sam kwarteng posted:

Health Benefits of Watermelon
Antioxidants

The watermelon is full of antioxidants. These are elements that prevent the production of free radicals in the body. Antioxidants also ensure that overproduction of substances in the body is prevented.

One of the major antioxidants present in the watermelon is lycopene. This is the actual reason why the watermelon is red in color on the inside. Most red fruits and vegetables have a high level of lycopene but the watermelon has the highest amount of lycopene. Lycopene reduces the risks of heart disease and prostate cancer. People who include watermelons in their diet have a lesser chance of getting a heart attack that those who do not.

Water

When you bite a watermelon, you mouth gets filled with a liquid. This is actually the watermelon juice that is 90% water. The watermelon has a large amount of water because it is rich in electrolytes. This fact makes the watermelon the perfect option when you want to rehydrate. Your body needs water for cells processes and also for smooth skin. Ensure that you eat a
watermelon.

The body temperature increases when the weather gets hot. The watermelon will actually help you cool off thank to the water contents it holds.

Blood Vessels

Studies have shown that the watermelon acts on the body just like Viagra. It relaxes the blood vessels. Men with erectile dysfunction and those who want to prevent it should eat watermelons.

Vitamin C

The watermelon has a high level of vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential in boosting the immune system. Diseases like the flu will no longer disturb you. The watermelon will also slow down the aging process by giving you great, healthy skin. Vitamin C will also help to avert cell damage and heal wounds. This vitamin will help prevent cataracts and also facilitate healthy gums and teeth.

Energy

The watermelon rejuvenates energy. You will feel stronger and more alert after eating this fruit. This is because this fruit is rich in vitamin B, especially vitamin B1 and B6. It is also a rich source of magnesium. Vitamin B6 is essential in helping people to deal with panic and anxiety in a better way. It promotes chemicals in the brain that facilitate proper state of the mind. The watermelon boosts the well being of the nervous system and reduces risks of hypertension as it is rich in potassium.

Weight Loss

People have gone to great lengths just to maintain their weight or lose it. They have even gone on diet just to avoid gaining an extra pound. The water melon is the perfect solution when you want to eat something so delicious and tasty yet run no risk of gaining weight. This fruit will enable you lose weight automatically. This is mainly because it is fat free.

Vitamin A

The watermelon is rich in vitamin A. This helps to prevent night blindness and infections. Kidney and liver diseases can be prevented as this fruit has citrulline. Citrulline is an amino-acid that can be converted to an essential amino acid, arginine. Arginine helps to get rid of excess ammonia from the body.

Bottom Line

Ensure that you include the watermelon in your diet as it is one of the highest ranked fruits. It is a great source of water and is low in calories and with all the health benefits of watermelon I described here, there is really no real reason not to include it in your daily diet.

In fact, most melons are rich in potassium, a nutrient that may help control blood pressure, regulate heart beat, and possibly prevent strokes. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines state that a potassium-rich diet helps keep salt from raising blood pressure and may also reduce the risk of developing kidney stones and possibly age-related bone loss. The guidelines encourage adults to consume 4,700 milligrams per day (while keeping sodium to less than 2,300 milligrams per day, which is one teaspoon of salt).