Why Watermelons?
We believe that our watermelons are life-giving fruit, not only through the countless health benefits that they offer, but because our melons are extensions of our mission at Kerlikowske Family Farms.
That mission is two-fold: First, we want to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ by creating a platform for people to explore what it means to follow Jesus; you’re looking at that piece of the puzzle right now. Second, we get to help further the Kingdom of God through giving. The sad truth of watermelon farming is that many watermelons, though delicious as can be, don’t meet the eye-test. Even though an ugly watermelon may taste great, many of the commercial markets which sell our melons can’t take them. In most cases, watermelon farmers will take the unwanted melons and throw them out. However, after constant prayer, we were inspired to do something different. We put in the same amount time, effort, and money as we put into harvesting and packing the cosmetically appealing melons, and we send all of the unwanted melons to food pantries and other places in need around Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. We believe that no sacrifice is too big, and we believe that if we offer what little we do have, God will take our offering and multiply it to further his Kingdom.
Heart Health
Watermelon’s high levels of lycopene are very effective at protecting cells from damage and may help lower the risk of heart disease, according to a study at Purdue University. Also, the fruit’s concentrations of citrulline and arginine are good for your heart. Arginine can help improve blood flow and may help reduce the accumulation of excess fat. A study published in the American Journal of Hypertension found that watermelon extracts helped reduce hypertension and lower blood pressure in obese adults.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
“The lycopene in watermelon makes it an anti-inflammatory fruit,” Jarzabkowski said. Lycopene is an inhibitor for various inflammatory processes and also works as an antioxidant to neutralize free radicals. Additionally, the watermelon contains choline, which helps keep chronic inflammation down, according to a 2006 article published in Shock medical journal.
Reducing inflammation isn’t just good for people suffering from arthritis. “When you’re sick, you have cellular damage, which can be caused by a variety of factors including stress, smoking, pollution, disease, and your body becomes inflamed,” Jarzabkowski said. “It’s called ‘systemic inflammation.'” In this way, anti-inflammatory foods can help with overall immunity and general health.
Digestion
The watermelon contains fiber, which encourages a healthy digestive tract and helps keep you regular.
Skin And Hair Benefits
Vitamin A is stellar for your skin, and just a cup of watermelon contains nearly one-quarter of your daily recommended intake of it. Vitamin A helps keep skin and hair moisturized, and it also encourages healthy growth of new collagen and elastin cells, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Vitamin C is also beneficial in this regard, as it promotes healthy collagen growth.
Muscle Soreness
Watermelon-loving athletes are in luck: drinking watermelon juice before an intense workout helps reduce next-day muscle soreness and heart rate, according to a 2013 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. This can be attributed to watermelon’s amino acids citrulline and arginine, which help improve circulation.
Cancer Prevention
Like other fruits and vegetables, watermelons may be helpful in reducing the risk of cancer through their antioxidant properties. Lycopene in particular has been linked to reducing prostate cancer cell proliferation, according to the National Cancer Institute.