There is more to watermelon than just the vine-like flowering plant that originated from Southern Africa. A bit of this mouth-watering fruit does not only quench your thirst for water or fruit, it also adds health-essential nutrients to your body. A study shows that health benefits of watermelon covers from your brain, all the way to the cells of your feet.
Botanically known as Citrullus lanatus (family Cucurbitaceae), there are five common types of watermelon: Carolina Cross (red flesh), Golden Midget (pink flesh), Cream of Saskatchewan (white flesh), Moon and Stars (yellow flesh) and Orangeglo (orange flesh).
Nutritional Facts:
Despite being made up of 92% water, contains 6% sugars, and low fat, watermelon is considered a nutrient-dense food, which provides a significant amount of minerals, vitamins (Vitamin A, B1-B6, and C), lycopene, antioxidants and amino acids.
Health Benefits:
Here are the possible health benefits of eating Watermelon…
1. Prevent Asthma:
Eating vegetables, including watermelons which are rich in Vitamin C may help to reduce the risk of developing asthma.
2. Blood pressure:
A study published by the American Journal of Hypertension discovered that watermelon extract reduced brachial blood pressure, ankle blood pressure and carotid wave reflection in obese middle-aged adults with prehypertension (or stage 1 hypertension) and that same watermelon extract improved arterial function.
3. Heart diseases:
A study reveals that diets rich in lycopene help prevent cells from damaging and may reduce the risk of heart diseases. The fruits of watermelon contain citrulline and arginine which are good for the heart. Arginine is said to help improve blood flow and may help reduce excess fat accumulation.
Health Benefits:
Here are the possible health benefits of eating Watermelon…
1. Prevent Asthma:
Eating vegetables, including watermelons which are rich in Vitamin C may help to reduce the risk of developing asthma.
2. Blood pressure:
A study published by the American Journal of Hypertension discovered that watermelon extract reduced brachial blood pressure, ankle blood pressure and carotid wave reflection in obese middle-aged adults with prehypertension (or stage 1 hypertension) and that same watermelon extract improved arterial function.
3. Heart diseases:
A study reveals that diets rich in lycopene help prevent cells from damaging and may reduce the risk of heart diseases. The fruits of watermelon contain citrulline and arginine which are good for the heart. Arginine is said to help improve blood flow and may help reduce excess fat accumulation.
4. Cancer:
Like other vegetables, watermelon, through its antioxidant properties can help combat the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer. According to National Cancer Institute, Lycopene is linked to reducing the risk of prostate cancer.
5. Digestion, Regularity, and Hydration:
The high level of water and fiber content of Watermelon helps to prevent constipation and promote regularity for a healthy digestive tract. Its 92% water helps to prevent dehydration during hot sunny days.
6. Inflammation:
Watermelon’s Lycopene is an inhibitor for various inflammatory processes. It also works as an antioxidant to neutralize free radicals in the body. Watermelon also contains choline, which helps to maintain the structure of cellular membranes, transmission of nerve impulses, assists in the absorption of fat and reduce chronic inflammation, according to a 2006 article published in Shock medical journal.
7. Muscle soreness:
According to a 2013 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, watermelon and watermelon juice help to reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery time after an exercise(in athletes). This is attributed to watermelon's amino acids; citrulline and arginine, which help to improve circulation.
8. Skin and hair:
Watermelon contains Vitamin A and C, and according to the Cleveland Clinic, these Vitamins encourage healthy growth of new collagen and elastin cells, which helps keep skin and hair moisturized. Watermelon also contributes to overall hydration, which is vital for having healthy looking skin and hair.
Health risks:
There are no serious side effects if you eat a reasonable quantity of watermelon. However, if you eat an abundance of this fruit daily, you may experience problems due to too much of lycopene or potassium.
1. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 30 mg of lycopene eaten daily may cause nausea, diarrhea, indigestion and bloating.
2. People with serious hyperkalemia, or high level of potassium in their blood, should not consume more than one cup of watermelon a day – which is less than 140 mg of potassium. National Institutes of Health found that hyperkalemia can result in irregular heartbeats and other cardiovascular problems, as well as reduced muscle control.
3. "Though watermelon's sugar is naturally occurring, [watermelon] is still relatively high in sugar," Jarzabkowski warns.
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Photo: google
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Photo: google