Watermelon believed it originate in South Africa, watermelon is available in diverse varieties - sweet, bland, and bitter. By the 7th century, watermelons were being cultivated in India. The fruit reached China by the 10th century, and today, the country is the largest watermelon producer in the world.
Now we know some trivia in watermelon, how about the health benefit of watermelon,
Here's 21 Health Benefits Of Watermelon (Pakwan)
1. Keeping Your Heart Healthy
According to research, having a slice of watermelon daily can stop the accumulation of bad cholesterol, thereby preventing heart disease. Regular consumption of watermelon is linked to fewer fatty deposits within the bloodstream.
The heart-healthy properties of watermelon can be attributed to citrulline, a chemical found in the fruit. According to a Kentucky study, citrulline may have beneficial effects on atherosclerosis. Citrulline has also been found to reduce arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women.
2. Helps Treat Inflammation
Another major compound found in watermelons is lycopene, which has great benefits. In an American study, lycopene was found to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.
Among the various carotenoids, lycopene is considered to be the best. In fact, the beneficial effects of lycopene for inflammation are considered to be better than those of beta-carotene, an important carotenoid.
3. Keeps You Hydrated
Wondering what percentage of watermelon is water? As the name of the fruit suggests, watermelon is 90% water, making it one of the best sources of hydration. It is far better than alcohol or caffeine in terms of being a diuretic. As it is a natural resource, it increases urination without stressing the kidneys.
4. Helps Combat Cancer
Lycopene gets the credit, again. According to one study, lycopene in watermelons was found to reduce the extent of cancer recurrence. Lycopene is the pigment that makes watermelons their distinctive red color, and because it is a powerful antioxidant, it prevents the onset of certain cancers.
A two-cup serving of watermelon contains about 20 milligrams of lycopene, which battles free radicals and protects against many types of cancer. According to a Chicago study, lycopene exhibits chemopreventive properties, especially in prostate cancer cells.
Lycopene has also been found to be useful in the treatment of HPV (human papillomavirus) infection, which can lead to uterine cancer.
5. May Help Relieve Muscle Pain
If your sore muscles trouble you after exercise, watermelon can hold the key. The fruit is full of electrolytes and the amino acid citrulline, which help soothe sore muscles after a strenuous workout. And as per an Iranian study, citrulline in watermelon can help reduce muscle fatigue.
Citrulline is also externally added to watermelon juice to evaluate its effects, and it has been proven that it is the only naturally occurring citrulline in watermelons that has any effect on muscle pain.
Citrulline has been found to accelerate the process of lactic acid removal, thereby relieving muscle pain. Drinking watermelon juice can also help your muscles receive more oxygen - it helps them recover faster.
6. Digestive Aids
Watermelon, as we have seen, contains large amounts of water, and therefore can aid digestion. It also contains fibre, so it promotes digestion and prevents constipation.
7. Is Good For Pregnant Women
Watermelon eases heartburn, a common condition during pregnancy. It also helps alleviate morning sickness. The minerals in the fruit can help prevent third-trimester muscle cramps.
Watermelon can be good for pregnant women in other ways as well.
8. Can Prevent Macular Degeneration
As we have seen, watermelons are an excellent source of lycopene - which has been found to reduce the risk of macular degenerative disease.
According to the Mayo Clinic, lycopene has been proposed as a potential treatment for eye disorders such as macular degeneration (although further studies are needed in this regard).
Antioxidants are important for eye health as they offer protection against free radicals. The effects of free radicals can be frightening - they can lead to eye lens damage, and can even cause blindness. Lycopene, being a potent antioxidant, prevents this.
9. Prevents Asthma
Hail lycopene, again! Being one of the key antioxidants, lycopene helps the body’s reaction to the cold and flu. And what is even more interesting is that this antioxidant has been found to reduce the incidence of asthma in children.
Watermelon also allows people with asthma to breathe properly, without them having to take every breath in panic. A study conducted on 17 asthmatic adults showed that lycopene may have a therapeutic effect on pain.
According to one report, adequate intake of lycopene and vitamin A may be beneficial for asthmatic patients.
10. Controlling Blood Pressure
Watermelon is the richest natural source of citrulline. And according to a study published by Florida State University, citrulline is closely related to arginine, which is an amino acid essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure.
Another study with volunteers consuming concentrated watermelon juice found increased levels of arginine in them, which protectors likely to be converted from citrulline.
