Watermelon is one of the most refreshing fruits because of its high water content. But besides this, it has several other benefits and properties that help health. Nature is very wise and has given us the fruits to eat something delicious and nutritious.
This great fruit, like the vast majority, is best consumed while it is in season, but if it is found at another time of the year, it is also good to eat it and enjoy its benefits. In addition to eating it raw, you can choose to drink it in beverages..
Know the properties and benefits of watermelon
Watermelon is a fruit with multiple vitamins and other healthy components. It contains vitamin A, B and C, as well as fiber, water in a high percentage and minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and manganese among others.
For all these reasons, watermelon is an excellent alternative for refreshment and nutrition, especially during the summer.. The properties and benefits of watermelon make it an excellent choice, and in this article we will explain why.
- We recommend: “9 aphrodisiac foods to awaken more than just the senses”.
1. Antioxidant
Watermelon is a fruit with a good amount of antioxidants. Like all red fruits, watermelon contains lycopeneWatermelon contains lycopene, which is what gives these fruits their red color.. This component is what gives it the antioxidant properties that help fight free radicals. Among the benefits of foods containing lycopene is that of protecting the circulatory system.
This is because antioxidants help counteract the effects of free radicals in the body. In this way the heart and arteries stay young and function in a better way.
These antioxidants also help the skin by protecting it from external factors that accelerate the aging process, which together with the amount of water that watermelon contains, make this fruit a good ally to have a hydrated and young skin.This, together with the amount of water that watermelon contains, make this fruit a good ally to have a hydrated and youthful skin.
2. Diuretic
Its large amount of water makes watermelon works as a diuretic. Watermelon is composed of 90% water, so it favors the elimination of toxins.. This can help the kidneys, urinary tract and prostate to function properly. In addition, this helps to avoid fluid retention, which causes swelling.
On the other hand, watermelon has an important amount of fiber. So it also helps to maintain a good cleaning in the intestines and in general an optimal functioning of the digestive system. This combination of water and fiber, make watermelon help a good elimination of toxins through urine and feces. Consuming it regularly will surely make you feel light and help you eliminate what your body does not need..
- You might be interested in: “Pineapple: the 8 benefits of this tropical fruit for your health”.
3. Muscle pain
A little known property of watermelon is to help relieve muscle pain. Watermelon contains L-citrullineThis amino acid is widely used, especially in synthetic form, in people who do sports involving extreme muscular effort. This compound provides pain relief after an exercise routine..
An effective way to consume watermelon to enjoy this benefit, is to do it through drinks. The recommendation is to prepare this juice with household appliances that take advantage of even the rind and leave a drink ready to be enjoyed without the need to strain. This recommendation is due to the fact that a watermelon juice that eliminates the fiber will not be providing all the nutrients that this fruit offers.
Even so, a classic watermelon juice in which we have discarded the rind will maintain its positive properties on our muscle recovery.
4. Hydration
Watermelon is made up of 90% water. As already mentioned, the fundamental element of this fruit is water, which makes watermelon an excellent source of natural hydration, in addition to being delicious.
During the summer season, when the temperature rises and the body requires a greater amount of water, seasonal fruits provide us with great hydration, in addition to multiple vitamins. Watermelon is one of the fruits with the highest water content among all the typical summer fruits..
5. Low in calories
Its fiber and water content make watermelon a very low calorie fruit. Although this fruit also has a very sweet taste, its calorie and sugar content is actually very low.. If you have the need to eat something with sugar, you could consume watermelon to satiate the craving without ruining your diet.
One of the foods that can be included in a low-calorie diet to maintain or lose weight is undoubtedly watermelon. As already mentioned, its amount of water and fiber, plus the vitamins it contains, make this fruit an excellent option to include in a diet that pursues this goal. While a watermelon juice is delicious and refreshing, eating it raw can help to have more satiety.
6. Controls sugar levels
Watermelon rind is an ally to keep sugar levels at an optimal level. A watermelon juice where the rind is also included includes a high content of lycopenes, which help to maintain a balance in blood sugar and even reduce it. lycopenes, which help maintain blood sugar balance and even lower blood sugar.. This undoubtedly makes it a recommended fruit for diabetic patients.
To prevent or as an aid in the treatment of metabolic syndrome, this watermelon juice with rind is also very beneficial, which also helps metabolize accumulated fats.
Because watermelon normally has a very sweet taste, it becomes a healthy and flattering alternative for people who suffer from high blood glucose levels and who report having a craving for something sweet, especially in the afternoon.
7. Anti-cancer compounds
Watermelon contains lycopene, a compound that is considered anticarcinogenic. It is an antioxidant that, according to several studies, has been shown to be involved in the prevention of different types of cancer. Because antioxidants fight free radicals, some of them are considered to help reduce the possibility of developing cancer..
The lycopene contained in watermelon could reduce the appearance of breast, prostate and lung cancer. For this reason, watermelon is among the foods that are recommended to prevent the appearance of cancer. Whether it is consumed raw, directly in slices, or as already recommended, it is made into a juice that preferably includes the rind, in order to take advantage of all the nutrients.