Watermelons galore
WATERMELONS are one of the most bought and loved juicy fruits – widely eaten by those from all walks of life.
The flesh of the watermelon is bright pink and decorated with its black seeds while protected by its green skin.
This fruit, is enjoyable to eat as it is packed with many healthy nutrients and benefits especially in this unbeatable hot season we are facing. It does quench our thirst.
There are many watermelon sellers by the roadside or in our local markets. This has become convenient for buyers as this delicious fruit is made available for local communities at affordable prices.
One of the many dedicated individuals helping to manage a micro business selling watermelons at the Suva Municipal Market is Talei Donu.
Talei helps her father manage his tables at the Suva market – a venture he first started more than 20 years ago.
He began his business as a vendor selling lemons and pawpaws.
Talei said her father's business first started when he owned a single table at the market. Over the years his business grew a great deal, and he now uses various tables in a section of the market selling watermelons and pineapples.
Being a middleman over the years is a fine example that one can still be successful through such a venture.
They have suppliers of watermelons from Vanua Levu, Naitasiri and Tailevu while they buy pineapples from Ba.
She says their supply of these items varies according to the demand and what they need.
These items are also conveniently delivered to them in Suva.
Talei and her family live in Qauia, Lami so having the watermelons and pineapples delivered to the market is convenient for them.
She has seen firsthand the success of her father's business and being able to assist him with it has been a pleasure because it has allowed their family to succeed. Her father's business has provided a source of living and welfare for her family. These include the needs and necessities of their family. Talei encouraged people to consider investing in a micro business of their own as it could bring in much needed profit.
She said, these days it is all about being reasonable with managing and handling a business – no matter the nature.
Newhealth.edunews.com says there are many healthy benefits of eating watermelons which include:
· Watermelons are loaded with important nutrients;
At just 46 calories per cup, watermelon packs a punch when it comes to nutrients. It contains about 15 per cent of your daily vitamin C needs, along with a wealth of other vitamins and minerals including potassium and vitamin A and B6.
· Provides lycopene;
Lycopene is a natural compound found in watermelon and other fruits and vegetables that has antioxidant properties.
The substance is also what gives watermelon its colour; but beyond its hue, lycopene is also good for you, too.
Meyer-Jax says it has been shown to decrease the risk of cancer, heart disease, and age-related eye disorders.
· Source of hydration; Watermelons are composed of more than 90 per cent water that would replace and reduce instances of a person being dehydrated.
· Helps in healthy digestion; Watermelons contain a high water content and a small amount of fiber. "Both are key to keeping digestion moving smoothly. Fiber adds bulk to your stool and keeps you regular, while water helps move waste through your digestive system.
· Assists in weight management; Eating watermelon daily was associated with a decrease in subjects' body weight, body mass index, blood pressure, and waist circumference.