During summer, watermelon most probably is the fruit that we often see and crave for. Even though we just picture it in our minds, it already makes our minds cool, literally. Actually, watermelon doesn’t need any introduction anymore. It has always been one of the most favorite fruits since we were kids. What we need to know is that, aside from its delicious and cooling capabilities, what more is in the watermelon. Actually, the fruit is oozing with so many health benefits. Furthermore, all the health benefits of watermelon are all amazingly surprising and uniquely beneficial to our body. Hence, if you want to know about these benefits, continue reading on.
What is Watermelon?
Watermelon is a fruit that actually grows on a plant that is like a vine. Furthermore, the fruit is native to Southern Africa. Roughly about 1000 years ago, the fruit was cultivated in the Nile River valley. Nowadays, the fruit is grown all over the world.
The green outer part of the fruit is quite hard and fleshy, and we rarely eat them. However, the inside part of the fruit is soft, and red or pink in color. It has many seeds and it has a juicy and delicious pulp.
Nutritional Value of Watermelon
All of the health benefits of watermelon are because of its unique nutrients, organic compounds, vitamins, and minerals. These include the ample amounts of potassium, protein, fiber, magnesium, calcium, and vitamin V. Moreover, it also contains thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin A, and numerous amount of phytonutrients and carotenoids, including lycopene.
Here is a detailed information of the best nutrients in watermelon:
Lycopene. The fruit has rich lycopene content, which is beneficial for the body.
Fats. Watermelon has less fat content. Actually, a single serving of the fruit just has 0.2 grams of fat in total.
Carbohydrates. A single serving of the watermelon already contains 11.6 grams of carbohydrates.
Fiber. Approximately 200 calories of watermelon already give about 3-4 grams of dietary fiber. This is already a nice mix of soluble and insoluble fiber.
Potassium. 4% of the daily potassium needs on regular basis are in a cup of diced watermelon.
Vitamins. The fruit has two major vitamins, vitamins A and C. the vitamin A content of the watermelon is in the form of carotenoids. Moreover, ample amount of vitamin C is also present in the fruit; in fact, a cup of fresh watermelon is already equivalent to 12 milligrams of vitamin C.
Calories. The fruit has a low-calorie content. In fact, a single serving of the fruit contains only 46 calories.
Watermelon: Is it good for you?
Watermelon, our favorite fruit to devour during summers are rich in nutrients as stated earlier. Actually, there are studies that support the beneficial effects of lycopene from watermelon. It is very helpful in reducing the risk of stroke and reduce the levels of blood pressure.
Even though it doesn’t have that much fiber like any other fruits, it still has an edge among them. The watermelon has a low content of calories and fat. Furthermore, it also is rich in water, which is beneficial in hydrating the body.
Health Benefits of Watermelon
Here are some of the best health benefits of watermelon:
Improves the skin and hair health. Since watermelon is rich in vitamin C content, it is beneficial for the skin and even in the hair health. moreover, the collagen content of it also helps in strengthening the hair.
Controls blood pressure levels. The good amount of potassium in the watermelon is beneficial in lowering the blood pressure level. Furthermore, the potassium that acts as electrolytes also helps in regulating the blood pressure during workout or exercise.
Help prevent asthma. Watermelon allows those who have asthma to breathe properly. Based on the reports, adequate consumption of lycopene and vitamin A is beneficial for those who are asthmatic.
Prevent macular degeneration. Since it is rich in lycopene, it is beneficial in reducing the risk of macular degeneration.
Aids digestion. The fruit, as we know contains ample amount of water. Hence, it helps in digestion. Furthermore, it also contains fiber, which helps promote digestion and prevent constipation.
Relieve muscle soreness. Watermelon can be a solution for muscle soreness after an intense workout. This is since the fruit has a rich amount of amino acids and electrolytes.
Fights off the risk of cancer. The lycopene content of the fruit helps in reducing the insurgence of cancer.
Keeps you hydrated. Watermelon contains about 90 percent of water, making it beneficial in hydrating the body.
Helps treat inflammation. The lycopene content of the fruit is beneficial in relieving inflammation. In fact, they say that lycopene is even better than the beta-carotene.
Keeps the heart healthy. Research shows that having a slice of watermelon a day can halt the accumulation of bad cholesterol in the body. Hence, preventing the occurrence of heart diseases.
