You can eat every part of the watermelon. That's right. From the seeds to the rind, all parts can be beneficial to one's health. Watermelon is 92% water, making it a great snack for the warmer summer months. And what better time to speak on watermelon, than on National Watermelon Day?

Lisa Peterson is the Nutrition and Wellness Educator for the University of Illinois Extension and spoke on many great ways to work watermelon into your diet. Peterson notes that less illness may occur during the summertime based on extra activity, and the increased consumption of highly nutritious and vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables.

Peterson notes how many citizens are not getting their recommended dose of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. Also saying that working healthy options into one’s diet will take some preparation. Peterson reminds the community that canned and prepackaged fruits and vegetables have their place in a healthy diet, as long as the juice being used to preserve the food, is natural fruit juice.

Watermelon seeds will not produce a watermelon farm in one’s stomach. The seeds actually make for a great source of protein. Peterson says that only one-eighth of a cup of watermelon seeds is four grams of protein. There are also many ways to prepare the seeds and mix them into your diet. Like baking the seeds and sprinkling them on a parfait.

For more nutritious information about healthy summer snacks, you can visit, https://extension.illinois.edu/cjmm.

Lisa Peterson appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.