Health Benefits of Watermelon: 8 Reasons Why It is The Perfect Fruit For Summer

When we think about summer fruits, mango comes first to our mind and then comes watermelon. But the latter is better than the King of Fruits, when it comes to beating summer heat and staying hydrated in the hot months. Everybody loves watermelon because it is refreshing, juicy and can keep you full for hours. It’s cheaper than mangoes and yet it is just as delicious. What’s more? It doesn’t give you those annoying boils on your face if you overindulge.

Nutritionally, watermelon is almost 92 percent water and 7.55 percent of carbohydrates. Sugars and dietary fibres are 6.2 percent and 0.4 percent respectively. It contains rich in carotenoids, vitamin C, citrulline and flavonoids. It’s practivally free of fat and cholesterol. It is a rich source of beta carotene, which acts as an antioxidant and a precursor of vitamin A.

Watermelon contains lycopene, a cancer-fighting agent. It also has rich reserves of vitamin B such as B1 and B6, and minerals like potassium and magnesium. If you are wondering if there are any more health benefits to watermelon, here are some reasons why it is the best fruit for summers.

1 Perfect Weight Loss Fruit

Watermelon is mostly water, no fat and high fibre, which makes it not only a healthy substitute for sugary beverages in summer, but also a perfect weight loss food. Even among fruits, it has a comparatively low amount of sugar. A 100gm serving of watermelon contains only 30 calories! “Are good hydrators and taste great, and can be eaten without any guilt,” says Dr. Rajeshwari Shetty, Head of Dietetics, SL Raheja Hospital – A Fortis Associate. Here are some foods for summer weight loss.

2 Fights Inflammation

Watermelon is rich in antioxidants and other bioactive compounds, which helps reduce oxidative stress and reduce inflammatory conditions in the body. The antioxidant lycopene in the fruit discourages inflammation in the body and curbs problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure and neurodegenerative diseases.

3 Fights Cancer

The compound which gives watermelon its pinkish red colour is lycopene and it’s a powerful cancer-fighting agent. Studies have shown its efficiency in fighting cancers of the prostate, lung, bowel, endometrial and breast. Tomatoes are also known contain this powerful carotenoid. But watermelon is a richer source of lycopene, which makes it a better cancer-fighting food than tomatoes.

4 Soothes Muscles

Worried about walking on wobbly legs after a leg day at the gym? Try snacking on watermelon. Drinking watermelon juice or eating on watermelons after a strenuous workout will help easing some of the muscle soreness associated with physical exertion. The amino acids, citrulline and arginine helps improve circulation and relieves painful muscle soreness.

5 Slows Down Ageing

Vitamin A, the micronutrient required for skin regeneration is found abundantly in watermelons. It also has good reserves of vitamin C required for collagen, a structural protein which keeps your skin young. Watermelon is also abundant in beta carotene, another skin-loving nutrient. Making the fruit a part of your daily diet ensures quicker skin regeneration, helping your skin look beautiful and youthful.

6 Strengthens Bones

Vitamin C content and vitamin A in watermelons promotes the growth of healthy bones and joints. The lycopene in the fruit also helps prevent osteoporosis and fractures.

7 Keeps Heart Healthy

The rich antioxidant content in watermelons helps in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. This directly benefits the cardiovascular system. High vitamin C content also prevents the hardening of the arteries and keeps the blood vessels supple and flexible.

8 Fights Erectile Dysfunction and Improves Sexual Performance

Watermelon could be a good fruit to combat erectile dysfunction, according to research. It could also be a natural alternative to Viagra, which boosts blood flow to the penis. The amino acid citrulline helps relax blood vessels, enabling the blood to circulate for freely and mitigating problems related to sexual performance.

Watermelon is an inexpensive, nutritious fruit, readily available across the country. It’s a complete fruit because it has a dizzying list of health benefits, it keeps you satiated and quenches your thirst in the scorching summer months. Watermelon has so many health benefits it’s a shame if we don’t indulge in this fruit to our hearts’ content.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 17, 2018 05:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).