You don’t like watermelon? I mean that red, sweet, juicy fruit? Okay, let’s not even talk about why you don’t; I’ll rather tell you why you should! And if you’re already in love with it like me, let me tell you at least 5 reasons why your body is thanking you for eating it!
Watermelon is a wonder fruit and there is no part of it that does not have something to contribute to the general health of your body. You can eat it, juice it, or even smoothie it! Yes!
Now, check out some of the amazing health benefits of this soft and juicy fruit.
5 Health Benefits of Watermelon
1» GREAT VITAMINS
You know all those plenty vitamins that your doctor keeps telling you is essential for your body to stay healthy right? Like Vitamin A (which helps maintain eye health), Vitamin C (which strengthens immunity, heals wounds, and all that), Vitamin B6 (which aids brain function)…watermelon got them in abundance! One cup contains nearly a quarter of your daily in-take of some of this vitamins (especially Vitamin A). Good news right? Yes, I know!
2» KEEPS YOU HYDRATED
This hot weather and the thirst that accompanies it causes you to sweat and you need to stay “watered up” LOL. Okay, watermelon contains 92% of water and you know that your body needs over 6 glasses of water everyday; luckily, this fruit with its neutral flavor that tastes just like plain-sweet water offers you enough liquid to stay hydrated the healthy way. So you don’t go grabbing those carbonated drinks that bloats your stomach. When you are fully hydrated it makes it easier for oxygen to make all the important rounds to your body cells…I just found that out too!
3» LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE
High blood pressure is common for many people from time to time and of course your doctor prescribes drugs for it (some with side effects). Now research has found that watermelon can do a good job in improving the blood pressure without any side effect. The fruit contains nitric acid — a sort of healthy gas that helps the arteries become more compliant — which makes it easier for blood to flow freely in your body thereby decreasing the blood pressure. And did you know that when blood pressure is normal, the health of your heart improves? Wow!
4» SOOTHES MUSCLE SORENESS
So you love to exercise but hates how your muscles feels afterwards, right? Right! Watermelon’s got your back! Studies has shown that regular eating of watermelon helps muscles and nerves function, and it tends to the muscle and soothes the pains. Eat or drink it before and after exercise and you’ll testify to its goodness! And who knows, it might even “ginger” you to work out more!
5» PREVENT AND MELTS KIDNEY STONES
Watermelon has also been found to be excellent for kidney health (all that antioxidants, vitamins and phytonutrients, of course!) It can “flush and dissolve” kidney stones, if I am permitted to be a little dramatic. Just eat watermelon in plentiful quantity, and certainly, your kidneys won’t stop thanking you for it.
Other Health Benefits of Watermelon
- Digestion: Watermelon, because of its water and fiber content, helps to prevent constipation and promote regularity for a healthy digestive tract.
- Skin: Watermelon is also great for your skin because it contains vitamin A, a nutrient required for sebum production that keeps hair moisturized. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair.
- Cancer: As an excellent source of the strong antioxidant vitamin C as well as other antioxidants, watermelon can help combat the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer. Lycopene intake has been linked with a decreased risk of prostate cancer prevention in several studies.
And you Can Eat Watermelon Rind and Seeds!
Most people throw away the watermelon seed; but the seed contains plenty of health-promoting and blood-building chlorophyll; and while many people prefer seedless watermelon varieties, watermelon seeds are edible and actually quite healthy. They contain iron, zinc, protein, and fiber.
You don’t even have to break the bank to be able to afford watermelon. It is cheap and readily available at every fruit stall. You can’t go wrong with watermelon; try eating it 2-3 times a week and if I got a next time I just might write you on the right way to store and eat watermelon.
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ABOUT THE WRITER
Patience Jonathan is a graduate of journalism. She is a food handler and loves creative cooking. She is passionate about healthy eating and healthy living — and enjoys writing articles and designing recipes to help people eat well and live well.
Connect with her:
Email: missjonathan86@gmail.com
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