It is not only its flavor, but also its texture, which makes the watermelon one of the favorite fruits of adults and children. Whether we eat it fresh and freshly cut, or in juices, ice creams and smoothies, it fascinates us because it is refreshing and provides many health benefits.
So let’s review what they are:
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Nutritional benefits and properties of WATERMELON
Helps hydrate you
Drinking water is an important way to keep your body hydrated. However, eating foods that are high in water content can also help. Interestingly, watermelon is 92% water. And when a food has that characteristic, what it does is that it provides one of the reasons why fruits and vegetables help you feel full.
The combination of water and fiber means you’re eating a good amount of food without a lot of calories.
Contains nutrients and beneficial plant compounds
As for fruits, watermelon is one of the lowest in calories, only 46 calories per cup (154 grams). That’s lower than even low-sugar fruits like berries.
A cup (154 grams) of watermelon also has many other nutrients, including these vitamins and minerals:
- Vitamin C: 21% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
- Vitamin A: 18% of the RDI
- Potassium: 5% of the RDI
- Magnesium: 4% of the RDI
- Vitamins B1, B5 and B6: 3% of the RDI
Watermelon is also rich in carotenoids, including beta-carotene and lycopene. Also has citrullinean important amino acid.
Here is an overview of the most important antioxidants in watermelon:
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage caused by free radicals.
carotenoids
Carotenoids are a class of plant compounds that include alpha-carotene and beta-carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A.
lycopene
Lycopene is a type of carotenoid that does not break down into vitamin A. This powerful antioxidant gives plant foods like tomatoes and watermelon a red color and is linked to many health benefits.
Cucurbitacin E
Cucurbitacin E is a plant compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Bitter melon, a relative of watermelon, contains even more cucurbitacin E.
Contains compounds that may help prevent cancer
Researchers have studied lycopene and other individual plant compounds in watermelon for their anticancer effects.
Although lycopene intake is associated with a lower risk of some types of cancer, study results are mixed. The strongest link so far seems to be between lycopene and cancers of the digestive system.
Can improve heart health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Lifestyle factors, including diet, can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke by lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Several Nutrients in Watermelon Have Specific Benefits for heart health.
Studies suggest that lycopene may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. It can also help prevent oxidative damage to cholesterol.
Based on studies in obese, postmenopausal women and Finnish men, lycopene may also reduce the stiffness and thickness of arterial walls.
May reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
Inflammation is a key factor in many chronic diseases.
Watermelon can help reduce inflammation and oxidative damage, as it is rich in the anti-inflammatory antioxidants lycopene and vitamin C.
In a 2015 study, lab rats were fed watermelon powder to supplement an unhealthy diet. Compared to the control group, they developed lower levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein and less oxidative stress.
What antioxidant, lycopene may also benefit brain health. For example, it can help slow the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
May help prevent macular degeneration
Lycopene is found in various parts of the eye where it helps protect against oxidative damage and inflammation.
It can also prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This is a common eye problem that can cause blindness in older adults.
May help relieve muscle pain
Citrulline, an amino acid in watermelon, can reduce muscle pain. It is also available as a supplement.
Interestingly, watermelon juice appears to enhance citrulline absorption.
Research has also looked at citrulline’s potential to improve endurance and exercise performance.
So far, citrulline does not appear to improve exercise performance in the amounts studied, but it remains an area of research interest.
It is good for skin and hair
Two vitamins in watermelonA and C, They are important for healthy skin and hair.
Vitamin C helps your body make collagen, a protein that keeps your skin supple and your hair strong.
Vitamin A is also important for healthy skin, as it helps build and repair skin cells. Without enough vitamin A, your skin can look dry and flaky.
can improve digestion
Watermelon contains a lot of water and a small amount of fiber, both of which are important for healthy digestion.
The fiber it can provide bulk to the stool, while the water helps to keep the digestive tract moving efficiently.
Eating fruits and vegetables rich in water and fiber, including watermelon, can be very helpful in promoting normal bowel movements.