Watermelon is a highly recommended fruit during the summer heat, not only because of its high water content, but also because of other substances the body needs.
In the amount of one cup of chopped watermelon - about 150 g, you can find 43 calories , 0 g of fat, 2 g of potassium, 11 g of carbohydrates, including 9 g of sugar, and 1 g of fiber . The same amount provides 17% of the daily requirement of vitamin A, 21% of the daily requirement of vitamin C , 2% iron and 1% calcium . The water content of watermelon is as much as 92%.
The juicy fruit also contains thiamine , riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folic acid , magnesium, phosphorus, potassium , zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, choline, lycopene, pantothenic acid and betaine. In fact, experts say that watermelon can contain more lycopene than any other fruit or vegetable. A diet rich in this substance can protect against the development of heart disease .
According to studies, the risk of developing asthma among people who consume high amounts of certain substances is lower. Among them is the extremely important vitamin C , which can be found in large quantities in watermelon.
Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that protects the body from the development of cancer, as it destroys free radicals, which are known to be the cause of cancer. Several studies in the field also attribute anticancer properties to lycopene.
Due to its high water content, in combination with fiber , watermelon consumption can also prevent constipation .
And, of course, watermelon is among the recommended snacks in the summer, which refreshes and prevents the body from dehydration .