Health Benefits of Watermelon

Watermelon is a fruit that hydrates, strengthens bones, protects the heart, and prevents cancer. Its pulp is over 90% water and also contains a fair amount of sugars, especially fructose, and vitamins A, C, and B6.

For this reason, the benefits of watermelon for health are certainly very diverse. Here are some benefits that watermelon brings to our bodies.

1. Helps in Keeping Body Hydrated

Usually, people think that only water or drinks can keep their body well hydrated. However, consuming fruits with high water content can also help maintain body hydration.

Watermelons have a water content of 92%. This means that they are effective in protecting your body and reducing the risk of dehydration. The high water content also keeps your stomach full for a longer period.

2. Reduces the Risk of Cancer and Tumour

Lycopene, a substance found in watermelon, helps in treating and preventing cancer, especially prostate cancer.

Watermelon is rich in Vitamin C, which fights off free radicals and shows the potential to reduce the risk of cancer. In addition, cucurbitacin (a biochemical compound found in watermelon) may help prevent cancer by eliminating cancer cells and inhibiting tumour growth.

3. Maintains Heart Health and Prevents Cardiovascular Diseases

Lycopene and citrulline are natural pigments, present in watermelon, which help in lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure of the human body, respectively.

There are also many watermelon seeds benefits for the heart, thanks to the high amount of magnesium present in them.

Watermelons are also rich in Potassium, which helps in reducing the risk of suffering from heart stroke and high blood pressure. In addition, the “citrulline” in watermelon is converted into “arginine” which is beneficial to heart health after entering the human body.

Citrulline also increases the nitric oxide content in the body. Nitric oxide opens/dilates blood channels which helps in increasing blood flow, lowering blood pressure, and preventing thrombosis.

4. Prevents Macular Degeneration in the Eyes

A benefit of eating watermelon is preventing macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is when the central vision of the eye gets blurry or fuzzy. This condition can lead to difficulty in identifying faces and even vision loss in the elderly.

This benefit is due to the abundance of lycopene in watermelon. Lycopene has been proven to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.

5. Relieves Muscle Pain

Watermelon juice is capable of relieving muscle pain/soreness that usually occurs after exercising. The credit for this benefit goes to citrulline present in the watermelon.

6. Benefits of Watermelon for Skin and Hair

Vitamin A and vitamin C in watermelon prove to be good for skin and hair health. Adequate vitamin A makes the skin appear hydrated, healthy, and youthful. Meanwhile, vitamin C helps the body produce extra collagen, a protein responsible for supple skin and strong hair.

7. Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation is the cause of various chronic diseases, like cancer, heart disease, and fibromyalgia. Watermelon can help reduce inflammation as it has antioxidants. The combination of antioxidants plays an important role in preventing oxidative stress as well.

8. Can Act as a Diuretic

People with kidney disease or high blood pressure (hypotension) can use watermelon as it also works as a diuretic and helps remove excess water and salt from the body.

9. Watermelon for Weight Loss

The next benefit of watermelon is that it can support your desire to have an ideal body weight, especially if consumed as a substitute for processed snacks.

In general, watermelon provides a feeling of fullness longer due to its high water content and the fibre present in it. This benefit is certainly good for those who want to lose weight.

10. Helps Balance Blood Sugar

This juicy fruit can help kidneys convert citrulline (an amino acid) into arginine (also an amino acid). These two amino acids are essential in regulating glucose and insulin levels in the body.

Apart from this, watermelon is also low in carbohydrates, so eating it regularly will not spike blood sugar levels.

11. Maintains Brain and Nervous System Health

Watermelons help maintain the health of the brain and nervous system. Choline (an antioxidant) present in watermelon is believed to be essential for neurodevelopment and enhanced brain function.

12. Improves Digestive Health

Water and fibre come under the list of those nutrients which are vital for digestive health. Thanks to the abundant water content and fibre in watermelon, you will be free from problems such as indigestion.

Therefore, consuming watermelon facilitates smooth and regular bowel movements and helps prevent constipation.

13. Aids during Heat Waves

As summers continue to get hotter, it is of utmost importance to keep your body cool at all times. The electrolytes in watermelon help prevent heat strokes and regulate your body temperature even on the hottest days.

