Watermelon: properties and health benefits

The watermelon is the fruit of a plant family of the Cucurbitaceae, which includes some 850 species, which produce large fruits and are protected by a hard rind.

This fruit is also known as sideburn, water melon or melancia. It is constituted mainly of water; It also contains many nutrients such as vitamins A, B6 and C, a lot of lycopene, antioxidants and amino acids. There is even a small amount of potassium , and its caloric value is very low.

To highlight: It has refreshing qualities and a rich sweet flavor, so those who wish to lose weight will find in this fruit a tasty, guilt-free dessert and, above all, very beneficial for health.

In the following article, you will be able to learn a little about the wonderful properties of watermelon, as well as its powerful health benefits.

watermelon properties

In the world there are different types of watermelons, some larger, others less rounded and even some without the stripes that characterize them. Regardless of the type that is consumed, they are all highly healthy.

Note: Watermelon is made up of 90% water and electrolytes, which mainly helps to keep the body hydrated, especially in summer. It is also a source of vitamins and nutrients, antioxidants, amino acids, potassium and lycopene.

On the other hand, we have that watermelon has properties of being a powerful diuretic, improves bone health, helps keep the digestive system in good working order, preventing constipation. Similarly, it improves cardiovascular health and the immune system, among others.

vitamins

Watermelon is a source of vitamins A,B6,B12,D,C; which are very beneficial for health, since they are necessary nutrients for the body and its proper functioning.

These vitamins help to keep the skin, the mucosa of the digestive and respiratory systems healthy, as well as to keep the defenses high, maintain the metabolic processes of the body.

Note: They contribute to the absorption of calcium, likewise they provide the body with antioxidants that help us prevent cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

minerals

Among the minerals that this fruit contains are calcium, iron, magnesium , potassium, sodium , among others; which are beneficial to the body, just like vitamins are.

Each one of them makes different contributions to the body, helping to keep bones strong, contributing to the production of hemoglobin, regulating blood glucose levels and heart rate, and also helping to produce energy and protein.

Note: In the same way, these help us to the proper functioning of the nerves and muscles, as well as to keep the liquids in good balance.

Health benefits of watermelon

There are multiple benefits that watermelons offer us to keep the body in good working order, since it has a large amount of vitamins and minerals.

Citrullus lanatus , commonly called watermelon, is rich in lycopene, which gives it its characteristic red color. Several scientific studies report that lycopene has antioxidant properties and helps reduce some types of cancer (1) .

It is also a source of beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A, helping to produce the pigments in the retina of the eye.

Below we will mention some of the benefits of watermelon for our health.

Strengthens cardiovascular health

Due to its content of the citrulline substance, watermelon contributes to good cardiovascular function, helping to maintain the flexibility of blood vessels, in the same way it prevents a possible heart attack.

It also prevents the oxidation of LDL cholesterol molecules , so it benefits cardiovascular health at the same time.

lowers blood pressure

Drinking a glass of watermelon juice daily would be enough to help lower blood pressure, since it is a fruit with vasodilator effects that increases the synthesis of nitric oxide, with the consequent decrease in blood pressure.

Improves bowel function

The high fiber content contained in watermelon contributes positively to cleansing the intestines and improves intestinal transit, as well as the proper functioning of the digestive system.

Prevents the accumulation of body fat

Due to its large amount of water, this fruit allows you to eat large portions without consuming many calories. Different researchers found that the L-arginine it possesses accelerates metabolism and favors fat loss .

Likewise , due to its potassium content, watermelon helps to eliminate liquids. On the other hand, according to a study from the University of Kentucky it can also help reduce body fat and cholesterol (2) .

Increases eye health

As we mentioned before, it is a great source of beta-carotene, which in the body is converted into vitamin A. Vitamin that contributes to the production of pigments in the retina of the eye, likewise protects against age-related macular degeneration .

Tip: Consuming three servings a day could reduce the risk of suffering from this disease.

slows down aging

The lycopene content contained in watermelons helps delay the effects of aging caused by oxygenation of the body , which causes spots and wrinkles on the skin.

