Home
Health
Diet & Nutrition
Living Well
MoreWatermelon is 92 percent water, making them a refreshing snack. However, did you know that your favorite summer melon packs a nutritious punch? Nature soaks this fun fruit with nutrients. Each juicy bite delivers vitamins A, B6 and C, as well as lycopene, amino acids, and antioxidants. You even get some potassium. Are you on a diet or trying to lose a few pounds with thoughtful food choices? Consume this quintessential summer treat as part of a sensible diet. Watermelon is fat-free, contains very low sodium and has 40 calories per cup. So, eat as much as you want.
Lycopene Levels
Nutritionists have noticed high levels of lycopene in watermelon, 15 to 20 milligrams in a serving. This is among the highest concentration of any fresh produce. Lycopene is a phytonutrient. This is a naturally occurring compound found in vegetables and fruits. This is the red pigment that gives watermelon its color. Lycopene is linked to heart and bone health, as well as prostate cancer prevention. This powerful antioxidant may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Beta-carotene
Let your watermelon ripen for a few days and you can enjoy high concentrations of beta-carotene. This antioxidant is good for your skin and eyes. Also, it helps with cancer prevention. When its fully red, the fruit becomes an excellent source of this phytonutrient. Those with eyesight issues benefit from including watermelon in their diet.
Phenolic Antioxidant
Watermelon is rich in phenolic phytonutrients. These nutrients act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Phenolic antioxidants can generate free radicals. Free radicals contribute to slowing down the negative impacts of oxidants.
Vitamin A
One serving contains 30 percent of your daily intake of Vitamin A. This vitamin contributes to your eye health. It also boosts your immunity because it enhances your body’s white blood cells or lymphocytes. When you eat a bowl of watermelon, you’re improving your growth and development, immune function and reproductive capability. Vitamin A also enhances red blood cell, skin, and bone formation.
Vitamin B6
Everyone wants to stay healthy and avoid illness. The best way to combat germs is to build a healthy immune system. The modest levels of Vitamin B6 in watermelon bolster your body’s immune system and help it produce more antibodies. Vitamin B6 contributes to normal nerve function and enhances the formation of red blood cells. If you eat a lot of meat, you should increase your consumption of B6, because your body needs it to break down protein.
Vitamin C
Load up on watermelon during cold and flu season. This fruit has 25 percent of the FDA recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C. Vitamin C can build your immune system’s defenses and increase your ability to fight off infections. Vitamin C also safeguards your body from free radicals that accelerate aging and contribute to cataracts.
Potassium
According to the USDA, a two-cup serving of watermelon is a great source of potassium. You need this mineral for healthy water balance, and it’s found in every cell of your body. Eat this healthy melon to avoid low potassium levels that can cause cramps and lead to water retention and inflammation.
Citrulline Acid
Citrulline found it modest amounts in watermelon, converts to arginine, which promotes blood flow. Through this heart-healthy acid, your cardiovascular health is promoted via improved circulation. This helps several secondary health conditions, including erectile dysfunction. So, eating watermelon is a great way to stay healthy and improve your romantic life.
Watermelon Seeds
A grateful world consumes tons of seedless watermelon each year. In the US, 73 percent of imported watermelons have no seeds. It turns out that they’re good for you, so you might want to consider getting the watermelon as nature intended. Recent studies show that watermelon seeds are very nutritious, more so if sprouted and shelled. These tiny throwaways are high in magnesium, protein, vitamin B, and good fats.
Fat-free and Low Calorie
To maintain a healthy weight, it’s important to watch your consumption of calories and fatty foods. Watermelon contains no fat, so it’s a great way to load up on nutrients without bloating or adding to your fat reserves. Two cups provide a satisfying snack that contains just 80 calories. Put this convenient snack in your lunch sack for a power pick-me-up anytime.
