The watermelon is a large fruit of a more or less spherical shape. It is usually eaten raw as table dessert. It has a sweet reddish or yellowish flesh. It is a very refreshing food that supplies very few calories. It also provides some vitamins and minerals.
Watermelons are mostly water — about 92 percent — but this refreshing fruit is soaked with nutrients. Each juicy bite has significant levels of vitamins A, B6 and C, lots of lycopene, antioxidants and amino acids. There’s even a modest amount of potassium. Plus, this quintessential summer snack is fat-free, very low in sodium and has only 40 calories per cup.
Now, let’s review 10 of its main benefits:
1. Cardiovascular and Bone Health.
The lycopene in watermelon is especially important for cardiovascular health and is now being recognized as an important factor in promoting bone health. Consuming watermelon has also been correlated with improved cardiovascular function because it improves blood flow via vasodilation (relaxation of blood pressure) and is rich in potassium which helps to retain calcium in your body, resulting in stronger bones and joints.
2. Reduces Body Fat.
The citrulline, an essential amino acid, in watermelon has been shown to reduce the accumulation of fat in our fat cells. Citrulline has the ability to (through a series of steps) block the activity of TNAP (tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase) which makes our fat cells create less fat, and thus helps prevent over-accumulation of body fat.
3. Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant Support.
Watermelon is rich in the compounds that reduce inflammation and neutralize free radicals. Make sure you pick ripe watermelons because they contain higher amounts of these beneficial compounds.
4. Diuretic and Kidney Support.
Watermelon is a natural diuretic which helps increase the flow of urine, but does not strain the kidneys (unlike alcohol and caffeine). Watermelon helps the liver process ammonia (waste from protein digestion) which eases strain on the kidneys while getting rid of excess fluids
