Watermelon is centuries old fruit that is juicy and sweet, and many view it as a perfect treat to quench your thirst during summer heat....READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE ▶▶
With a bright red flesh and little seeds embedded throughout, watermelon is packed with a plethora of nutrients and antioxidants that include vitamins A and C….READ FULL ARTICLE
Watermelon is a good source of antioxidants and nutrients. In addition to supporting hydration, it may also promote many aspects of health, including heart health, and prevent certain health conditions.
Some of the top health benefits of watermelon:
Helps you stay hydrated:
Staying hydrated is important for your body to function properly.
Body temperature regulation, normal organ function, nutrient delivery to cells, and alertness are only some of the bodily processes that rely on adequate hydration.
Eating foods with a high water content may help give your body the water it needs to function properly. Since watermelon is mostly water it can serve as a good choice for daily water intake.
That water content also means this melon has a low calorie density — in other words, very few calories for its total weight. Eating foods with low calorie densities like watermelon help with weight management by keeping you feeling full for longer.
Packed with nutrients and beneficial plant compounds:
Watermelon contains a variety of nutrients, including potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A and C. It’s also relatively low in calories.
Here are the nutrients in 1 cup (152 grams) of raw, diced watermelon:
Calories: 46
Carbs: 11.5 grams
Fiber: 0.6 grams
Sugar: 9.4 grams
Protein: 0.9 grams
Fat: 0.2 grams
Vitamin A: 5% of the Daily Value (DV)
Vitamin C: 14% of the DV
Potassium: 4% of the DV
Magnesium: 4% of the DV
Watermelon is also a rich source of citrulline, an amino acid that improve exercise performance.
Plus, it boasts antioxidants, including vitamin C, carotenoids, lycopene, and cucurbitacin E, all of which are beneficial for your health in watermelon as well as other food sources.
These compounds help combat free radicals, which are unstable molecules that may damage your cells if they accumulate in your body. Over time, this damage may lead to conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Anti-cancer effects:
Several plant compounds found in watermelon, including lycopene and cucurbitacin E, have possible anticancer effects.
While study results are mixed, lycopene intake may be associated with a lower risk of some types of cancer, such as prostate and colorectal cancers.
Additionally, cucurbitacin E inhibit tumor growth by promoting your body’s process of destroying and removing cancer cells.
Improve heart health:
Several nutrients in watermelon support heart health.
Heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide. Lifestyle factors, including the foods you eat, may lower your risk of heart attack and stroke by reducing your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Research suggests that lycopene may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, both key in cardiovascular health.
Watermelon also contains citrulline, an amino acid that increase nitric oxide levels in your body and help your blood vessels expand to lower blood pressure.
Other vitamins and minerals in watermelon include magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A, B6, and C — all of which are healthy and can help your heart and overall health.
Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress:
Inflammation is a key driver of many chronic diseases.
The combination of antioxidants, lycopene, and vitamin C in watermelon help lower inflammation and oxidative damage.
Benefits for bones and joints:
Watermelon also benefit your bones and joint health.
The fruit contains a natural pigment called beta-cryptoxanthin, which may protect your joints from inflammation. Research even indicates that over time, less inflammation could help protect you from developing conditions such as osteoporosis or rheumatoid arthritis.
Helps in digestion:
Watermelon contains plenty of water and a small amount of fiber, both of which are necessary for healthy digestion.
Fiber helps keep your bowels regular, while water more efficiently moves waste through your digestive tract.
Conclusion;
Incorporate watermelon in your daily meals alongside other fruits and vegetables to get the health benefit therein….READ FULL ARTICLE
