Watermelon Is Not Just For Hydration

Watermelon is one of the favorite summer fruits that bring pleasure, coolness and great taste. We all know how useful it is for hydrating the body during the heat, but here, the juicy fruit has many other health benefits.

Watermelon keeps us hydrated

Yes, that's right. Waterlemon is not accidentally in the name of this fruit. One glass of watermelon contains about 150 milliliters of water, and consuming an adequate amount of fluids in the summer - including foods rich in water, supports blood circulation, skin health and digestion. It also helps regulate body temperature, organ and joint function, metabolism, appetite and detoxification.

Slim waist

Watermelon is lower in calories and sugar than we think. One cup of watermelon provides 45 calories from 11 grams of carbohydrates, 9 grams of which are natural sugar. But this natural sweetness is paired with vitamins A and C, which support immune function and skin health, as well as smaller amounts of potassium, magnesium, B vitamins and healthy antioxidants.

Good blood pressure and blood circulation

L-citrulline, a natural substance in watermelon (especially in the white part of the skin), has been shown to improve arterial function and lower blood pressure, helping blood vessels to relax and improve blood circulation.

Studies also show that L-citrulline can improve muscle oxygenation and athletic performance during endurance exercise.

Reduces muscle fever

In one study, athletes who consumed 450 milliliters of watermelon juice an hour before a workout reduced muscle soreness and regained their heart rate faster than those who received a placebo drink.

Another curious study in male runners found that those who drank 450 milliliters of watermelon juice enriched with L-citrulline two hours before the half marathon had a lower perception of muscle soreness, up to 72 hours, compared with those who took the placebo drink.

Healthy weight management

Watermelon can help in the fight against weight when consumed instead of a processed sweet breakfast, for example. A 2019 study from San Diego State University looked at satiety and weight change after a four-week program in overweight and obese adults.

During the study, one group was asked to consume two cups of fresh watermelon a day, while a second group ate low-fat cookies that had the same number of calories as watermelon. Participants have the right to consume the appropriate snacks at any time of the day - alone or in combination with other foods.

In the end, the researchers found that watermelon creates more satiety than cookies and that satiety (reduced hunger, greater fullness and reduced desire to eat) lasts up to 90 minutes after eating. In addition, watermelon eaters lose weight, their blood pressure levels return to normal, their antioxidant status and blood lipids improve.

Better digestion

The fiber in watermelon maintains the healthy function of the intestines. The fruit also contains fluids and prebiotics that stimulate the growth and / or activity of beneficial bacteria in the colon. Prebiotics are linked to the health of immune function, anti-inflammatory processes and positive mood. Prebiotics also increase the absorption of minerals, improve blood glucose levels and insulin.