The luscious, juicy, and refreshing watermelon is a sumptuous summer delight. Not only it quenches thirst but munching on a piece of watermelon also has numerous health benefits.
With about 92% water content, it is low in calories and is a rich source of nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants. Here are the top 10 health benefits of eating watermelon in the summer:.
1. Keeps You Hydrated
Watermelon is a powerhouse of water content. It is rich in electrolytes like potassium that helps regulate the body’s fluid balance and prevents dehydration.
Eating a few slices of watermelon is an excellent way of keeping the body hydrated and quenches thirst on hot summer days.
2. Boosts Immunity
Watermelon is packed with vitamin C, which is an essential nutrient that helps boost immunity.
Vitamin C also protects against free radical damage, reduces inflammation, and promotes the production of collagen that keeps skin healthy and reduces the risk of diseases like cancer and heart problems.
3. Heart-Healthy
The antioxidants present in watermelon can help protect against heart disease. Lycopene, an excellent antioxidant found in watermelon, reduces inflammation, blood pressure, lowers bad cholesterol levels, and helps maintain healthy blood vessels.
4. Aids Digestion
Watermelon is rich in fibre that helps stimulate the digestive system, promotes bowel regularity, and reduces constipation. It also contains digestive enzymes that break down food efficiently and prevent indigestion and bloating.
5. Helps Reduce Muscle Soreness
Watermelon contains an amino acid called citrulline that helps reduce muscle soreness after intense exercise. Citrulline is converted to arginine, an amino acid that promotes the production of nitric oxide, which helps decrease muscle soreness.
6. Lowers Blood Pressure
A study suggests that consuming watermelons can help lower blood pressure levels due to the presence of citrulline.
This amino acid is converted to arginine, which helps relax the blood vessels and promote healthy blood flow throughout the body, reducing blood pressure levels.
7. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The antioxidants present in watermelon can reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is known to be the root cause of many diseases like cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.
Consuming watermelon can help counteract inflammation and promote overall health.
8. Promotes Kidney Function
Watermelon is a natural diuretic, which means it promotes urine flow. This can, in turn, help remove toxins from the body, improve kidney function, prevent the formation of kidney stones, and keep the urinary tract healthy.
9. Aids Weight Loss
Watermelon is a low-calorie food that contains only 46 calories per cup. It has high water content, which can help you feel full, reducing your overall calorie intake.
Consuming watermelon on a regular basis can help promote weight loss, especially during the summer months.
10. Nourishes Skin and Hair
Watermelon is a rich source of vitamins A and C, which play an important role in maintaining healthy skin and hair. Vitamin A promotes healthy collagen production, keeping skin firm and free from fine lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin C supports healthy hair growth, improves skin texture, and reduces inflammation.
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