9 Health Benefits of Eating Watermelon

9 health benefits of eating watermelon

1. Aids in keeping you hydrated:

Your body needs water to function correctly, so make sure you drink plenty of it. Only a few bodily functions that depend on appropriate hydration include body temperature regulation, regular organ function, nutrition delivery to cells, and attentiveness. It may be possible to assist your body get the water it requires to function effectively by eating meals with a high water content. Watermelon is a wonderful option for daily water consumption because it includes 92% water. This melon also has a low calorie density, or extremely few calories per unit of weight, because to its high water content. By making you feel fuller for longer, foods with low calorie density, like watermelon, may help with weight management.

2. Rich in nutrients and healthy plant substances:

Numerous minerals, including as potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A and C, are present in watermelon. It has just 46 calories per cup, which is also not too much. Citrulline, an amino acid that may enhance exercise performance, is also abundant in watermelon. Additionally, it increases antioxidants like cucurbitacin E, carotenoids, lycopene, and vitamin C. These substances aid in the fight against free radicals, unstable molecules that can harm your cells if they build up in your body. This harm could eventually result in diseases including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

3. Could have anti-cancer properties:

Lycopene and cucurbitacin E are two plant substances that are present in watermelon and may have anticancer properties. Although research findings are conflicting, lycopene consumption may be linked to a lower risk of various malignancies, including prostate and colorectal cancers. It's thought that lycopene works by bringing down blood levels of the hormone insulin-like growth factor (IGF), which encourages cell development. Notably, when cell division becomes unchecked, cancer develops. Cucurbitacin E may also slow tumor growth by encouraging cancer cells to undergo autophagy. The process through which your body eliminates damaged cells is known as autophagy.

4. Might strengthen heart health:

Watermelon contains a number of elements that may help heart health. The main cause of death in the world is heart disease. Reducing your blood pressure and cholesterol levels through lifestyle choices like nutrition may lessen your risk of heart attack and stroke. Lycopene may help decrease blood pressure and cholesterol, according to studies. Additionally, it might lessen the risk of oxidative harm brought on by elevated cholesterol. Citrulline, an amino acid found in watermelon, may help your body produce more nitric oxide. Your blood arteries widen as a result of nitric oxide, which decreases blood pressure.

5. May lessen oxidative stress and inflammation:

Many chronic diseases have inflammation as a primary cause. Watermelon's mix of lycopene, vitamin C, and antioxidants may lessen oxidative damage and inflammation. In one study, compared to the control group, rats given watermelon powder to supplement an unhealthy diet had less oxidative stress and had lower levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein.

6. Might protect against macular degeneration:

Your eyes may benefit from the lycopene molecule found in watermelons. In older adults, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a prevalent eye condition that can result in blindness. Lycopene was used in a test-tube investigation to treat eye cells, and it was discovered that it reduced the ability of inflammatory markers to harm cells.

7. Might ease sore muscles:

Watermelon contains the amino acid citrulline, which may enhance athletic performance and lessen soreness in the muscles. Additionally, it is offered as a supplement. According to one study, taking citrulline regularly for at least 7 days increased the body's production of nitric oxide, which in turn boosted aerobic performance. This substance aids in blood vessel expansion, reducing the amount of effort required of your heart to pump blood throughout your body.

8. May promote healthy skin:

Watermelon contains vitamins A and C, both of which are crucial for healthy skin. Either consumed or administered topically, vitamin C aids in the production of collagen, a protein that keeps your skin supple and your hair strong. Since vitamin A aids in skin cell growth and repair, it is also crucial for healthy skin.

9. Might enhance digestion:

Watermelon has a lot of water and only a little fiber, both of which are essential for a healthy digestive system. While water more effectively transports waste through your digestive tract, fiber aids in maintaining regular bowel movements.

According to a poll of 4,561 adults, people who consume less fluid and fiber are more likely to have constipation. However, there's a chance that other elements were involved.

Conclusion

In the heat of the dry season, many people enjoy the sweet, thirst-quenching fruit watermelon. It offers nutrients including lycopene, citrulline, and vitamins A and C and has a very high water content. Although additional study is required, studies have shown eating this sweet, red melon may potentially improve heart health, lessen muscular stiffness, and reduce inflammation.