Watermelon: Delicious, refreshing and with many health benefits

Watermelon is 92% water (thus the name…) so it naturally is a dehydration preventative or “fix.” Nutritionally, watermelon contains only 45.6 calories per average serving, 0.2 g of fat, 0 g of cholesterol, 1.52 mg of sodium, 11.5 g of (complex or “good”) carbohydrates, 0.6 g of fiber, 12.3 mg of Vitamin C, 170 mg of potassium, calcium 10 mg, Vitamin A 865 IU and lycopene 6890 micrograms.

Watermelon is crammed full of needed daily nutrients inclusive of around 15% of our RDA for Vitamin C, inclusive of potassium, Vitamin A, B6, and all of these working together assist in augmenting the immune system as well as promoting iron absorption. The potassium lowers blood pressure while the Vitamin A is good for skin and eye health. Vitamin B6 assists the body in breaking down proteins as well as boosting the immune system and nerve function.

Lycopene, found in watermelon and other fruits, is a natural compound that has antioxidant properties (fights cancer triggering free radicals). Lycopene is the substance that gives watermelon its red color and lowers the risk of cancer and heart disease. Lycopene keeps our cells healthy and constantly repairs damage to them. As well, it generally inhibits inflammation, which is good, since that is the broad basis of most diseases. A rigorous uptake of lycopene lowers your risk of digestive tract cancers as well as prostate cancer.

Watermelon keeps us hydrated as it is mostly comprised of water. We get 80% of our water from fluids and 20% from foods, so watermelon can certainly help with balancing our intake of food vs. liquids. Most adults do not drink enough water and hydration is even more important in the summer. It is recommended after workouts or profuse sweating to consume watermelon sprinkled with salt as this replenishes lost electrolytes.

Watermelon also aids digestion due to its high volume of water and fibrous component. Watermelon is loaded with nutrients that support overall eye health and helps to prevent age-related eye disorders. The A, C, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin are several of the basic eye nutrients. Lycopene can also help reduce your risk of stroke or heart disease. The American Journal of Hypertension suggested a link between watermelon and heart disease in that watermelon extract reduces blood pressure over a sustained time period. L-citrulline boosts our immune system along with Vitamin A and C.

Also, Vitamin A, C and B6 boost your skin health; it may help to keep skin more smooth and supple. Vitamin C is a collagen booster which augments skin elasticity and blood flow to skin and hair follicles. Vitamin A repairs skin cells preventing dry, flaky skin while the B6 fights skin breakouts.

Watermelon helps to relieve achy muscles as the Journals of Agriculture and Food Chemistry found that athletes who drank watermelon juice experienced reduced muscle soreness for up to 24 hours post workouts. Watermelon consumption can help with weight management if consumed regularly. The water fills you, and you are less likely to experience cravings.

All in all, treating watermelon like a daily supplement isn’t a bad habit. It seems to do good things for us and solve problems for all ages!