Here are the Top 5 Watermelon Health Benefits That You Need To Know

Here are the Top 5 Watermelon Health Benefits That You Need To Know

Here are the Top 5 Watermelon Health Benefits

Watermelon is the most refreshing and moisturizing fruit, and it’s one of the popular choices especially during the summer season. But beyond quenching thirst, watermelon is a rich source of nutrients with multiple health benefits. In this article, we’ll go over a hundred reasons why you should drink watermelon (and why it’s more than just delicious)!

1. Keeps You Hydrated 

Watermelon has more than 90% water, making it one of the driest fruits on the planet. Hydration plays a vital role in maintaining proper body function, such as body temperature, lubricating joints and improving digestion. And its organic sweetness also serves as a yummy supplement to your daily fluid requirements.

Lesson Learned: Watermelon is one of the best sources of hydration for those summer days.

2. Rich in Vital Proteins.

‘A slice of watermelon is much more than water. It contains many necessary vitamins and minerals, such as:

Vitamin C: A very active antioxidant which supports your immunity, protects you from free radicals and improves the look of your skin.

Vitamin A: Needed for your eyesight and skin health.

Potassium: Key to controlling blood pressure and heart health.

Magnesium: Contributes to the creation of energy, contraction of muscles, and function of nerves.

Summary: Watermelon is a low-calorie fruit, which contains vitamin A and C, along with minerals such as potassium and magnesium.

3. Packed with Antioxidants.

Watermelon is a great source of antioxidants such as lycopene, which is a phytonutrient that helps to fight cardiovascular disease and cancer. Researchers believe lycopene mitigates oxidative stress, lowers inflammation and might even safeguard against certain cancers, such as prostate cancer.

Bottom Line: Watermelon's antioxidant, lycopene, can decrease your cancer risk and your heart disease.

4. Keeps You Healthy.

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Luckily, watermelon contains some heart-healthy nutrients. Along with lycopene, the fruit contains citrulline, an amino acid that can increase blood flow and reduce blood pressure. Watermelon’s potassium also helps maintain good blood pressure.

Summary: Citrulline and potassium in watermelon can reduce blood pressure and increase circulation for your heart.

5. Helps Rebuild Muscles.

Athletes love watermelon because of its muscle soothing properties. Citrulline (the plentiful antioxidant in the fruit) is thought to boost blood flow and neutralize lactic acid in muscles to help speed up the process of recovery after intense workouts. A recent study even showed that drinking watermelon juice immediately after workouts lowered post-workout muscle soreness.

The Final Lesson: Watermelon’s citrulline also helps alleviate muscle soreness and exercise recovery.

6. Helps To Keep Your Skin And Hair Healthy.

Watermelon is packed with Vitamin A and C, it is a natural beauty enhancer. Vitamin C helps your skin produce collagen which will keep your skin tight and hydrated. Alternatively, vitamin A restores the skin cells and prevents dryness. These nutrients also aids healthy hair by making follicles stronger and increasing hair growth.

Summary: Watermelon is a natural cosmetic to help get glowing skin and hair.

7. Promotes Health of Digestive System.

Through its abundance of water and small fiber content, watermelon has the power to help digestion and prevent constipation. Watermelon isn’t as fiber-packed as other fruits, but its water and nutrients will nonetheless help your gut to run smoothly.

Important Point: Watermelon keeps your digestion in check and relieves constipation.

8. Low in Calories, High in Satiety.

When you want a filling but low calorie snack, watermelon is the answer. It’s also guilt-free for your sweet tooth because the cup of watermelon cut into pieces only has approximately 46 calories. Because the fruit is full of water, you can stay full longer which is perfect for losing weight.

ADVICE: Watermelon is a low-calorie fruit, that can keep you feeling satisfied without adding a lot of calories to your diet.

9. Supports Good Eye Health

Watermelon vitamin A is an essential nutrient for eye health. Daily intake of vitamin A-rich foods keeps night blindness and age-related macular degeneration, which commonly damages the eyes of people in their 70s, at bay.

Pros: Watermelon’s vitamin A is important for good eye health and may prevent eye diseases.

10. Fights Inflammation

Chronic inflammation causes numerous conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Watermelon has many anti-inflammatory nutrients such as lycopene and vitamin C, which help minimize inflammation in the body and prevent chronic diseases.

Important Takeaway: Watermelon contains anti-inflammatory nutrients that may lower the risk of chronic diseases.

Conclusion

And more than just a summer treat, watermelon is also a nutritional superfood rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and moisture. If you’re after heart health, a healthier gut, radiant skin, or just need to stay hydrated, watermelon has a number of health advantages you can harness all around the year.

References

US Department of Agriculture. (n.d). Watermelon, Raw. FoodData Central. Retrieved from https://fdc.nal.usda.gov

National Institutes of Health. (2012). Lycopene: Side Effects and Mechanisms of Action. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Tarazona-Daz, M., Alacid, F., Carrasco, M., Martnez, I., & Aguayo, E. (2013). Hydration melon juice: could be effective for athletes with aching muscles. 61(31): 7522-7528, published online at https://pubs.acs.org.

There are several ways in which watermelon can make you feel more enlightened about health. Try it and see for yourself!
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