9 Health Benefits of Eating Watermelon
- The health benefits of eating watermelon include its ability to improve heart health, hydration, and digestion.
- Watermelon is a major source of lycopene, which is an antioxidant that can help protect against some chronic diseases.
- Watermelon is also a good natural diuretic, helping to rid the body of excess fluids.
Watermelon is not only a delicious and refreshing fruit, but it also has many health benefits.
It is an important source of vitamins A, B6, and C, as well as lycopene, amino acids, potassium, and folate.
Watermelon is also a low-calorie food, with only 46 calories per cup.
Here are some of the health benefits of watermelon:
1. Watermelon is a great source of hydration
Watermelon is over 90% water, making it a great fruit to eat for hydration. (1)
It’s also a good source of electrolytes, such as potassium and magnesium, which can help to replenish electrolytes lost through sweating.
2. Watermelon may help to improve heart health
Lycopene, an antioxidant present in melon, has been linked to heart health.
For instance, lycopene is thought to help protect against heart disease by reducing cholesterol levels and inflammation. (1)
Also, citrulline, an amino acid found in watermelon, may help to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. (3)
Watermelon also contains potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, B6, and C, all of which are important for heart health. (1)
3. Watermelon may help to boost immunity
Is watermelon good for the immune system?
Watermelon is a rich source of several vitamins and minerals that are important for immunity, including vitamin C, beta-carotene, and magnesium.
Vitamin C is a well-known immune booster, and it may help to protect against infections. (4)
Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A in the body, which is also important for immunity. (5)
Magnesium is involved in many processes in the body, including immunity. (6)
4. Watermelon may reduce muscle soreness
Is watermelon good for muscle soreness?
Yes, watermelon may help to reduce muscle soreness.
Watermelon is a great source of citrulline, an amino acid that is converted to arginine in the body.
Arginine is important for nitric oxide production, which helps to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow.
A study published in the ACS Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that athletes who drank 500 mL of watermelon juice before working out had reduced muscle soreness afterward.
The L-citrulline found in watermelon was linked to decreased muscular soreness. (7)
Furthermore, due to its high electrolytes, watermelon may also help to replenish electrolytes lost through sweating.
5. Watermelon may help to prevent cancer
Watermelon contains lycopene, which is a phytonutrient that has been linked with a reduced risk of cancer.
A study found that people who ate more lycopene-rich foods had a lower risk of stomach cancer. (8)
Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage.
It is found in high concentrations of watermelon, as well as tomatoes and grapefruits.
Studies have shown that lycopene may help to reduce the risk of several types of cancer, including breast, cervical, ovarian, and prostate cancer. (9, 10, 11, 12)
While more research is needed, the findings suggest that watermelon may be a useful fruit in cancer prevention.
6. Watermelon may help to improve digestion
What are some specific ways that watermelon can help with digestion?
Watermelon is rich in fiber, which is important for proper digestion.
Fiber helps to keep things moving along the digestive tract and can also help to reduce constipation.
Watermelon is also a refreshing food and can help to keep you hydrated, which is also important for proper digestion.
It also helps to feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut, which are important for gut health.
7. Watermelon may have anti-aging effects
Vitamin A and C are present in high quantities in watermelon, which are important antioxidants that help to protect cells from damage.
For instance, vitamin A is involved in skin health, and vitamin C is essential for collagen production.
Collagen is a protein that helps to keep skin looking firm and youthful. (13)
8. Watermelon may help prevent macular degeneration
Watermelon may help prevent macular degeneration.
What is macular degeneration? How does watermelon help?
Macular degeneration is a condition that can lead to vision loss.
Studies have shown that watermelon may help prevent macular degeneration by providing antioxidants and other nutrients that are good for eye health.
Watermelon contains plenty of antioxidant lycopene, which has been shown to help protect against macular degeneration. (1)
Other nutrients in watermelon that are good for eye health include vitamins C and A, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
Eating watermelon may help keep your eyes healthy and prevent vision loss from macular degeneration.
9. Watermelon may have benefits for pregnancy
Watermelon is a good source of folate, which is important for pregnant women.
Folate helps to prevent birth defects of the brain and spine.
A cup of watermelon has about 4.6 micrograms of folate, which is about 2% of the daily recommended intake for pregnant women.
Watermelon is a great source of water as well as electrolytes, which are critical for hydration during pregnancy.
Not to mention, it’s a refreshing and healthy food that can help to satisfy pregnancy cravings.
Conclusion
Watermelon is a delicious and healthy fruit that offers many benefits.
It is rich in nutrients and antioxidants, which may help to protect cells from damage.
Watermelon may also help to reduce the risk of several types of cancer, improve digestion, prevent macular degeneration, and have benefits for pregnancy.
Watermelon is a refreshing and healthy food that people of all ages can enjoy.
