Watermelons are a part of the Cucurbitaceae family, which also includes cantaloupes and honeydew. Watermelon is actually both a vegetable and a fruit. It is not only delicious in taste but also contains many essential health boosting elements.
The red flesh of watermelon is a rich source of lycopene, a powerful phytonutrient, which overcomes free radicals and the damage caused by them. Lycopene is a blood-thinning agent and improves the flow of blood in the arteries around the heart, making it highly beneficial for cardiac and blood pressure problems. Lycopene promotes bone heath and is said to prevent prostate cancer.
Watermelon also contains high levels of L-citrulline, which is converted by the body to L-arginine, an essential amino acid. L- arginine is responsible for clearing clogged arteries, which are the major cause of heart problems and high BP. L- arginine plays an important role in healing wounds, regulating hormones and improving the immune system. Above all, L- arginine removes waste from the kidneys and flushes out excess water. Thus, it makes watermelon amazingly effective for detoxification and boosts metabolism.
Potassium is another important mineral, abundantly found in watermelons. Potassium plays a vital role maintaining the body’s electrolyte balance; it improves nerve and muscle function and reduces the risk of high blood pressure.
Besides these, the juicy fruit is also rich in Vitamin A, an antioxidant that fights age-related eye damage and is highly essential for vision and clear skin, Vitamin C, which improves the body’s resistance to diseases and eliminates free radicals and Vitamin B6 that is required to digest protein and to make red blood cells.
In spite of containing so many nutrients, watermelon is 92% water, making it one of the best foods for losing weight. A cup (100g) of watermelon contains just 30 calories, 12g of carbohydrates and 9.42g of natural sugar. This low sugar count makes watermelons safe for diabetics. Watermelons actually improve blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of chronic disease, however, each individual case is different and it is best consume them after talking to one’s physician to avoid any ill effects.
The best way to consume watermelons is raw, which provides the body with all its nutrients intact, besides dietary fiber for smooth bowel movement. Watermelon juice or smoothies are another way to imbibe its goodness. You can also use it as a part of salads, desserts, sandwiches, mixed with muesli or just as plain garnishing. Just use your imagination and choose the deepest red watermelon pulp to get the most of its health benefits.