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Pakistani Watermelon.

Watermelons are one of the best fruits of summer. Not only are they very beneficial for your health, they are also satisfying - nothing like a cool, juicy, red watermelon slice or glass of its juice! On top of all these plus points, they are affordable by the general public as they are available in plenty and can be seen being sold on hand carts; by roadsides and open spaces or wherever the seller decides to set up shop and stack his truckload of the fruit!

It is cultivated in Pakistan from early April to mid June. Watermelon is sensitive to cold temperature and even a mild frost can severely damage the crop. The best average temperature range for watermelon during the growing season is between 18°C and 35°C .

Pakistan ranks is 30 in watermelon production and its share is only 0.3 percent in the global production. In Pakistan it is grown in the interior areas of Province Punjab and Sindh. In terms of production, Punjab ranks first, Balochistan second, Sindh third and fourth KPK having share of 55.87%, 21.29%, 11.84% and 10.29% respectively. In Punjab Province, Bahawalpur, Khanewal, D.G. Khan, R.Y. Khan, Shaikhupura, Multan, Vehari and Bahawalnagar are the major growing districts.

The exact distribution of these was dependent on the variety of watermelon but there was no area in any of the watermelon varieties that came out lacking. So juice it or have a slice; make the rind into a preserve and eat the flesh of the seeds which contain nutrients such as vitamin B, potassium, magnesium, and zinc, as well as a good source of healthy fats and protein. BENEFITS:

May help prevent cancer:

Researchers have studied lycopene and other individual plant compounds in watermelon for their anti-cancer effects. Though lycopene intake is associated with a lower risk of some types of cancer, study results are mixed. The strongest link so far seems to be between lycopene and cancers of the digestive system (1Trusted Source). It appears to reduce cancer risk by lowering insulin-like growth factor (IGF), a protein involved in cell division. High IGF levels are linked to cancer. In addition, cucurbitacin E has been investigated for its ability to inhibit tumor growth.

May improve heart health: Heart disease is the number one cause of death worldwide. Lifestyle factors, including diet, may lower your risk of heart attack and stroke by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Several nutrients in watermelon have specific benefits for heart health. Studies suggest that lycopene may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. It can also help prevent oxidative damage to cholesterol. According to studies in obese, postmenopausal women and Finnish men, lycopene may also reduce the stiffness and thickness of artery walls.

May help to relieve muscle soreness:

Citrulline, an amino acid in watermelon, may reduce muscle soreness. It’s also available as supplement. Interestingly, watermelon juice appears to enhance the absorption of citrulline. One small study gave athletes plain watermelon juice, watermelon juice mixed with citrulline or a citrulline drink. Both watermelon drinks led to less muscle soreness and quicker heart rate recovery, compared to citrulline on its own.

Good for skin and hair:

Two vitamins in watermelon — A and C — are important for skin and hair health. Vitamin C helps your body make collagen, a protein that keeps your skin supple and your hair strong. Vitamin A is also important for healthy skin since it helps create and repair skin cells. Without enough vitamin A, your skin can look dry and flaky. Both lycopene and beta-carotene may also help protect your skin from sunburn.

May lower inflammation:

Inflammations a key driver of many chronic diseases. Watermelon may help lower inflammation and oxidative damage, as it's rich in the anti-inflammatory antioxidants lycopene and vitamin C.

Best Wishes.