Watermelon is believed to have first been domesticated over 4,000 years ago in Northeast Africa .It sweet and juicy, making it the perfect treats to quench your thirst during the summer heat. This large round fruit has a green rind and bright red flesh. It’s also packed with nutrients, including antioxidants and vitamins A and C.
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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. Watermelon comprises 92% water, making it a great choice for daily water intake.
Packed with nutrients & beneficial plant compounds
Watermelon contains a variety of nutrients, including potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A and C. It’s also relatively low in calories. These compounds help combat free radicals, which are unstable molecules that may damage your cells if they accumulate in your body
Anticancer effects
Several plant compounds found in watermelon, including lycopene and cucurbitacin E, have possible anticancer effects. Lycopene is believed to work by lowering blood levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF), a hormone that promotes cell division. Notably, cancer forms when cell division becomes uncontrollable.
Improve heart health
Lycopene may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. It may also help prevent oxidative damage caused by high cholesterol levels. Watermelon also contains citrulline, an amino acid that may increase nitric oxide levels in your body.Other heart-healthy vitamins and minerals in watermelon include magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A, B6, and C
Reduces Inflammation & Oxidative stress
Inflammation is a key driver of many chronic diseases. The combination of antioxidants, lycopene, and vitamin C in watermelon may help lower inflammation and oxidative damage.
Helps to prevent macular degeneration
Lycopene’s role as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound may help prevent and inhibit AMD, though research is limited. One test-tube study that treated eye cells with lycopene found that it decreased the capacity of inflammatory markers to damage cells
Relieves muscle soreness
Citrulline, an amino acid found in watermelon, may improve exercise performance and reduce muscle soreness. This compound helps expand blood vessels so that your heart doesn’t need to work as hard to pump blood through your body The citrulline in watermelon may help improve exercise performance and decrease muscle soreness.
Aids in skin health
Vitamins A and C, which are found in watermelon, are important for skin health.Vitamin C — either when eaten or applied topically — helps your body make collagen, a protein that keeps your skin supple and your hair strong .Vitamin A is also important for healthy skin since it helps create and repair skin cells Several nutrients in watermelon promote hair and skin health, though more research is necessary.
Improves 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 moves waste through your digestive tract more efficiently. The fiber and water content in watermelon may aid your digestive health by supporting regular bowel movements.
The bottom line
Watermelon is a tasty, thirst-quenching fruit that many people enjoy in the heat of summer. It has very high water content and provides nutrients like lycopene, citrulline, and vitamins A and C.
