Watermelon is a crisp, juicy and refreshing fruit that offers lots of health benefits. However, the watermelon plant is a highly cultivated member of the Cucurbitaceae plant family with the scientific name Citrullus lanatus. This watery fruit is an excellent addition to your diet because it is loaded with full of vital nutrients and water. Let’s look at the top 10 health benefits of watermelon that make it essential for enhancing health.
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Watermelon Nutritional Profile
Watermelon offers a wide range of essential nutrients, including minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, and offers several health benefits. Here’s a table providing insight into the nutritional composition of watermelon, offering details about its essential nutrients and contributing to a better understanding of the fruit’s health benefits.
| Nutrients in Watermelon | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 46 kcal |
| Protein | 0.9g |
| Fat | 0.2g |
| Carbohydrates | 11.6g |
| Fiber | 0.6g |
| Sugar | 9.5g |
| Lycopene | 6,890 micrograms |
| Vitamin A | 865 IU |
| Vitamin C | 12.3mg |
| Calcium | 10mg |
| Sodium | 1.52mg |
| Potassium | 170mg |
Watermelon: History & Interesting Facts
Over a thousand different types are currently available. The fruit’s origins are disputed among historians. However, many identify different parts of Africa. Given that seeds from a 4,000-year-old Northeastern Africa settlement have been discovered, experts concur that humans have been enjoying the fruit for thousands of years.
Watermelon comes in 1200 varieties, grown in 96 countries, and Crimson Sweet is one of its famous varieties, which is a seeded melon with deep red, sweet flesh. Watermelon contains anti-cancer properties and includes lycopene that aids in reducing cancer risks. The water content in the watermelon is about 92 per cent, making it the best fruit for the summer month.
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Health Benefits of Watermelon
Watermelon contains an array of vitamins and antioxidants and there are several benefits of eating watermelon. Moreover, it is one of the best fruits to consume in summer and has thirst-quenching properties. So, let’s explore a few health benefits of watermelon.
1. Keeps a Healthy Heart
Watermelon is a heart-healthy fruit because it contains lycopene, potassium, and other heart-healthy ingredients. Regular intake may help to lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and the risk of cardiovascular illnesses.
2. Improves Eye Health
Lycopene is a plant chemical found in watermelons that may help stop the deterioration of the tissues of the eyes. The combination of vitamins A and C, along with other antioxidants, supports eye health. In addition, it may prevent age-related disorders.
3. Weight Loss Management
Eating watermelon daily may aid in weight loss. Moreover, watermelon is relatively low in calories and fat. The high water content and fibre contribute to a feeling of fullness, making it a delightful and healthy fruit option for those looking to manage their weight.
4. Boosts Hydration
With more than 90 per cent water, watermelon truly lives up to its name. Maintaining proper hydration is essential for several body processes, such as digestion, circulation, and thermoregulation. Water-rich fruits, such as watermelon, can make a substantial contribution to your daily fluid consumption.
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5. Great for Gut Health
Watermelon is a rich source of fibre and has a high quantity of water, which is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Moreover, the fibre in the watermelon promotes regular bowel movements and supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. In addition, Lycopene in the fruit may reduce the risk of digestive tract cancer.
6. Helps to Boosts Immunity
One of the keys to having a strong immune system is getting a range of vital vitamins and minerals, and watermelon meets this requirement. It’s also an excellent provider of a few nutrients that are particularly important to boost the individual’s immune system, such as the amino acid L-citrulline and vitamins A and C.
7. Eases the Muscle Cramps
Watermelon contains a few essential amino acids called L-citrulline, which is known to improve athletic performance and enhance quick muscle recovery. Moreover, citrulline helps in the production of nitric acid in the body, and it helps relieve muscle soreness by aiding in the relaxation of blood vessels and improving blood flow.
8. Detoxification Properties
Watermelon is a natural detoxifier because of its diuretic and hydrating properties, which aid in the removal of toxins from the body. Both general detoxification procedures and kidney function may benefit from this.
9. Aids Better Nerve Function
It is rich in potassium & magnesium, helps in regulating blood pressure, and nerve function, and plays an essential role in energy production. So, if you’re someone suffering from nerve numbness and tingling, then sipping a glass of juice will be the best to overcome the condition.
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10. Helps in Controlling Blood Sugar
Watermelon juice contains an essential amino acid that aids in the conversion of L-citrulline to L-arginine. In addition, watermelon’s L-arginine supplement is essential for controlling the body’s insulin and glucose metabolism. Moreover, studies show that there’s a chance that these two amino acids will save you from developing diabetes.
Health Benefits Of Watermelon: Conclusion
So, Including watermelon in your daily diet can help you in staying hydrated and healthy. This watery, delicious fruit, which is full of vital vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, has several health benefits, ranging from promoting heart health to helping with muscle repair. Thus, the next time you enjoy a slice of watermelon, remember to appreciate its many health benefits in addition to its sweetness.
Disclaimer:The content of this article is compiled information from generic and public sources. It is in no way a substitute, suggestion, or advice for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. BeatoApp does not claim responsibility for this information .
Dr. Navneet Agarwal is an established and highly skilled Diabetology with over 25 years of experience in Diabetology & Obesity. He is well-regarded for his quality and patient-centered diabetes care. Also, keep track of your blood sugar levels with a Doctors’ approved smart glucometer and elevate your healthcare routine.
