy bite. Nourishes skin from within Ever notice your skin looking a little dull when you’re dehydrated? Watermelon doesn’t just hydrate your body; it helps refresh your skin, too. The combination of water, lycopene, Vitamin C and antioxi dants helps protect against sun damage, improves elasticity and keeps the skin plump. Regular intake may help reduce dryness, especially when combined with a diet that is already rich in water. Add a few slices to your morning routine and let your skin thank you from the inside out.

Helps regulate body temperature In traditional Chinese medicine, water melon is considered a “cooling” food and Malaysians who have grown up with the concept of badan panas know precisely ZKDW WKDW PHDQV )HHOLQJ ÀXVKHG RYHU heated or unusually lethargic? A cold bowl of tembikai could be what your system needs to reset. It helps reduce internal heat and can bring relief during fevers, menstrual discomfort or after exposure to prolonged sun. Light on the stomach, heavy on satisfaction Watermelon is a great post-meal snack because it’s easy on the digestive system and low in calories, yet still sweet enough to feel indulgent. If you’re trying to cut down on processed desserts or sugary drinks, switching to a small bowl of chilled watermelon can satisfy your sweet tooth and help you feel full longer, thanks to its ¿EUH DQG ZDWHU FRQWHQW -XVW UHPHPEHU eat it fresh, not stored in the fridge for days. The fresher, the better.

Perfect for Malaysia’s climate, hydration has never tasted this good.