Watermelons are a great way to cool down on a boiling summer’s afternoon. They are one of the most popular fruits in the entire world and can be found in every single corner of the globe. Watermelons are iconic, too, with their unique and vibrant red-over-black colouration. This page will seek to tell you some of the amazing health benefits you can derive by incorporating watermelon into your diet. They are absolutely delicious, and by making the decision to include them in your diet, not only will you reap the health benefits, but you will be treated to a flavoursome and tasty snack that can be eaten anywhere and at any time.
Here are seven surprising benefits of watermelon, and why you should eat them!
They Are Rich in Nutrients
Watermelons are absolutely packed with nutrients. Watermelons are very low in calories, also, with only forty-six per a hundred and fifty-four grams, which is lower in calories than fruits such as blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries, which are low-sugar fruits. Watermelons also boast other nutrients, such as:
- Vitamin A and C
- Vitamin B1, B5, and B6
- Potassium
- Magnesium
All of these have their own respective health benefits, some of which will be expanded upon later on. Watermelon also boasts carotenoids and citrulline, which is a powerful amino acid.
You Can Get Creative With Them
Watermelons are not just healthy, but they are a lot of fun! Due to their flat surface when halved, you can cut them into fun and unique shapes! There are many carving knives and shape-cutters on the market designed entirely around watermelons, but make sure to read detailed reviews so that you can find the best constructed and easiest to use. Watermelons are a versatile and fun fruit. Watermelon carvers can be a great addition to a child’s birthday party to make it more creative and lively for the whole family to enjoy.
Anti-Cancer Properties
Some watermelon components are proven to fight cancer. One of these is lycopene. Lycopene intake is heavily associated with a reduction in the risk of some types of cancer. Lycopene is suggested to be very beneficial in fighting digestive cancers, such as intestinal cancer and stomach cancer. It reduces the risk of cancer by lowering IGF’s (insulin-like growth factors) which are proteins involved in the division of your cells. By incorporating watermelon into your diet regularly, you will be putting up a barrier between you and these types of cancer. Watermelon in combination with a healthy diet should enable you to be able to fight off any potential diseases.
Improving Your Heart’s Health
Heart disease is, unfortunately, the number-one cause of death globally. By living a healthier lifestyle and incorporating watermelon into your diet, you can reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart disease. Watermelon can reduce your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. There are several nutrients in watermelons that contribute to overall heart health. Lycopene, one such component, can reduce the aforementioned, and can prevent oxidative damage to your blood vessels.
Studies undertaken have revealed that lycopene can reduce the thickness of your artery walls. Also beneficial to heart health is citrulline, which is a powerful amino acid that increases nitric oxide levels in your blood. Nitric oxide helps your vessels to widen, which lowers your overall blood pressure.
Helping Your Eye Health
Macular degeneration is one of the main causes of blindness all around the world. Lycopene, the aforementioned component, prevents potential oxidative damage. Lycopene is found naturally in the eye, and its levels can be boosted by eating regular watermelon.
Reducing Inflammation and Soreness
Watermelon is very helpful in reducing the painful symptoms of inflammation and muscle soreness. Studies were undertaken which consisted of providing athletes watermelon juice after rigorous exercise led to a reduction in muscle fatigue and soreness.
Researchers have concluded that watermelon is most beneficial when consumed as a juice rather than a whole fruit. This is the same for many fruits, their benefits changing depending on how they are consumed.
An Excellent Digestive Aid
Watermelon can improve your overall digestion and is a very powerful digestive aid. Muslims when fasting in accordance with Ramadan will have watermelons available to break their fast, as it contains water and fibre, both of which can reduce the likelihood of constipation and can ease digestion.
By eating fruit and vegetables rich in fibre, you will reduce your overall likelihood of constipation and improve your digestive system. You can find fibre in many fruits and foods, but watermelon is a very tasty way to consume it!
Now you know some of the many benefits of watermelon. When consumed as part of a healthy lifestyle and diet, watermelon can seriously improve your overall health and quality of life. Many nutritionists recommend watermelon be eaten regularly so you can derive benefits from it.