I love watermelon -- it's one of my favorite summer fruits. It's so juicy, delicious and equally healthy for you. Watermelon contains minerals that help your body use its fluid most effectively. It does more than just replenish fluid, it is packed with vitamin C, A, B1, B6, Beta Carotene, Potassium, and Magnesium. Watermelons are low in calories and are very nutritious. Can you believe that watermelons, squash, and cucumbers are all members of the Cucurbitaceae family? All three grow on vines.

Watermelon helps to soothe overworked body tissues. It's a great fruit to eat to help your body rehydrate after a workout. This refreshing fruit also wards off any ill effects of exercise. It's rich in Lycopene a powerful antioxidant that can prevent the cell damage caused by free radicals. Unlike many fruits, watermelon loses little of its nutritional value when it's cut, so slices can be kept in the refrigerator for a few days.

Watermelons are also filled with the amino acid Citrulline. The Citrulline in watermelon, especially in the rind, is a known stimulator of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is thought to relax and expand blood vessels, much like the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra, and may even increase libido, however no one knows how much watermelon you would have to eat to see similar results to these drug products. Watermelon is 92 percent water by weight and is also mildly diuretic. Watermelon is the perfect fruit for those hot summer days.

 Below is a delicious spritzer recipe to help keep you cool and hydrated through those hot summer days and nights!

Watermelon Lime Spritzer

Prep time: 10 minutes Yields: 2 Quarts

Ingredients:

• 8 cups cubed seedless watermelon
• ½ cup fresh lime juice
• 1 ½ tablespoons of agave nectar
• Sparkling water or soda

Directions:

Place the watermelon and ice cubes in a blender or food processor; blend until smooth. Add lime juice and agave nectar; process or blend until all ingredients are combined. To serve, fill a glass about 2/3 with the "base" of the spritzer. Fill the remaining 1/3 of the glass with sparkling water, leaving some room for ice. Stir and add ice. Garnish with lime and serve.

Enjoy!