Although many believe that Mangoes are the king of summer fruits, the truth is that watermelon is the rightful owner of that crown. Watermelon is truly a staple at several social gatherings like summertime picnics around the world.
In addition, it is one of the most enjoyable fruits to have on a hot summer day as it refreshes you while hydrating your body. Now, while many people agree that watermelon tastes delicious, most remain unaware of the fact that watermelon offers several health benefits.
According to experts at Click Pharmacy, watermelons are packed with nutrients which include antioxidants as well as vitamins A and C. Keep reading to discover why watermelon is considered the wonder fruit of summer:
Benefits of Eating Watermelon
1. Keeps You Hydrated
Everyone knows that it is necessary for a body to stay hydrated in order to function properly. As a matter of fact, many bodily processes rely significantly on hydration. For instance, body temperature regulation, normal organ functioning, nutrient delivery to cells as well as alertness rely on the level of hydration of the body. Due to this, consuming foods with a high water content can be highly beneficial to the body.
Since watermelon is about 92% water, it is one of the best fruits out there for body hydration.
2. Helps Lose Weight
Watermelon has a very low-calorie density. In simple words, it contains a tiny amount of calories in contrast to its big size and weight. And, when you eat foods with low-calorie densities, like watermelon, it successfully aids you in weight management and weight loss by keeping you feeling full for an extended period.
3. Packed With Nutrients
As mentioned above, watermelons contain a variety of nutrients. It is rich in potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A and C. It is moderately low in calories. Moreover, watermelon can help improve physical activity since it is a rich source of citrulline.
In addition to all of this, watermelon boasts antioxidants like vitamin C, carotenoids, lycopene, as well as cucurbitacin E. It is important to note that these compounds help combat free radicals. Free radicals are basically known as unstable molecules that may damage an individual’s cells if they accumulate in the body. Damage that occurs due to free radicals can lead to serious health conditions like heart conditions and even cancer.
4. Possible Anticancer Compounds
According to several mixed studies, there are a ton of plant compounds present in watermelons, such as lycopene and cucurbitacin E, that could have possible anticancer effects. Although the results of these studies vary, lycopene intake has been associated with a lower risk of some types of cancer like prostate and colorectal cancers.
5. Possibility of Reducing Risks of Heart Disease
Similar to anticancer compounds, several nutrients present in watermelon may support heart health. It is common knowledge that heart disease is one of the leading causes of death around the world. And, as doctors suggest, keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check can significantly lower your risk of heart attack and stroke – and both of these can be managed through the consumption of watermelon.
Also, watermelon contains citrulline, an amino acid that may increase nitric oxide levels in the human body. Furthermore, nitric oxide aids your blood vessels in expanding, which can lower blood pressure.
Additionally, other heart-healthy vitamins and minerals in watermelon are magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A, B6, and C.
6. May Delay Symptoms of Chronic Diseases
Many might not know that inflammation is the key point of several chronic diseases. And eating watermelon can help with such diseases. Through the combination of antioxidants, like lycopene and vitamin C, watermelon may reduce inflammation as well as oxidative damage.
Moreover, lycopene (as an antioxidant) may be able to delay the onset along with the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. It is important to note that definitive research and studies are not available or sufficient enough to support this claim; however, the antioxidants in watermelon indeed reduce inflammation and are overall beneficial, too.
7. Helps Prevent Macular Degeneration (Blindness)
Having a 20/20 vision is a dream that not many can achieve. But, with the help of watermelon and its essential compound, lycopene, one can reap many benefits for their eyes. However, it is vital to note that age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is quite common among older adults, and it is an eye problem that can lead to complete blindness.
Lycopene’s role as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound may actually prove to help prevent and inhibit age-related macular degeneration; however, until now, research is limited.
8. Promotes and Improves Healthy Digestion
As we all know by now, watermelon contains a vast amount of water which is paired with a small amount of fibre – both of these play a significant role in the process of healthy digestion.
While fibre helps keep your bowels regular, water does its job by moving waste through your digestive tract in an efficient manner.
Final Word
Watermelon is an appetising, filling fruit that will continue to rule the summertime whether one admits it or not. It is packed with nutrients and compounds that help the body stay healthy and active. It even boosts heart health, reduces blood pressure, and more.