Watermelon is also an excellent source of potassium, the nutrient that is known to lower high blood pressure. Potassium is also an electrolyte that regulates blood pressure during physical exercise.
11. Improves Skin And Hair Health
Watermelon is a good source of vitamin C, the nutrient that is essential for collagen synthesis. Collagen keeps your skin supple and strengthens your hair.
According to a German study, lycopene and beta-carotene can protect the skin against sunburn. Beta-carotene is also known to prevent certain skin conditions such as psoriasis and vitiligo.
Vitamin A in watermelon is another important nutrient that contributes to skin health-it repairs and creates new skin cells. Without these nutrients, your skin will appear dull and flaky.
12. Improves Bone Health
Vitamin C plays a big role here as the nutrient is good for bones and aids in wound healing. A Swiss study suggests that lycopene supplementation can prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures.
Vitamin A in watermelons has been linked to bone growth.
13. Weight Loss Aids
One of the best watermelon health benefits is that it aids in healthy weight loss too. Yes, given its high water content, watermelon can fill you up with fewer calories. Water has also been found to speed up metabolism and flush out toxins and fats, which can ultimately contribute to weight loss.
One wedge of watermelon has about 86 calories, less than 1 gram of fat, and no cholesterol. It provides 22 grams of carbs and 5% of your daily fibre requirements, making it a great diet for fat burning and weight loss.
14. Offer Kidney Support
Although watermelon can be an excellent source of potassium, the percentage is lower compared to most other foods. This is why it can be good for people suffering from chronic kidney disease.
However, in some individuals suffering from chronic kidney disease, the kidneys may not be able to remove excess potassium from the blood. This can increase blood potassium levels and lead to complications.
15. Strengthens immunity
Watermelon, being rich in vitamin C, strengthens the body’s immune system. The fruit also contains vitamin B6 which helps the immune system produce antibodies. Vitamins also aid in the formation of red blood cells. Fruits have vitamin A that regulates the immune system and protects it from infection.
16. Helps Treat Diabetes
What is the link between watermelon and diabetes? Although watermelon has a high glycemic index, it has a lower glycemic load (the amount by which a particular food will raise an individual’s blood sugar levels), and is therefore good. for diabetics.
In a Nigerian study, watermelon was found to have anti-diabetic properties. Another study showed the beneficial effect of watermelon pomegranate juice - it increases the mass of brown adipose tissue and reduces excess white fat mass, which ultimately helps treat diabetes.
However, take your doctor's advice in this regard-as some small-scale studies have revealed otherwise.
17. Can Promote Sexual Health
The amino acid citrulline in watermelon relaxes and dilates blood vessels and may help in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Citrulline is converted to arginine, which is a precursor for nitric oxide that helps with blood vessel dilation.
According to an Italian study, oral citrulline supplementation has been found to improve erectile stiffness in men suffering from mild erectile dysfunction.
Watermelon can also act as a natural viagra. The substances in watermelon, especially phytonutrients, react in the human body and trigger such reactions.
18. Can Prevent Cell Damage
Watermelon, being rich in lycopene, protects cells from damage associated with heart disease. Lycopene fights free radicals and prevents cell damage.
19. Prevents Heat Stroke
Given its high water content, watermelon is known to prevent hyperthermia.
It has a lot of meaning in Chinese medicine as well - watermelon is one of the few fruits that clears heat and relieves irritability and thirst. It also relieves heat exhaustion, where the outermost layer of skin is used.
20. Promotes Healthy Gums
Vitamin C in watermelon keeps capillaries and gums healthy. Vitamin C deficiency can cause bleeding gums and gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), and watermelon can prevent these conditions.
Vitamin C in watermelon can also kill bacteria in the mouth that can otherwise lead to gum disease and other gum infections.
21. Boosts Energy Levels
Watermelon is a good source of vitamin B, which is responsible for energy production in your body. Fruit is low in calories and high in energy, and it can help you stay active for the better part of the day.
Another reason why you should have a watermelon to stay on top of your game is potassium. Potassium is an electrolyte that keeps you from feeling tired after a tiring day.
Watermelon, as we have seen, is not only saturated with water - but has great benefits as well. You will be surprised to learn interesting facts about watermelon - what we will see today.
Watermelon is a must-have, especially during the summers. There is no doubt about it. Its high water content makes it a powerful weapon against heat stroke and other related issues.
Now you know what watermelon is good for and why you should include it in your daily diet. Start eating watermelon today, and beat the heat like never before!
Let's now take a look at some frequently asked questions.