Watermelons have been called ‘summer’s blessing’. Packed with vitamins and nutrients that flush out toxins and keep you hydrated, a big, chilled wedge of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) on a hot day is the best treat you can give yourself.
Nutritional Facts
The health benefits of watermelon are derived from its unique nutrients, which include vitamins, minerals and organic compounds. Every single bite has substantial levels of Vitamin A, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C, as well as the minerals calcium, magnesium and large amounts of potassium. It also has a wide variety of antioxidants, amino acids and loads of phytonutrients lycopene. Ripe watermelons have large amounts of lycopene, a phytonutrient, that is essential for your skin health, cardiovascular and bone health.
Citrulline is an amino acid in watermelon that is most noted for being converted into arginine by the kidneys and other body systems. This greatly improves blood flow and prevent excess accumulation of fat cells.
The Top 8 Health Benefits Of Watermelon
Promotes kidney health
The abundance of potassium and calcium in watermelon is effective in flushing out the toxins depositions in the kidney. Further on they are beneficial in lowering the uric acid concentration in the blood which reduces the chance of renal calculi formation. The water content induces frequent urination which cleanses the kidneys.
Prevents Cancer
The high levels of lycopene, a carotenoid phytonutrient compound in watermelons have gained a lot of importance in recent years that is increasingly being associated with cancer prevention. Lycopene has shown amazing potential to reduce the risks of prostate, breast, colon, lung and endometrial cancer. In addition to the antioxidant power of Vitamin C, lycopene makes watermelon a great anti-cancer fruit.
Maintains blood pressure
Watermelons are loaded with potassium and magnesium which help to lower blood pressure. The carotenoids present in melons also prevent hardening of artery walls and veins thereby assisting to lower blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks, and atherosclerosis.
Healthy heart
The goodness of lycopene in watermelons a powerhouse of antioxidants improves cardiac functions, keeps you young at heart and prevents age-related cardiac problems. The presence of vitamin C, carotenoids, and potassium, aids to lower cholesterol and keep your heart healthy.
Regulates hydration
Sunny days may take a toll on your health, watermelons are ideal to ward off heat strokes. The high amount of water and electrolytes in watermelons keep you hydrated and stimulates perspiration, which naturally cools your body further on hot days.
Enhance Eye Health
Consume plenty of watermelons to prevent macular degeneration and boosts eye health. The richness of beta-carotene, vitamin C, lutein, and zeaxanthin in watermelons safeguards your eyes. It prevents the eyes from illness such as drying up of eyes and optic nerves and glaucoma.
Treats Impotence
Presence of arginine in watermelon does wonders in treating erectile dysfunction. The stimulating nature of the chemical can boost the libido, reduce frigidity and can spice up your sex life with a few slices of watermelon.
Watermelon Recipe
Watermelon-Ginger-Lime Salad
Ingredients:
½ cup melon or cantaloupe sliced thinly
1 cup watermelon sliced thinly
1 tbsp lime zest
½ cup fresh lime juice
Rock salt as required
2 tbsp ginger, grated
Method:
Take the fruits in a bowl
Add both the lime zest and juice to it
Sprinkle some rock salt according to taste
Add the grated ginger as well
Toss everything together
Serve it instantly or chill it for some time and then serve
Nutrition:
Both watermelon and melon being summer fruits are not only delicious but also highly nutritious due to its abundance of healthful nutrients. Enriched with vitamin C, the addition of lime bolsters the immunity, prevents kidney stones and augments skin whereas ginger is good for the gut and reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes. This salad is an excellent choice to keep the body hydrated during the sweltering summers.
