Watermelon is a perfectly healthy sweet treat. It is loaded with vitamin C and minerals that are good for your health. One glass of watermelon has the following: 48 calories, no trans fat, no cholesterol, no sodium, and no sugars. Watermelon also provides ample amounts of potassium, chlorides, and calcium.
However, there are a lot of people who do not know the many health benefits of this fruit. They only know the good things about it. One of the most popular health benefits of watermelon is its ability to provide a healthy alternative to the regular soft drinks that people are so used to. Watermelon is able to offer individuals the healthy option of a healthy drink. While you sip your glass of watermelon juice, you will have the opportunity to consume fruits that are packed with the vitamins and nutrients that your body needs.
This is one of the best ways to get your daily dose of Vitamin C. Watermelon contains very little amount of sugar, making it an excellent source of this important nutrient. However, individuals should be careful not to overdo it with their intake of this nutrient. Too much of it can actually make you sick. The health benefits of watermelon stem from its high content in nutrients and vitamins. It has more antioxidants than other fruits, making it beneficial to preventing heart diseases and cancer. This fruit also helps in eliminating toxins out of the body.
Watermelon is an excellent source of amino acid citrulline. Citrulline is known to lower blood pressure. When citrulline combines with watermelon pulp, it produces a sweet flavor that some find quite delicious. This fruit is also rich in beta-carotene, which can help protect the eyes against age-related macular degeneration.
Another nutrient found in this fruity wonder is lycopene. Lycopene is another antioxidant that can help in preventing cancer. A study published in the May-June 2021 edition of Nutrition Research reported that lycopene may prevent prostate cancer. This was one of the first studies to link an antioxidant to a decreased risk of prostate cancer. Animal studies showed that lycopene helped to prevent prostate and breast cancer. Animal studies are still needed to verify these results.
Watermelon is also a good source of carotenoids. These antioxidants can fight free radicals and prevent them from damaging the body. A recent study published in Archives of Internal Medicine reported that patients with heart disease were more likely to have a high concentration of carotenoids in their bodies. Patients who had a high concentration of carotenoids in their bodies were less likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases. The study showed that patients who had high levels of carotenoids were less likely to suffer from heart disease than patients with low levels of carotenoids. Other recent studies have shown that patients who have a sufficient supply of antioxidants were less likely to suffer from chronic diseases like Alzheimer's.
Watermelon contains a high concentration of potassium. This is also one of the reasons why it is able to keep you hydrated. People who are frequently thirsty or excessively hungry often want a high dose of sodium to satisfy their hunger. However, a diet rich in sodium leads to the development of high blood pressure. Watermelon, because of its potassium content, provides an alternate source of sodium that can prevent hypertension.
Watermelon has several other health benefits besides helping you maintain your weight. Researchers in Florida State University's College of Public Health have found that the antioxidant activity of lycopene in watermelon reduces the damage done to arterial walls by high cholesterol. The intake of potassium is also important as it helps in regulating blood pressure. If you regularly eat this fruit, you can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. It not only helps you control weight; it also helps you maintain healthy skin and strong bones.