Health Benefits of Watermelon

Scientific name: Citrullus lanatus

Family name: Cucurbitaceae

Watermelon fruit is very large, smooth, and oval to round. The skin can be solid green or green striped with yellow. Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus family Cucurbitaceae) is a vine-like (scrambler and trailer) flowering plant originally from southern Africa. Its fruit, which is also called watermelon, is a special kind referred to by botanists as a pepo, a berry which has a thick rind and fleshy center (mesocarp and endocarp). Watermelons are available all year. The natural sweetness of watermelon makes it a favorite anytime of the year. It is a perfect addition to a salad, salsa or cool drink. They have no fats and have fewer amounts of calories and are one of the healthiest fruits. Here, we are presenting some of the health benefits of watermelon.

Watermelon Health Benefits – Health and Fitness Fruits

Watermelon Nutrition Facts

It is an excellent source of vitamin C and a very good source of vitamin A, particularly through its concentration of beta-carotene. Lycopene is an antioxidant found in most red colored fruits, with the exception of a few things such as strawberries. Food experts recommend watermelon as a very good source of vitamin B6 and a good source of vitamin B1 and magnesium.

Cardiovascular Disease

Watermelons contain an ingredient called Lycopene, an antioxidant which helps in preventing stroke and heart diseases. These antioxidants travel throughout the body neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals are substances in the body that can cause much damage to us. They are able to oxidize cholesterol, making it stick to blood vessel walls and thicken them which can lead to heart attack or stroke.

Cancer Prevention

Scientific studies have shown that Lycopene reduces the risk of prostate cancer also. Watermelon has rich sources of carotenoids, popularly known for preventing cancer. Watermelons contain large amounts of beta carotene which has anti-cancer properties.

Diuretic

As watermelons are rich in potassium, they help in controlling blood pressure and also reduce the risk of kidney stones. Because of the high water content of watermelon, there is hardly any tendency of developing kidney stones. Watermelon has a special cooling effect and is exceptionally high in citrulline, an amino acid that our bodies use to make another amino acid, arginine, which is used in the urea cycle to remove ammonia from the body.

Immune System

It is also believed that this fruit strengthens the immune system and aids the body in combating infections. Vitamin C boosts the immune system so that you get sick less often and it also slows down aging and medical conditions such as cataract. Vitamin C is important to not only being healthy, but remaining attractive all your life.

Conclusion

Watermelon is a good source of thiamin, potassium and magnesium which protect our body from so many diseases. Watermelon is fat free but helps energy production. It protects against macular degeneration. Also, these are low in calories and high in nutrients so it is one of the best fruits for weight loss diet. It’s because watermelons have tremendous health benefits that anyone who lives a healthy lifestyle should be determined to take advantage of every year. Watermelon are seasonal and Watermelon health benefits are numerous which means that they are not available all year long. It means that when they are in season you should make sure, add to your diet and say healthy!

Source: Allegiance