In this article you’ll get to know some of the health benefits of watermelon and some of the benefits are;...CONTINUE READING
1. Heart Health
Watermelon’s high levels of lycopene are very effective at protecting cells from damage and may help lower the risk of heart disease, A study published in the American Journal of Hypertension found that watermelon extracts helped reduce hypertension and lower blood pressure in obese adults.
Watermelon may be especially important for older women. A study found that postmenopausal women, a group known to have increased aortic stiffness, who took watermelon extract for six weeks saw decreased blood pressure and arterial stiffness compared to those who did not take watermelon extract. Arginine can help improve blood flow and may help reduce the accumulation of excess fat.
2. Anti-inflammatory properties
The lycopene in watermelon makes it an anti-inflammatory fruit. Lycopene is an inhibitor for various inflammatory processes and also works as an antioxidant to neutralize free radicals. Additionally, the watermelon contains choline, which helps keep chronic inflammation down.
Reducing inflammation isn’t just good for people suffering from arthritis. When you’re sick, you have cellular damage, which can be caused by a variety of factors including stress, smoking, pollution, disease, and your body becomes inflamed. “It’s called ‘systemic inflammation.’” In this way, anti-inflammatory foods can help with overall immunity and general health.
3. Hydration
Watermelons help with overall hydration, and that is a great thing. “They say we can get 20-30 percent of our fluid needs through our diet alone, and foods like these certainly help.” Additionally, their juice is full of good electrolytes. This can even help prevent heat stroke.
4. Digestion
The watermelon contains fiber, which encourages a healthy digestive tract and helps keep you regular.
5. Skin and Hair Benefits
Vitamin A is stellar for your skin, and just a cup of watermelon contains nearly one-quarter of your recommended daily intake of it.
Vitamin A helps keep skin and hair moisturized, and it also encourages healthy growth of new collagen and elastin cells, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Vitamin C is also beneficial in this regard, as it promotes healthy collagen growth.
6. Muscle soreness & athletic performance
Watermelon-loving athletes are in luck, drinking watermelon juice before an intense workout helps reduce next-day muscle soreness and heart rate, according to a 2013 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
This can be attributed to watermelon’s amino acids citrulline and arginine, which help improve circulation.
A 2015 study also suggests that watermelon’s citrulline may also help improve athletic performance. Study participants who took citrulline supplements saw a boosted performance with more power production in high-intensity exercise like cycling and sprinting.
7. Cancer prevention
Like other fruits and vegetables, watermelons may be helpful in reducing the risk of cancer through their antioxidant properties. Lycopene in particular has been linked to reducing prostate cancer cell proliferation, according to the National Cancer Institute..<<CONTINUE READING>>