Knowing the benefits of adding watermelon to your diet is extremely crucial. However, if you want to know about the ways through which you can incorporate watermelon into your daily life, here are some ideas for you.

Watermelon Juice

Ingredients:

• Watermelon - 500 g

• Lemon Juice - 1 tbsp

• Ice cubes - 6 or 7

Process:

• Cut the watermelon in two parts and take out the pulp with a spoon.

• Blend the pulp for a minute.

• Add lemon juice to it for added flavour.

• Use a strainer to give the juice a smooth texture.

• Take a jug/glass and pour the juice into it, add ice cubes to it, and now you can get watermelon juice benefits anytime.

Watermelon Curry

Ingredients:

• Watermelon cubes - 4 cup

• Red chilli powder - 1 and a half tsp

• Turmeric powder - ½ tsp

• Cumin powder - ¼ tsp

• Fresh garlic - 1 clove

• Coconut milk - ¼ cup

• Lime juice - 1 tbsp

Process:

• Make a smooth puree of 1 cup watermelon, red chilli, turmeric, coriander, cumin, and garlic.

• Take a pan and put the puree into it.

• Wait till the puree starts simmering.

• Let it simmer for 5 minutes and add coconut milk and lime juice to the pan.

• Put the remaining 3 cups of watermelon cubes and bring it to a simmer.

• Wait for another 5 minutes and once done, you can serve your delicious watermelon curry with rice.

Watermelon Salad

Ingredients:

• Watermelon- 500 g

• 1 Medium-Sized Onion

• 1 Avocado

• Mint and Basil- a few leaves

• Olive Oil - 2 tbsp

• Feta Cheese - 100 g

• Lime Juice - 3 tbsp

• Salt- ¼ tsp

Process:

• Chop the cucumber, onion, and avocado.

• Prepare the dressing by taking a bowl, adding olive oil, salt and lemon juice to it, and whisking these together.

• Take a large plate and arrange onion, cucumber, avocado, and watermelon in it.

• Add half of the dressing on the items in the plate.

• Add feta and put basil and mint leaves on top.

• Lastly, drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad and your appetising watermelon salad is ready to serve.

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Watermelon is a delectable and refreshing fruit that is perfect for hot summer days, thanks to its numerous health benefits. From hydration, antioxidants, cardiovascular health, and improved digestive health to being good for skin and hair, this fruit is a true nutritional treasure.

Make the most of watermelon by including it in your diet in various ways. You can enjoy it freshly sliced, add it to fruit salads, make refreshing smoothies, or even use it as a base for curries.

So, the next time you crave something sweet and juicy, choose watermelon and enjoy the wonderful advantages it provides to your overall well-being.

Do watermelons have a lot of sugar?

No. Watermelons only have a low amount of sugar compared to other fruits. Around 6-7 g of sugar is present in 100 g watermelon. It is also important to note that people with diabetes can also eat watermelon. However, it should not be eaten excessively.

Are the seeds and the rinds of a watermelon edible?

Yes. Both the seeds and the rinds of a watermelon are edible. In fact, tasty snacks can be made with these two parts of the watermelon. You can eat watermelon rinds by stir-frying them for about 5-6 minutes. Also, you can also make a delicious drink with watermelon seeds and rinds.

Is watermelon good for the skin?

Yes. With approximately 8% of vitamin C in its composition, watermelon offers skin benefits as well. From keeping the body and skin hydrated to providing a more youthful, radiant, and supple glow on the face, eating watermelon has a lot to offer.

What does watermelon do for the body?

With water content and vitamin C of around 92% and 8%, respectively, watermelon proves to be very beneficial for the human body.

The presence of antioxidants, electrolytes, citrulline, and lycopene makes watermelon one of the top fruits that provide wonderful benefits.

Is watermelon hot or cold?

Watermelon has 92% water in its composition. This signifies that watermelon is a fruit with cool properties. By eating watermelon, you can cool your body as it flushes the toxins and heat out of your body.

Watermelon is a great choice for summer and you should add it to your diet to obtain amazing health benefits for your skin, hair, and internal organs, too.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide on Health Benefits of Watermelon. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. It is advisable to consult a qualified health professional for treatment in severe cases.