Researchers Uncover New Health Benefits of Watermelon

Watermelon is a delicious fruit rich in nutrients. Consuming watermelon is an excellent way to quench your thirst. The fruit tastes best when served cold and you can include it in your breakfast or have it as a dessert. Watermelon enhances diet quality in both children and adults. In case you have a sweet tooth, the natural sugars of watermelon can satisfy that as well. Let’s now look at some more health benefits of watermelon in detail.

Watermelon’s Impact on Blood Pressure

In a study conducted in 2012, it was found that consuming watermelon extract was beneficial for middle-aged individuals having early hypertension and obesity. The study revealed that watermelon extract reduced blood pressure in the ankles of middle-aged people. Researchers who conducted the study suggested that the antioxidants in the fruit, namely, L-arginine and L-citrulline, helped enhance the functions of the arteries. This, in turn, helped lower the blood pressure.

Watermelon’s Role in Skin Health

Watermelon is a rich source of Vitamin C, which is utilized by the body to produce collagen. Collagen makes the skin firm and elastic. Vitamin C in watermelons also speeds up the process of wound healing and helps prevent age-related damage. 

Watermelon and Weight Loss: Latest Findings

Individuals consuming watermelon are found to have a better diet quality when compared to those who don’t. The fruit contains 90% water and a cup of it has just 40-45 calories. So, even if you eat big portions of watermelon, you will not gain weight easily. And replacing candies or other sweets with watermelon ensures that you cut down the usual amount of calories you consume. This factor contributes to weight loss. 

Eating watermelon is a wonderful way to stay hydrated. If you are dehydrated, you may tend to feel hungry instead of feeling thirsty. So, you may end up having more calories than usual. On the other hand, when you eat watermelon, your body will not go into dehydration mode. As a result, you will not tend to eat calorie-rich foods.

Antioxidants in Watermelon and Their Benefits

In addition to L-arginine and L-citrulline found in watermelon, the fruit also contains lycopene, which is another antioxidant. Lycopene neutralizes the free radicals in your body. Free radicals are known to play a role in the growth of certain types of cancer. So, by neutralizing free radicals, lycopene helps protect your body from cancer. 

When you have a diet rich in antioxidants, your body will be safeguarded against heart disease as well. Lycopene in watermelon is also found in other red fruits and vegetables, such as apricots, tomatoes, and pink grapefruit. 

How Can You Increase Your Intake of Watermelon?

When you eat watermelon as freshly-cut pieces, you will also consume the fiber in it. Dietary fiber is essential for your body because it aids in digestion and helps prevent constipation. However, when you consume watermelon as juice, it will not have the fiber. So it’s better to avoid taking it in the liquid state. 

Whenever you crave something sweet, you can have a few pieces of watermelon. This will help curb your frequent snacking of cookies or candies. 

We hope this blog on the new health benefits of watermelon uncovered by experts proves useful to you. For better health, just add some pieces of this fruit to your diet.