Watermelon is delicious and refreshing for hot summer days. One glass of fruit juice contains only 46 calories, a large amount of vitamins C and A, as well as many useful plant compounds.
Here are 9 benefits of watermelon, some of which we may not know:
1. Helps hydrate the body
Water keeps the body hydrated. When the amount in the body decreases, our skin and hair become drier, we have headaches, we feel more exhausted. 92% of watermelon is water, which makes it an ideal tool for dealing with dehydration in the heat. The combination of water and fiber in this fruit aids digestion.
2. Contains nutrients and useful plant compounds
The amount of calories in the fruit is much less than in some fruits with sugars. 154 grams of watermelon (recommended daily intake) contains many other nutrients, including 21% vitamin C, 18% vitamin A, 5% potassium, 4% magnesium, and about 3% of vitamins B1, B5 and B6: 3% .
Watermelon is also high in carotenoids, including beta-carotene and lycopene. There is also citrulline. Among the most important oxidants contained in watermelon for Vitamin C (helps fight free radicals; carotenoids (including alpha-carotene and beta-carotene, which our body converts into vitamin A), lycopene (gives the red color of the fruit; cucurbitacin E (has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties).
Lycopene and other individual compounds in watermelon have an anti-cancer effect. Studies show that there is a link between lycopene and cancer of the digestive system because the substance in watermelon lowers insulin-like growth factor. It is its high levels that can lead to cancer.
4. Improves heart health
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the world. A healthy lifestyle, as well as giving up some harmful factors such as alcohol and cigarette use, can reduce the risk of heart attack and lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol. Watermelon can also contribute to this process by preventing oxidative damage to cholesterol. There is evidence that the lycopene in it reduces these risks.
Watermelon contains the amino acid citrulline, which increases nitric oxide levels in the body. It helps our blood vessels to dilate, which lowers blood pressure.
Vitamins A, B6, C and the minerals magnesium and potassium also have a positive effect on heart health.
5. Reduces inflammation
Many chronic diseases are due to various inflammations in the body. Research has found that watermelon consumption has lower levels of inflammation and oxidative stress.
Lycopene and vitamin C can also slow inflammation in many chronic diseases.
6. Prevents the development of macular degeneration
Macular degeneration is a common problem in the elderly that can lead to blindness. It is the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of lycopene in watermelon that prevent the development of macular degeneration.
7. Relieves muscle pain
Citrulline and amino acids in watermelon reduce muscle soreness. A study of athletes drinking watermelon juice found that after taking two bowls, they had less muscle inflammation. Other studies show that citrulline in the fetus improves the body's endurance during exercise.
Watermelon juice is suitable for a restorative drink after strenuous exercise.
8. Improves the condition of the skin and hair
Two vitamins in watermelon are important for the health of the skin and hair. Vitamin C helps the body produce collagen and protein that keep hair healthy and thick. In turn, A is involved in the creation and regeneration of skin cells. If there is a deficiency of these two vitamins in the skin, it becomes dry and cracked. The beta-carotene and lycopene in watermelon also protect the skin from harmful sun rays.
9. Improves digestion
The water and fiber contained in watermelon are an important factor in normal digestion. They support the functions of the intestines.