Note: It is also rich in fiber, antioxidants and vitamins A and C, which likewise help slow aging.

Reduces muscle fatigue

Among its advantages, it has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, it is recommended to take it in a blender before or after doing an intense exercise to help with muscle pain the next day.

In the same way it helps to decrease the heart rate of athletes. This is because watermelon is rich in an amino acid called L-citrulline, which the body converts to L-arginine, which helps relax blood vessels and improve circulation.

Eliminates toxins from the body

It is a highly purifying fruit, which favors the elimination of toxins from the body since it increases the secretion of urine by the kidneys. Its citrulline content makes watermelon an excellent detoxifier.

To highlight: Citrulline produces a diuretic effect which helps to eliminate excess water and toxins through urine, in the same way makes arginine remove ammonia and other toxins from the body.

On the other hand, arginine raises nitrite oxide which also improves blood flow.

Helps prevent cancer

Watermelon is known for its antioxidant capacity. This carotenoid compound plays an important role in fighting various types of cancer, such as breast, prostate, uterine, and lung cancers, as it protects cells against free radical damage.

Improves skin and hair

Hydrated and radiant skin, thanks to watermelon is due to the high content of lycopene, vitamin A and C that this fruit contains.

Therefore, watermelon is wonderful to help us maintain healthy skin, in addition to the antioxidant lycopene and its high water and fiber content, it is good protection against ultraviolet rays.

How to consume watermelon?

This is a very versatile and easy-to-consume fruit, we can eat it in salads, on skewers with other fruits, prepare juices, cut it into pieces and freeze it to enjoy it later, also prepare ice cream, just blend the watermelon and place it in the buckets.

Watermelon juice

This fruit is very representative of summer, since its high water content makes it very light, moisturizing and refreshing, as well as satiating and best of all, it contains very few calories. Watermelon juice is one of the most common ways to consume it.

Ingredients

• ¼ Watermelon in Chunks
• 2 cups of water
• 1 Cup of Ice

Preparation

• Wash the watermelon very well before cutting it.
• Cut the watermelon pieces and place them in the blender along with the water and ice.
• Process everything very well, serve and enjoy.

watermelon salad

There are different types of salads and they go very well as a companion to different dishes and are even great allies when dieting, a salad does not have to be boring to the eye and the palate. However, there are many people who do not dare to eat salads regularly.

This fruit , due to its sweet flavor, represents a good contrast with the salty and combines very well with cheese, tomato and with some basil leaves, with this fruit it gives a different and very pleasant touch to salads.

Ingredients

• 1 Cup of Watermelon Chunks
• ½ chopped red onion
• 2 Cups Basil Leaves
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 3 Tablespoon of olive oil
• Salt to taste
• ½ Cup of chopped almonds

Preparation

• Wash the watermelon very well before cutting it and the basil leaves.
• Chop the red onion, the watermelon pieces and the almonds.
• Brown the almonds with 1 tablespoon of oil, without letting them burn.
• Separately, mix the rest of the oil with the lemon and a pinch of salt.
• In a large bowl, mix the watermelon with the basil and onion, being careful not to damage the watermelon. Finally, season with the previous mixture and decorate with the golden almonds.

Key takeaways

• The watermelon is the fruit of a plant family of the Cucurbitaceae, which includes some 850 species, which produce large fruits and are protected by a hard rind. It is also known as sideburn, water melon or melancia.
• The watermelon is constituted mainly of water; It also contains many nutrients such as vitamins A, B6, B12, D, C; which are very beneficial for health. It also contains minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and sodium. Finally, it is rich in antioxidants, amino acids, potassium (small amount) and lycopene.
• There are multiple benefits that watermelon offers us to keep the body functioning properly, among them we find that it strengthens cardiovascular health, lowers blood pressure, improves intestinal function, prevents the accumulation of body fat, increases visual health, contributes to prevent cancer, among others.
• Watermelon is a very versatile and easy-to-eat fruit. We can eat it in salads, on skewers with other fruits, and prepare juices. Also cut it into pieces and freeze it to enjoy it later, in the same way prepare ice cream; For this, you only have to blend the watermelon and place it in the buckets.