10 Health Benefits of Watermelon
Watermelon is a very valuable fruit, low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals. It detoxifies the body, strengthens the immune system, helps to eliminate damage caused by free radicals and prevent serious diseases. Watermelon is high in lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant – which means it can fight free radicals that form in the body and damage cells. Severe free radical damage is associated with serious illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, and many other conditions. The accumulation of free radicals in the body is largely responsible for the aging process.
By consuming foods high in antioxidants, such as watermelon, you limit stress in the body while keeping DNA damage to a minimum and slowing down the aging process.
10 Health Benefits of Watermelon
Following are the some Health benefits of watermelon:
1. STRENGTHENS IMMUNITY
Watermelon is an important source of vitamin C, which helps improve the immune system, shortens the duration of illness, reduces symptoms, and helps the body fight heart disease and cancer. Research shows that vitamin C in watermelon is especially recommended for people with weakened immune systems due to stress.
2. HELPS CONTROL BLOOD PRESSURE AND IMPROVES HEART HEALTH
Helps eliminate low potassium and magnesium deficiency, two important substances that are used to naturally normalize high blood pressure.
Studies show that foods high in potassium have a positive effect on lowering blood pressure, which may reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.
3. RELIEVES MUSCLE PAIN AND INFLAMMATION
Research shows that the amino acid L-citrulline in watermelon is effective in reducing muscle inflammation. Many beneficial substances contained in watermelon, including vitamin C, protect cartilage and bones, repair tendons and ligaments, and promote faster healing of wounds and scar tissue. Magnesium and potassium contribute to muscle recovery and pain relief. Potassium helps relieve muscle cramps after exercise and helps heal injuries faster.
4. PREVENTS KIDNEY STONE FORMATION
The potassium found in watermelon and other fruits and vegetables helps to effectively remove toxins from the blood, thus helping to prevent kidney stones. If there are too many toxins in the blood, they enter the kidneys and can lead to high concentrations of uric acid in the blood, which contributes to the formation of kidney stones, the development of gout and other painful diseases.
Watermelon is also a natural diuretic, which means it helps to increase the amount of urine produced and flush toxins from the body. Caffeinated beverages and alcohol also act as diuretics, but unlike watermelon, they put a strain on the kidneys.
5. CLEANSES THE BODY
Watermelon is 91% water. By including high-water fruits and vegetables in your diet, you can help the body cleanse itself, rid itself of excess fluid, and eliminate bloating and swelling.
Watermelon is an alkaline product; this means it helps raise the body’s pH to its natural level, which is the key to good health. It is believed that diseases are much more difficult to develop in an organism in which an alkaline environment is compared to a more acidic environment. Eating a lot of alkaline foods can help protect your body from disease.
6. MAY HELP IN BREAST AND PROSTATE CANCER
Research shows that lycopene plays an important role in maintaining the cell membrane so that it can defend itself against toxins that could potentially cause cell death or mutation.
Watermelon is an excellent antioxidant that provides vitamin C and vitamin A to help fight free radical damage and stop harmful DNA mutations that cause tumors.
7. PROTECTS THE SKIN
Vitamin C and Vitamin A in watermelon play an important role in maintaining healthy skin. These antioxidants protect the skin from damage caused by harmful free radicals that form when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
Foods rich in vitamin C, such as watermelon, promote collagen synthesis, protect against UV A and B damage, reduce skin hyper pigmentation and help with skin inflammation.
In addition, the manganese contained in watermelon has a beneficial effect on the health and appearance of the skin by promoting collagen synthesis, acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, and reduces swelling and skin infections.
8. IMPROVES EYE HEALTH
Watermelon contains important substances that are important for eye health – vitamin A, vitamin C, lutein and zeaxanthin. Research shows that severe vitamin A deficiency can cause macular degeneration, corneal thickening, and even blindness.
9. CAN HELP TO LOSE WEIGHT
Shouldn’t you give up watermelon if a person wants to lose weight? Not. Watermelon is very low in calories because it contains a lot of water. Just 46 calories per glass.
If you are physically active for weight loss, watermelon will help you exercise and reduce the recovery time of your body after physical activity. Watermelon is also great for athletes, as it contains a large amount of potassium and magnesium. Vitamin C can improve oxygen consumption during exercise, which is important for maintaining normal lung and airway function.
10. HELPS REDUCE REFLUX DISEASE
Any type of melon is effective in treating acid reflux. Melons help calm the gastrointestinal tract and regulate pH levels, while reducing inflammation and acid production throughout the body.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO EAT WATERMELON FOR EVERYONE?
There is no evidence that watermelon is a typical allergen or can interact with medications. However, watermelon should be eaten in moderation as it has relatively high sugar levels. Since watermelon is high in sugar and carbohydrates, but practically free of protein and healthy fats, eating large amounts of watermelon can dramatically increase blood sugar levels. People who have a known form of insulin resistance, pre diabetes, or diabetes are better off choosing fruits that are lower in sugar and high in fiber, such as berries.
If you are healthy and not overweight, watermelon is a safe choice for nutrient-rich foods. Just stick to serving sizes because you can easily eat two or more servings at a time. Try eating watermelon at the same time as other foods containing protein, fiber, and fats to slow down the effect of watermelon sugar on blood sugar.
COMPOSITION OF WATERMELON
One cup of watermelon contains (% of Recommended Daily Intake):
46 calories
0 grams of fat and protein
5 grams of sugar
21% vitamin C
18% vitamin A
5% potassium
4% magnesium
3% copper
3% manganese
3% vitamin B5
3% vitamin B1
3% vitamin B6
PURCHASING WATERMELON
Look for a watermelon with a yellow or cream spot rather than a white spot. Tap the watermelon – the sound should be like a drum. Assess if the watermelon is heavy enough for its size. The heavier the watermelon, the better – this means that all its juices are ripe, and the watermelon is ripe.
