Discover the 10 amazing Health benefits of watermelon.
One of the best fruits to eat in summer is watermelon , which in addition to being very refreshing, contains many health properties. Along with the melon, it belongs to the botanical family Cucurbitaceae and both are very beneficial for the body.
Although some individuals think that this delicious fruit contains only water and sugar, watermelon is rich in nutrients and provides many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants . This fruit is a very healthy food and has a low amount of calories.
Watermelons and the summer period go hand in hand. Its refreshing quality and sweet taste help beat the heat, and for those who want to lose weight, this fruit is a very tasty dessert that does not make you feel guilty when you eat it.
Properties and health benefits of watermelon
There are different types of watermelon, some larger, others less rounded and others without the stripes that characterize them. Regardless of the type of watermelon consumed, they are all highly healthy.
But … what are the properties of watermelon? In the following lines we present the health benefits of watermelon.
Watermelon is associated with summer and it is not surprising, since it is a food with a high water content, 92% of its composition , and contains important electrolytes. It can be eaten at any time and is an ideal “snack” to take at any time. If we also leave it in the fridge, it will not only be delicious, but it will also be very refreshing. When the summer season approaches, watermelon becomes a very appetizing food.
2. Improves the immune system and prevents cell damage
This fruit is rich in vitamin C, which is essential for our immune system and, therefore, protects our body and helps us fight, for example, colds. It also maintains the redox balance of cells and protects them from reactive oxygen species, which damage our cells and DNA.
3. Heals wounds wound healing
The role of vitamin C in wound healing has also been observed in numerous studies, as it is essential for the formation of new connective tissue . The enzymes involved in the formation of collagen, that is, the main component of wound healing, is inefficient without vitamin C. Ultimately, watermelon is involved in wound healing.
4. Improves bone health
Watermelon contains lycopene, which is especially important for our bone health . Dietary lycopene, which is present in some foods such as watermelon or tomatoes, reduces oxidative stress that normally reduces the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, two bone cells involved in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis .
The consumption of lycopene is associated with healthier bones. Watermelon is also rich in potassium, which helps retain calcium in the body, resulting in healthier bones and joints.
5. Improves cardiovascular health.
Consuming watermelon in large quantities, according to a research, positively correlates with the improvement of cardiovascular function , as it increases blood flow through vasodilation.
A study conducted by the American Journal of Hypertension found that watermelon extract supplementation reduces ankle blood pressure, brachial blood pressure, and carotid pressure in obese middle-aged adults with mild hypertension.
6. Helps lose body fat
Watermelon contains citrulline, which helps reduce the accumulation of fat in our fat cells . Citrulline is an amino acid that is converted to arginine with the help of the kidneys. When our bodies absorb citrulline, it has the ability to block the activity of TNAP (non-tissue specific alkaline phosphatase), which causes our fat cells to produce less fat tissue, and therefore helps prevent excessive accumulation of body fat .
7. Improves eye health
This fruit is a great source of beta-carotene (that’s why the reddish color inside it) that is converted into vitamin A. It helps to produce pigments in the retina of the eye and protects against age-related macular degeneration. It also prevents night blindness, maintains healthy skin, teeth, skeletal and soft tissues and mucous membranes.
8. Diuretic effect
Watermelon is a natural diuretic that helps increase urine flow and protects the kidneys . It also intervenes in the ammonia removal process from the liver. Watermelon is a diuretic and natural slimming agent that will help you stay fit and healthy.
9. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
Watermelon is rich in phenolic compounds like flavonoids, carotenoids, and triterpenoids . The carotenoid lycopene in this fruit is beneficial in reducing inflammation and neutralizing free radicals.
The triterpenoid cucurbitacin E is also present in watermelon, and provides anti-inflammatory support by blocking the activity of cyclooxygenase enzymes that normally produce an inflammatory surge. Ripe watermelons contain higher amounts of these beneficial phenolic compounds.
10. Prevents cancer
This fruit, as I have discussed previously, is an excellent source of vitamin C, as well as other antioxidants. That is why it can help fight the formation of free radicals associated with the development of cancer . Lycopene intake has been positively associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer, according to various investigations.
We hope the article on the 10 amazing Health benefits of watermelon has been of help.