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Nothing says summer better than eating watermelon. Slicing into a watermelon on a hot summer afternoon is a delicious and refreshing experience.
Some people think that watermelon is full of sugar and they avoid eating this fruit that is technically a berry, but they are making a big mistake. Watermelons are actually low in sugar compared to other fruits. A one cup serving contains only 46 calories has only nine grams of sugar compared to mangos with 23 grams or bananas with 11 grams. And watermelons come packed with a host of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and more.
Since watermelons have a long growing season, they are at their peak now. Go to a local farm stand, farmers market, food coop, or supermarket and pick one up. You can tell it is ripe if the bottom or field spot is yellowish and not white.
Here's a list of all the amazing health benefits of this summer delight.
It's Hydrating
Watermelon was given its name for a reason. You have to drink a lot of water to stay hydrated in hot summer weather and watermelon which contains 92 percent water can also count towards your hydration quota for the day.
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Watermelon Contains Vitamin C
Citrus isn't your only source of vitamin C; one wedge of watermelon contains 30 percent of your recommended daily requirement. This vitamin is necessary for the growth, development and repair of all body tissues, it helps boost your immune system so you can stave off summer colds, aids the formation of collagen for healthy skin, and helps wounds heal. This summer fruit also contains vitamins A, B1, B5, and B6.
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It's A Great Post-Workout Snack
Watermelon is full of magnesium and potassium, two minerals that we lose in our sweat when we exercise and that needs to be replenished along with sodium. That's because these minerals are electrolytes that carry the electrical signals to our body to allow our muscles to contract and relax after a workout. The amino acid L-Citrulline that is also found in watermelon helps to reduce muscle soreness, according to a study in the ACS's Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry. Rich in anti-inflammatory antioxidants and vitamin C, watermelon can help people who suffer from arthritis or sports injuries.
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Good For Heart Health
he lycopene contained in this versatile red fruit can help reduce blood pressure, could lower your cholesterol and it helps to keep your arteries free of plaque. The vitamins and minerals in red fruits can help reduce your risk of heart disease.
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Can Help Prevent Cancer
The same lycopene that helps your heart and other plant compounds found in watermelon have anti-cancer properties. According to Healthline, studies have found that lycopene intake is associated with a lower risk of some types of cancer, mainly of the digestive system and cucurbitacin E has also been investigated for its capacity to prevent tumor growth.
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It’s a Healthy Dessert
Watermelon is lower in sugar compared to other fruits and much lower in calories than baked goods. It is as refreshing as ice cream without the fat. This makes watermelon it a very healthy dessert. You can also take a whole watermelon with you on a picnic or to the beach.
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