Watermelon is widely considered a summertime treat that’s particularly refreshing on a hot day. A staple at backyard barbecues, watermelon makes a great appetizer, side dish, and even dessert. 

Watermelon can also make for a nutritious addition to a backyard barbecue menu. Those who want something nutritious to eat alongside less healthy fare like hamburgers and hot dogs can consider watermelon’s many nutritional benefits.

Watermelon is low in calories.

The Mayo Clinic notes that one cup of watermelon is 46 calories. That makes watermelon an ideal low-calorie dessert, particularly when compared to other treats, including ice cream. The calorie count for a single cup of ice cream varies by flavor, but the United States Department of Agriculture notes that one cup of vanilla ice cream contains 274 calories, while one cup of chocolate ice cream contains 286 calories. Watermelon is a low-calorie dessert alternative to ice cream that can be especially appealing after eating popular backyard barbecue fare.

Watermelon promotes hydration.

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health notes that drinking enough water helps to regulate body temperature, lubricate the joints, prevent infections, and promote proper organ function. Water also delivers nutrients to cells. Come summertime, it’s easy to fall victim to dehydration, but consuming watermelon can help to prevent that. The Mayo Clinic notes that watermelon is 92% water, which can help people remain hydrated on hot summer days spent outside.

Watermelon is a good source of vitamins C and A.

The National Institutes of Health notes that humans cannot synthesize vitamin C endogenously, meaning they must obtain this crucial vitamin from the foods they eat. Watermelon contains 14% of the recommended daily value (DV) of vitamin C per USDA dietary guidelines, making it a worthy addition to anyone’s diet. Watermelon also contains 5 percent of the recommended DV of vitamin A, which the NIH notes is important for normal vision, immune system health, reproduction, and growth and development.

Watermelon contains no fat, cholesterol, or sodium.

It’s not only what’s in watermelon that makes it so healthy, but what’s not in it as well. Unlike other popular desserts, such as ice cream, watermelon contains no fat, cholesterol, or sodium. Choosing watermelon over more traditional desserts can help people reduce their fat intake, lower their cholesterol, and avoid excessive sodium intake.

Watermelon makes for a refreshing treat on a hot summer day. But watermelon offers a host of additional nutritional benefits, making it an ideal food for your next backyard barbecue.