Watermelon is a sweet and refreshing large round fruit that has a green rind and bright red flesh. It is packed with nutrients, including antioxidants and vitamins A and C. It’s also low in calories but extremely hydrating and rich in micronutrients....CONTINUE READING
One cup or about 150g of watermelon contains at least 0.6g of fiber and 11.5g of carbohydrates of which about 9g is sugar. It contains about 1 gram of protein per serving, which helps with a high-protein diet…..CONTINUE READING
This sweet and juicy treat is perfect for quenching your thirst during this dry season.
Here are 10 nutritional benefits of watermelon
1. Improves Heart Health and Fights Inflammation
Watermelon is a perfect addition to your fruit collection as a measure against inflammation and for heart health. Research carried out so far has established watermelon as one of many antioxidant-rich fruits that may help manage cholesterol, high blood pressure, and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
2. Protects Your Joints
Watermelon contains a natural pigment called beta-cryptoxanthin that may protect your joints from inflammation. Some studies show that over time, it could make you less likely to get rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Promotes Healthy Skin
Antioxidants like carotenoids in watermelon help protect the skin from free radicals and skin lipids. It may reduce the risk of premature aging and help keep skin soft and smooth. Since melons are rich in water, they are also great as a face mask. Mix 1 tablespoon of watermelon juice with an equal amount of Greek yogurt. Apply to face and leave on for 10 minutes to remove dry, dull skin. Rinse and pat dry.
4. Keeps You Hydrated
This healthy fruit is 92% water and has fewer calories and more nutrients. It has the ability to reduce dehydration. Most commonly, hydration prevents dry mouth and is good for cardiovascular health. This allows you to stay cool even in the middle of summer.
5. Helps in Blood Sugar Management
This juicy fruit allows the kidneys to convert L-citrulline (an amino acid) to L-arginine (an amino acid). In fact, those amino acids have a tendency to protect you from diabetes. Medically, watermelon L-arginine supplementation is crucial for the body’s glucose metabolism and insulin regulation.
6. Decreases Severity of Asthma
Watermelon is a great source of vitamin C that reduces the effects of asthma, which means that just one glass of watermelon a day can combat some of the severe effects of asthma. Asthmatics with low levels of vitamin C are more likely to suffer from asthma symptoms, so watermelon is highly recommended if you are suffering from such a condition. It contains vitamin C and is effective for asthma.
7. Reduces Dental Problems
Drinking a glass of watermelon every day can protect you from periodontal disease, which affects about 25% of the world’s population. The disease is characterized by tooth loss and infection and is associated with other heart diseases. Vitamin C is the main substance that reduces the negative effects of periodontitis.
8. Good for Kidneys
The human body is exposed to a variety of toxins from the food we eat, and the air we breathe. However, these toxins are washed out by the kidneys. We need to drink a glass of watermelon juice every day to keep the kidneys healthy and functioning. The main nutrients in watermelon are calcium and potassium, which help fight and remove toxins from the body.
9. Improves Eye Health
Watermelon contains a plant compound called lycopene, which may be involved in preventing the degeneration of eye tissue. Lycopene is said to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. More research is needed to confirm how lycopene actually supports healthy eyes, but for now it looks promising that watermelon may actually be good for your eyes.
10. Aids Weight Loss
If you want to lose weight naturally, don’t miss adding this healthy fruit to your weight loss diet. Being mostly water, this fruit will give you a feeling of fullness and increase your appetite while you snack on your favorite foods.
Watermelon Nutrition Facts
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1 cup of watermelon (152 g) contains:
Calories: 45.6
Fat: 0.2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 1.52mg
Carbohydrate: 11.5g
Fiber: 0.6g
Vitamin C: 12.3mg
Potassium: 170mg
Calcium: 10mg
Vitamin A: 865 IU
Lycopene: 6,890 micrograms…..CONTINUE READING
