On a hot, sunny day during summer, the one healthy fruit that lingers in everyone’s head is the watermelon. The picture of slicing up a large, delicious, refreshing, pinkish-red juicy watermelon, utterly blurs your mind. However, did you know that watermelons are healthy too! (Image Credit: Steve Buissinne/Pixabay)
That’s right. Research shows that eating watermelons is actually good for your whole body. Why?
Contrary to popular belief, watermelons have a low sugar content compared to other fruits like mangoes or apples, and are rich in Vitamins A and C, among other nutrients. All of which are nutrients required by the body for proper functioning.
In this article, we shall look at some of the top health benefits of watermelons have to offer.
1. Watermelons are hydrating and refreshing
Judging by its name, it’s clear that watermelons are filled with water. To be precise, watermelons consists of 92% water content. This explains why it makes for the perfect summer fruit for hydrating and nourishing the body.
Furthermore, the presence of fiber combined with water in the melon ensures that you consume a decent food volume without calories.
2. Watermelons are rich in nutrients
According to Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD, watermelons, particularly the fleshy part, contain glutathione (“Mother of all antioxidants”), which is involved in strengthening the immune system. The fruit is also rich in Vitamins C!
Nutritionists estimate that a single wedge of watermelon provides about 30% of your daily recommended Vitamin C intake. It’s also rich in Vitamins A, B1, B5, B6, and other nutrients like magnesium, potassium, and lycopene.
Surprisingly, watermelon seeds are also nutrient-packed; they are a good source of Vitamin E!
3. Watermelons can help prevent cancer
Of all the fruits and vegetables, watermelons have recorded the highest amounts of the carotenoid lycopene. Conclusions from several studies on the effect of this antioxidant show that it has some cancer-preventive properties.
The research also showed very positive results in lycopene’s effect on prostate and breast cancer.
Nonetheless, it also showed that watermelon, by itself wouldn’t do the trick. You need to eat other nutrient-packed fruits as well.
4. Watermelons improve cardiovascular health
Daily eating of watermelon can help reduce your risks of contracting heart diseases. This is based on a study published by NDTV food. The study discovered that watermelons stop the build-up of cholesterol such as LDL in your arteries, hence preventing heart diseases.
The lycopene in this thirst-quenching fruit was also found to protect the heart by reducing inflammation. In 2012, another team of researchers also observed that daily consumption of watermelons resulted in lowered blood pressure.
Additionally, eating watermelons has also been associated with weight control. As such, they help reduce the number of fatty deposits in your blood.
5. Watermelons are great pre-workout snacks
The type of food you take before your workout sessions play a significant role in helping you achieve your goals. That’s why you can’t afford to miss watermelons in your diet.
Watermelons are rich in carbohydrates, which provide you with the energy you’ll need for the workouts. It also goes without saying that this fruit keeps you hydrated all through your workout, thanks to its rich-water content.
As if that’s not reason enough, watermelons also contain the amino acid L-Citrulline that’s converted to Nitric oxide. This oxide helps improve the oxygen and blood flow in your muscles as they stretch and relax.
6. Watermelons are great post-workout snacks
While numerous articles are recommending different post-workout meals, watermelon is the one fruit you shouldn’t afford to miss. For one, they are a great, healthy way to hydrate after losing a lot of water during the workouts.
Secondly, studies have shown that the L-Citrulline amino acid in watermelons is vital in improving your athletic performance, and hastens muscle recovery.
Lastly, the sugar content in watermelons helps replenish the glycogen you might have drained during the workout. So eat these watery fruits a lot!
Final Thoughts
Besides being sweet, natural thirst-quenchers, watermelons add a ton of value to our health. Adding it to your daily diet, therefore, gives you a chance against lifestyle diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and some heart diseases.
What’s more, watermelon juice is just as nutritious as the real fruit, and so, you have no reason to avoid eating it. Start eating watermelons today, and enjoy its amazing health benefits!