The Wonders of WATERMELON

Everyone knows that fruit is an important part of a healthy diet, but the specific combination of nutrients and hydration found in watermelon make it extra special! Watermelon is a rich source of minerals, such as potassium and magnesium, as well as a good source of vitamins C and A, plus beta carotene, which helps produce vitamin A, plus vitamins B1, B5 and B6. Add in the 92% water for hydration and it’s a pretty impressive healthy treat for only 46.5 calories per cup.

The concentration of antioxidants in watermelon also pack a positive punch for your health by regulating cell-damaging free radicals in the body. One of those is the lycopene that gives watermelon its reddish color. It works with vitamins C and A as an anti-inflammatory and has been linked to lower stroke risk. Lycopene is most abundant in cooked tomato products, but the lycopene levels in watermelon are about 40% higher than in raw tomatoes. For some reason seedless melons tend to have more lycopene tan those with seeds, and the redder and riper, the better. The lycopene also may help protect your skin and make it less likely that you sunburn, you slather on the SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen by the pool indulging in a slice or two. Glutathione is another antioxidant present in watermelon. It’s involved in tissue building and repair, making chemicals and proteins needed in the body, and in immune system function. but it’s still recommended that sunscreen while you’re out determined.

Watermelon is especially unique in its high amount of citrulline. This amino acid actually gets its name from the Latin word for watermelon, citrullus. In the body, citrulline converts into arginine, an amino acid that produces nitric oxide, a substance that relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow. Studies on citrulline show that it may benefit your workouts by boosting endurance and helping to relieve sore muscles. There is also evidence that citrulline is effective in reducing high blood pressure and lowering your risk of heart attacks, although specific dosage hasn’t been determined. One study even suggests citrulline may help with erectile dysfunction. Move over Viagra, make room for watermelon!

The juicy summer fruit is also an excellent treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. Despite the fact that watermelon has natural sugar and a high glycemic index (the measure of how fast sugar enters the bloodstream), it has a low glycemic load. That means its actual effect on blood sugar is small. And it will fill you up faster than a bowl of ice cream or handful of cookies. It’s also fat free, cholesterol free, and has no sodium. Watermelon can easily be blended or pureed and frozen to make into smoothies, sorbet, or popsicles for a cooler twist. Watermelon is one of the most low-carb fruits you can eat, so even people on keto-friendly diets can enjoy it in moderation.

A single medium-sized slice of watermelon provides 9-11% of the vitamin A you require in a day. This is a key nutrient in keeping your eyes healthy. The natural pigment beta-cryptoxanthin found in watermelon protects your joints from inflammation and may make you less likely to get rheumatoid arthritis. Even your skin benefits from watermelon’s hydration, vitamins A, B6 and C. If you want a different way to enjoy its effect on your skin, mix one tablespoon of watermelon juice with one tablespoon of Greek yogurt to use as a face mask. Spread it on your skin and leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing and patting dry. This will slough off dull, dry skin and leave your face refreshed and glowing.