When it’s summer the fruit that comes to our minds is watermelon! Watermelon with high water concentration and low calories is a refreshing option for rejuvenating your senses in the heat! There is so much about watermelon when it comes to its taste and benefits! So come let’s explore 15 health benefits of watermelon in your everyday diet:
Why Is Watermelon A Superfood?
Watermelon is a nutrient-dense fruit full of minerals and water content. Sodium-free, fat-free, and cholesterol-free with just 80 calories per every serving! Watermelon is a superfood as it contains nutrients like magnesium that are beneficial for heart health. Low on saturated fat, refined starches, sugar, and sodium, it is a good addition as an afternoon or evening snack! Watermelon’s lower sugar content and higher nutrient base help in keeping cardiovascular diseases at bay! The water content in watermelon is 92% which makes it a good option if you are looking forward to hydrating yourself on a warm evening! Watermelon contains the highest levels of lycopene which is a supplement that helps in keeping prostate, breast, and lung cancer at bay, so what are you waiting for? Watermelon is indeed a superfood go grab one!
Can It Be Eaten By All?
People love watermelon, and there is hardly anyone who would say no to a serving of this hydrating fruit! Kids, adults, teens, and all chunks of the population love eating watermelon, it is quite healthy for people of all ages! However people with too much potassium in their blood or serious hyperkalemia should consider avoiding watermelon, and if there are uncontrolled cravings it is advisable to take only one cup or 140 mg of watermelon a day!
15 Amazing Health Benefits Of Watermelon In Diet
Helps in Weight Loss
Imagine you can lose inches just by eating a juicy fruit the great superfood watermelon! Well, it’s true, watermelon helps in aiding weight loss. If you are wondering to lose weight naturally watermelon is your deal for the day! Watermelon contains most of the water so it helps in keeping your stomach full, stopping you from binging on any snack that temps you! What’s better than a feeling of fullness and lip-smacking juicy watermelons and the plus point you won’t gain fats, rather watermelon will act as a catalyst for your weight loss plan. It is a great option for curbing your appetite, so don’t miss out on adding this amazing food to your weight loss diet!
Helps in Staying Hydrated
There are times when one feels dehydrated, tired, and dull. Well, to solve this problem watermelon is the best fruit. It consists of 92 % of water so it’s a lot and a lot of water intake for your diet! Including watermelon in your diet is equal to consuming lots of water and food with fewer calories. Staying hydrated is important for the body as it helps in preventing mouth dryness and keeps the body away from cardiovascular diseases. Hydrating the body is important in summers as it helps in keeping the body cool during summers keeps the skin healthy and cleanses the body. One cup of watermelon a day in summer is all you need to have an amazing and refreshing day!
Helps prevent Cancer
The presence of free radicals can play a huge role in the development of cancer, the oxidative stress caused by free radicals can result in the damage of DNA Cells. Watermelons have dietary antioxidants such as Vitamin C that are helpful in fighting cancer and combatting free radicals. Lycopene a bright red carotenoid hydrocarbon that is mostly found in red fruits and vegetables helps in reducing the risk of some types of cancer that includes lungs, prostate, and breasts cancers. Watermelons consist of the desired antioxidants that can help reduce the risks of cancer in the body!
Helps In Reducing Muscle Soreness
Watermelon has the amino acid L-citrulline that can be very helpful in dealing with muscle soreness. The favorite summer fruit is a great option for those who exercise outdoors, one can have it before a workout to avoid muscle soreness. Eating one watermelon before any sport or any athletic activity can help in gaining energy and hydration that is required by the body. The amino acid L-citrulline helps in avoiding muscle soreness after an intense exercise, this is a great benefit for Athletes!
Helps In Improving The Blood Circulation
L-citrulline the natural substance that is basically present in the whitish part of the watermelon slice is a booster as it improves arteries function and helps in lowering blood pressure. It relaxes blood vessels which then open for faster circulation. L-citrulline also helps in improving oxygenation helps the athletes to perform well during endurance exercises.
Acts As A Catalyst In Digestion
Watermelon contains fiber, which helps the gut to function properly. It can be digestive support, the superfood contains prebiotics and fluid, these fibers help in stimulating the growth or activity that is beneficial in the large intestine. Prebiotics is great for healthy immune function it prevents inflammation, improves blood glucose and insulin levels, and also helps in fighting a different kind of cancer such as colon cancer.
Provides Beauty Benefits Like Skin Protection
If you are someone who loves the famous summer superfood “The Watermelon” then you might be indulging in some skincare routine. Watermelon offers skin protection the Vitamin A and Vitamin C support healthy skin. The lycopene content in the fruit helps in avoiding sun damage, however, the effects are not immediate but in the long run, the benefits are many! So if you are worried about sunburn, don’t worry the red juicy fruit will cover it!
Can Help In Increasing Nerve Function
Watermelon has vitamin B6 which helps the human body break down protein. Vitamin B6 helps in the smooth functioning of the immune system and improves nerve function in the body. Vitamin B6 benefits the central nervous system and metabolism. The Vitamin B6 present in Watermelon is essential for the body as it promotes and maintains a healthy nervous system.
