Health Benefits of Watermelon!
Watermelon is one of the most refreshing foods to eat on a hot summer day, and it’s packed with vitamins and nutrients that can improve your health. But did you know that it can also have some surprising benefits on your body? Here are 10 surprising health benefits of watermelon.
1) Soothes a cough
Despite its name, watermelon isn’t really a melon—it’s a fruit. But don’t let that stop you from taking advantage of some unexpected health benefits. They are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which can reduce inflammation and soothe your throat during times when you have a cough or cold.
2) Provides hydration
Watermelons are an excellent source of water, which means that eating them can replenish vital fluids lost during physical exertion. This makes them an excellent post-workout snack for athletes and fitness buffs alike.
3) Helps you lose weight
Watermelon’s high water content helps you stay hydrated, which in turn allows your body to function properly. When we’re properly hydrated, our metabolism operates at peak performance and helps us burn more calories—so it’s a double-edged sword if you’re trying to lose weight. Additionally, it has an impressive fiber count that can help keep you full and satiated longer—which can also aid in weight loss.
4) Eases rheumatoid arthritis pain
Research shows that watermelon extract can significantly reduce inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, according to a 2012 study in Rheumatology. The best part: you won’t even have to give up your favorite foods on a watermelon-based diet.
5) Reduces anxiety and depression
Whether you eat it or drink it, watermelon is a great natural remedy for anxiety and depression. This juicy summertime fruit contains high levels of tryptophan, an amino acid that has been proven to reduce symptoms of these mood disorders. Additionally, it contains citrulline, which our bodies convert into arginine and nitric oxide. Nitric oxide relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow to your brain—so eating water-melon can literally make you feel happier.
6) Lessens asthma symptoms
Eating watermelon regularly may help decrease asthmatic symptoms, according to a study published in June 2014 in Plant Foods for Human Nutrition. Researchers at Michigan State University found that subjects who ate just over half a cup of water-melon per day experienced fewer asthma symptoms than those who did not eat water-melon. The spiky fruit also contains antioxidant properties that may prevent damage to lung tissue.
7) Aids in weight loss
A cup of watermelon provides 90 percent of your daily requirement for lycopene. Lycopene is a compound found in red fruits and vegetables, including water-melons. Research has shown that eating foods rich in lycopene may help prevent cardiovascular disease and various types of cancer, according to Prevention magazine.
8) Prevents kidney stones
Watermelons are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help to prevent certain types of kidney stones from forming. Some research suggests that men who consume large amounts of lycopene-rich foods such as watermelons have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer and heart disease.
9) Lowers blood pressure
Although watermelon is 90% water, it’s still full of vitamins and minerals. Specifically, it contains lycopene, which has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce heart disease risk.
10) Treats constipation
The high water content in watermelons helps prevent constipation. The health benefits of water-melon include a vitamin C content that helps stave off tooth decay, making it a good fruit to eat for dental hygiene and disease prevention. In addition, the red color of water-melons means they contain lycopene which can help fight cancer and other chronic diseases. Additionally, water-melons are filled with fiber which is helpful for digestion—another reason why they are good health benefits to eat on a regular basis.
