With maximum temperatures shooting up, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heat wave conditions in isolated places in the state. It is learnt that February has been the warmest since 1969 with the average maximum temperature at nearly 35 degrees Celsius and is likely to spill over into the summer. The maximum temperature over Goa is likely to remain 4 to 6 degree Celsius higher than normal. The IMD has cautioned that the above normal temperature can cause moderate health concern among infants, elderly and people with chronic diseases. But there is good news for Goans in order to beat the heat. The markets are flooded with watermelons, both the locally grown ones and those coming from the neighbouring States. The watermelon is rich in electrolytes sodium and potassium that we lose through sweat. The watermelon consists of 93% water. The fruit is not only great on a hot summer day, but this delectable thirst-quencher may also help reduce inflammation. Watermelon contains lycopene and research shows that consuming foods containing lycopene is associated with a decreased risk of prostate and cervical cancer.
