August 3 has been marked as World Watermelon Day, highlighting the health benefits of a nutrient dense food that provides a high amount of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for a low amount of calories
Although there is no documentation on the origin of Watermelon Day, it is thought that watermelons first developed in the Kalahari Desert and the first recorded harvest happened about 5,000 years ago in Egypt.
Because of this, the fruit was honoured by Egyptians in the form of hieroglyphics on walls of ancient buildings and by being placed in the tombs of kings to nourish them in the afterlife.
Watermelons have become synonymous with summer and picnics, and for their refreshing quality and sweet taste helps to combat the heat and also provides a guilt-free, low maintenance dessert for kids and adults alike to enjoy.
Many studies have suggested that increasing consumption of plant foods like watermelon decreases the risk of obesity and overall mortality, diabetes, heart disease and promotes a healthy complexion and hair, increases energy, overall lowers weight.
Watermelon aids in reducing the risks of developing asthma, ankle blood pressure, helps combat the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer, helps to prevent constipation and promotes regularity for a healthy digestive tract and is great for the skin because it contains vitamin A, a nutrient required for sebum production that keeps hair moisturised.