ABOUT WATERMELON
Watermelon is a nutritious healthy summer fruit with numerous health benefits. Let’s take an analysis of healthiest qualities of watermelon.
NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF WATERMELONS
It has more than 90%water content. It is cholesterol and sodium free fruit with low calorie package. Folate, calcium, choline, L-citrulline, L-arginine, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B (thiamine, riboflavin and niacin), lycopene, potassium, magnesium (especially in seeds), short chain sugars (fermentable oligosaccharide, monosaccharide, disaccharide and polyol), fiber, cucurbitacin E, cryptoxanthin, beta carotene, selenium, manganese and zinc.
WATERMELON AND HEART HEALTH
Watermelon contains amino acid L-citrulline which is related with the production of nitric oxide (a vasodilator) which improves blood flow through the vessels by relaxing artery wall and lowers blood pressure. Micronutrient lycopene has a good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which promotes overall cardiac health. It also lowers cholesterol level and improves endothelial function of vessels and reduces the risk of heart attack. A good amount of water in watermelon keeps healthy blood circulation and regulate blood pressure. Potassium and magnesium (present in the seeds) also have a significant cardioprotective effects.
WATERMELON AND POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN
In postmenopausal women, aortic wall stiffness has been observed. According to one study findings, women who takes watermelon extract for six weeks have low blood pressure with less arterial stiffness.
WATERMELON AND INFECTION
Abundant amount of vitamin C and lycopene along with others antioxidants and vitamins improves immune system and protect the body against the infection due to seasonal changes.
WATERMELON AND INFLAMMATION
watermelon is dense packed with minerals, antioxidants (as lycopene) and vitamins (vitamin C) which reduces inflammation by reducing oxidative stress and bio- markers of inflammation. Dehydration causes accumulation of toxins in our body and become risk factor for inflammation. Water content in watermelon not only hydrate our body for proper functioning of organs but also keep the body inflammation low.
HYDRATION AND HEAT STROKE
High water content in watermelon not only hydrate the body cells during hot summer days but the presence of two important electrolytes potassium and magnesium prevent body from fatigue and muscle cramps because both of them have significant role in nerve and muscle cells functions. High water content with electrolytes, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants makes it ideal to stay safe from the heat stroke.
WATERMELON AND BONE HEALTH
High water content of watermelon keeps the joint lubricated and flexible. Lycopene presence improves bone density and strength by reducing bone resorption (loss of old bone cells). Presence of potassium lessen calcium loss by neutralizing acid of body. Anti-inflammatory properties of watermelon nutrients especially cryptoxanthin reduces joints pain and discomfort and lessen the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
WATERMELON AND MUSCLE SORENESS
Regular consumption of watermelon improves blood flow due to citrulline which reduces inflammation and muscles damage and act as pain reliever especially in athletes, sport persons and after intense exercise. Presence of potassium also helpful in decreasing muscles cramps.
WATERMELON AND DIGESTION
More than 90% of water and small amount of fiber add bulk to stools and relive constipation.
EASILY DIGESTABLE
Watermelon is sweet and fleshy fruit which is easy to digest in inflammatory bowel diseases as Crohn’s disease and colitis without burning sensation.
WATERMELON AND EYE HEALTH
Presence of vitamin A with others minerals, vitamins and antioxidants promotes eye health and reduces age related eye disorders.
WATERMELON AND SKIN
Hydrating power of watermelon along with vitamin A and C (required for collages synthesis) improves skin blood flow, elasticity, glow and age-related wrinkles.
WATERMELON AND ASTHMA
According to some studies findings dietary Vitamin C may relieve asthma. However, results are non-conclusive and indicating some indirect positive effects of watermelon on lungs may be due to a dense nutrient packed fruit.
WATERMELON AND DIURESIS
Watermelon is natural diuretic which increases urine flow without causing any stress to kidneys.
WATERMELON AND WEIGHT LOSS
Amino acid arginine is very helpful in burning fat and high-water content give you feeling of fullness when you take it before meal and reduces hunger.
WATERMELON AND CANCER
By reducing oxidative stress which is responsible for free radicals ‘formation especially lycopene has tendency to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal and prostate cancer.
CONCLUSION
Watermelon is a summer treat and low-calorie snack with the goodness of minerals, antioxidants and vitamins. It should be incorporated into healthy balanced diet but it is not the substitute of any medicine and moderate intake is key to get the maximum health benefits.