Health Benefits of Watermelon

Watermelon is actually a God's gift to us. In summer, the very site of watermelon wedges is so soothing to the eyes that I really wonder how anyone can think about the calories in this fruit before eating it. Anyway, for calorie conscious people, I would like to mention that it is low in calories and still rich in various nutrients. One cup (about 150g) of watermelon balls contain 50 calories. So, you need not worry about the calories in this fruit. I am sure after knowing about the health benefits that it offers, you are going to pick up a big watermelon from a nearby fruit stall, today.

Why Watermelon is Considered Healthy

• Dietary Fiber: The dietary fiber in watermelon improves your digestive health and in turn, improves your overall health.
• Water Content: The fruit is cholesterol free and is low in fats. Being a low calorie fruit that contains almost 92% water, watermelon is always included in weight loss diets. Water obtained from this fruit keeps the body well hydrated and prevents dehydration.
• Minerals: Minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, etc., present in this fruit help strengthen the cells in the body. Potassium helps lower high blood pressure and is also useful in preventing kidney stones and strokes. Calcium helps build strong bones.
• Vitamins: Various vitamins, especially, vitamins B1, B2, B5, B6, B9 etc. from the fruit provide instant energy.
• Amino Acids: The amino acid citrulline from watermelon helps produce another amino acid arginine which stimulates the process of removing ammonia from the body and helps to produce nitric oxide, which helps in stabilizing blood pressure levels and also in preventing erectile dysfunction.
• Antioxidants: Watermelon is packed with a number of antioxidants. It is high in vitamin C, vitamin A, beta-carotene and lycopene. These powerful antioxidants help neutralize the effects of free radicals and reduce the risk of airway spasms in asthma, various cancers, especially prostate cancer, heart diseases, joint inflammation and many other diseases. Lycopene especially plays an important role in protecting the DNA inside white blood cells.
• Natural Cure: Watermelon significantly reduces the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, asthma, etc. It strengthens the immune system and helps improve sexual function in men. It can delay age related blindness. It improves eye health and prevents macular degeneration. As mentioned above, it helps produce arginine which helps improve insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetic patients.
• Seeds and Rind: You might be surprised to know that watermelon seeds and rinds are equally nutritious. Dried and roasted seeds make a good snack. They are rich in fiber, protein, several amino acids including arginine, vitamins and minerals. The tea made from the seeds helps dissolve kidney stones naturally. Seeds help enhance the function of the nervous system, digestive system and also help maintain skin health. The rind is in fact more nutritious than the juicy part of this fruit. It should be eaten along with the juicy part, as much as your stomach can handle. It is richer in citrulline, vitamins and minerals. So health benefits of watermelon rind actually outweigh the health benefits of its red part that we usually eat.

We all love thirst quenching watermelon. It can be eaten anytime, or can be added to fruit salad. These days, watermelon, the juice and dried roasted seeds are available throughout the year. Now that you know the nutrition facts of this fruit, I am sure, you will share these facts with your friends and motivate them to eat more watermelons.