Helps In Fighting Erectile Dysfunction
Watermelon is a natural source for the amino acid Citrulline. The Citrulline present in the rind of Watermelon helps in reducing erectile dysfunction of mild to moderate levels. The summer food is rich in amino acids, which help in relaxing the nerves and dilate the blood vessels equal to a Viagra. Thus eating watermelon and cutting it into a slice for a juicy bite is just worth the effort. It holds libido-boosting powers and acts as a natural Viagra!
Treats Inflammation
The lycopene present in watermelon helps in exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties. Lycopene is the best carotenoid and the perfect antioxidant, the beneficial effects it has for inflammation is better than beta-carotene. Watermelons are an excellent source for lycopene, it reduces inflammation and protects the body. It exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by induction of programmed cells death in the activated immune cells.
Helps In Easing Heartburn
Melons have high fiber and anti-oxidants content, thus it plays a big role in preventing acid reflux. Watermelon’s anti-oxidants create a mucous membrane that avoids stomach ailments, acid refluxes, and heartburn. Watermelon has cooling properties in it as well as high water concentration thus this fruit helps in hydrating the body and maintaining the Ph. levels!
Prevents Asthma
Lycopene one of the key antioxidants helps the body’s reaction with cold and flu. This antioxidant also helps in reducing the flare-ups of Asthma in kids. Watermelon the super fruit helps people with asthma to breathe in peace rather than taking every breath in a panic! Lycopene has a therapeutic effect on Asthma. An adequate amount of lycopene can be beneficial for Asthma patients. Thus, it is advisable to have watermelon if you are suffering from Asthma for a relieving experience!
Helps In Making The Bones Healthier
Vitamin C is a vital nutrient as it is good for bones. Vitamin C is also very helpful if you are suffering from any wounds. The Vitamin A present in watermelon is linked to bone growth. Lycopene can help in preventing bone fractures and osteoporosis. Watermelon is rich in potassium and thus it helps in retaining the calcium in the body, resulting in stronger bones and joints.
Helps in Supporting The Kidney
Watermelon is a great source of potassium, however, but the percentage of its concentration is low as compared to the other food, and fruits. Suffering from a disease in the internal organs can be chronic, and worrisome, thus people might be in a dilemma about which fruit to eat, well watermelon is safe until you don’t have chronic kidney diseases. Watermelon is a good option for people suffering from kidney diseases, as they need to stick to strict lower-potassium fruits and food.
Promotes Healthy Gums
Vitamin C nutrient that is present in watermelon keeps the gums and capillaries healthy. The deficiency of Vitamin C can sometimes cause bleeding in the gums and gingivitis as well, watermelon can successfully prevent these conditions. Vitamin C also plays a big role in killing the bacteria in the mouth that otherwise might lead to gum diseases and other infections.
Dietary Restriction for Watermelon
Watermelon is a safe summer superfood, however, it comes with some dietary restrictions. These are as follows:
- People with diabetes need to be extra cautious while consuming the superfood, it is advised to consume the whole fruit rather than taking it as a juice. Juice removes the fiber content and makes the sugar content easier for the body to absorb this can be threatening for people with diabetes.
- Some people have the chance of developing allergies after they eat watermelon, these allergies can include hives, difficulty in breathing, and swelling. In this case, the person might need medical help or and advice and monitoring from a medical expert.
- People suffering from chronic kidney diseases might not be able to enjoy watermelon as the kidney may not be able to reduce the excessive potassium in the blood, which will lead to increase potassium levels in the blood and other complications.
- One should avoid eating watermelon at night, as it is difficult to digest it during the night and can lead to bowel irritation.
- Consuming too much watermelon is equivalent to consuming too much sugar. Thus it is not advisable to eat watermelon if you are on a weight loss diet. One can still have it in small amounts.
- Watermelon helps in hydration, but sometimes this fruit can turn into a living nightmare, there can be over-hydration as well. In this condition, the body has an excess of water that is not excreted out and can result in weaker kidneys, swelling of legs, and loss of sodium.
- Watermelon can increase the water concentration in the body, which might be irritating if you are in a sound sleep. Frequent trips to the restroom can be a possibility if you eat watermelon at night!
- The best way to eat watermelon is during the daytime. On the day this super summer food is digested easily and it is also advised not to drink water after having watermelon for about an hour or so!
- One can have watermelon for the breakfast and also during meals but it is best to avoid eating it at night for a good sleep!
Conclusion
Watermelon is a super summer food, with a large concentration it is the best option for keeping the body hydrated. It has high water content but also a variety of ingredients that are beneficial for the body and overall health. However, every food item comes with some restrictions and rules, it is best to follow the dietary restrictions to maintain peaceful digestion while enjoying the fruit.
Sources:
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266886
- https://www.health.com/nutrition/groceries/health-benefits-watermelon
- https://minnetonkaorchards.com/health-benefits-of-watermelon/
- https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/benefits-of-watermelon-for-skin-hair-and-health/
- https://www.timesnownews.com/health/article/did-you-know-that-there-are-times-when-you-should-not-eat-watermelon-if-not-you-need-to-read-this/582900
