Watermelon from its name suggests, that the fruit mainly consists of water. It has 91%
of water and about 7.5% of carbohydrates and it is very low in calories.

Watermelon has fewer proteins or no proteins at all.

The nutrient content in 100 grams of raw watermelon is presented below.

Calories 30

Water 91%

Proteins 0.6 grams

Carbohydrates 7.6 grams

Sugar 6.2 grams

Fibre 0.4 grams

Fat 0.2 grams

Benefits

Watermelon is not only a delicious fruit, but it also offers a wide range of health benefits.
Watermelon helps you to restore the water content in your body.

It helps to reduce oxidative stress and also relieves muscle soreness. It regulates skin
health and makes your skin healthy from within.

Asthma prevention

Watermelon is red in color due to the presence of a powerful antioxidant Lycopene.
People think that tomatoes are rich in lycopene, but the truth is watermelon is the best
source of lycopene than tomatoes.

The lycopene content in the watermelon helps to reduce asthma flare-ups. Watermelon
also has a therapeutic effect, which is beneficial for asthma patients.

Watermelon is also rich in vitamin C, which helps to reduce the effects of asthma. With
one cup of watermelon daily, it helps to fight the severe effects of asthma.

People who have low levels of vitamin C tend to have more asthma effects. Watermelon
has 40% of vitamin C, which is effective against asthma. Consuming one cup per day
will help to lower the asthma symptoms.

Blood pressure

Watermelon contains citrulline. Citrulline is an amino acid that helps to regulate blood
flow and pressure. It manages high blood pressure.

Citrulline helps the body produce nitric acid. Nitric acid helps to increase the flexibility in
the arteries and to relax the blood vessels.

Citrulline is converted to essential amino acids such as arginine, which is important for
many organs such as kidneys, lungs and immune system.

A study conducted with adults revealed that people who consumed watermelon resulted
in reduced blood pressure in the ankles and brachial arteries.

Cancer

Watermelon has lycopene and cucurbitacin E, which are considered to have anti-cancer
properties.

Research studies have proved that lycopene consumption reduced the risk of prostate
and colorectal cancer.

Cucurbitacin E helps to inhibit tumor formation. The cancer cells are killed by a process
of autophagy, which is promoted by cucurbitacin E.

Digestion and regularity

Watermelon is high in water content and has a small quantity of fiber. These two
nutrients aid digestion.

The fiber content in the watermelon helps to regulate bowel movement. The water
content aids in digestion.

Regular consumption of watermelon helps to promote good gut health and prevents
constipation.

Hydration

Watermelon is the best snack during the summer season. After a heavy workout, watermelon can be consumed to restore the electrolytes that are lost.

Children don�t drink water and should be forced to drink water. Watermelon is the best
source to restore the water content in children.

After they come home playing, watermelon will be a suitable snack for them to perish. It
is palatable and no child can say no to such a dish.

Smoothies can be made with watermelon to make children drink it. It can also be served
cold as a popsicle.

Brain and nervous system

Watermelon has antioxidant choline, which helps in the functioning of the brain and
nervous system.

The movement of muscles, memory, the structure of cell membranes, brain development
and transmission of nerve impulses are carried out properly with the help of choline.

Watermelon is rich in potassium which helps to regulate the brain and muscle functions
of the body. Potassium determines the muscle contraction and excitation nerves in our
body.

Antioxidants in watermelon help to prevent cognitive decline. Watermelon is also rich in
beta-carotene

Muscle soreness

Muscle soreness can be reduced with watermelon consumption. Watermelon juice is very
common among athletes.

A study conducted with a group of athletes revealed that athletes who consumed 500
grams of watermelon before a workout experienced less muscle soreness than people
who didn�t consume.

Skin

Watermelon is great for skin whether it is consumed or applied to your skin directly.
Watermelon is enriched with vitamins that help to nourish your skin.

Watermelon has vitamins such as vitamin A, B and C that help to increase collagen
production, helps to decrease pigmentation and makes your skin soft.

Metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster condition that increases the risk of heart diseases and
diabetes. Watermelon consumption is known to reduce cardiovascular diseases, especially because of its bioactive constituents such as L-citrulline, lycopene and beta-
carotene.

There is exactly no research to confirm that watermelon affects on the cluster conditions.

Diuretic properties

Watermelon is a fruit that has more than 90% of water content, potassium content and
also diuretic properties.

The citrulline in watermelon helps to relax the blood vessels and makes it easy for the
fluids to flow easily. The water retention in the body is reduced when watermelon is
consumed.

An in vivo experiment was conducted on mice to study the effect of diuretics. The study
included a test group, reference and control.

The control was fed with tap water, reference with furosemide and the test group was
fed with homogenized pure watermelon. The results revealed that watermelon has a
significant diuretic effect compared to other therapeutic agents.

Nutrients and beneficial plant compounds

Watermelon has nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B and A. Vitamin C
contains antioxidant that is essential for immune function.

Potassium is important to control blood pressure and heart rate.

Secondary metabolites with nutraceutical properties are present in watermelon tissues
such as rid, leaves and seeds.

The nutraceutical properties of watermelon are potential drug targets for diseases such
as cancer, inflammation, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disorders and digestive
disorders.

May improve heart health

Citrulline an amino acid, which is present abundantly present in watermelon helps to
lower your blood pressure and protects your heart from various diseases.

The lycopene in watermelon helps to reduce cardiovascular diseases and lowers the risk
of heart attack and stroke.

Inflammation and oxidative stress

Inflammation may lead to chronic diseases. Watermelon has antioxidants that help to
reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.

Watermelon powder was fed to rats and the results revealed that it reduced inflammation and oxidative stress.

A human study revealed that people with obesity and high inflammatory condition
significantly reduced their inflammation and obesity with the consumption of watermelon.

Skin health

Watermelon has vitamin A and C, which is important for the skin. These vitamins help to
keep your skin healthy.

Regular consumption of watermelon helps to reduce wrinkles and dry skin. Vitamin A is
important for the skin, as it replaces the dead skin cells.

Good for kidneys

The lycopene in watermelon helps to break-down harmful free radicals. It also prevents
the kidneys from injury.

Berries are good for your kidney and they nourish your health. They contain anti-
oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that scavenge free radicals.

Won't Spike Your Blood Sugar

People with diabetes can enjoy watermelon without any guilt. Watermelon has a glycemic index (GI) of 80, but the glycemic load is only 5. The rate at which the glucose
is released into your bloodstream.

It is always best to have it in moderation, not to miss out on the nutrient content in
watermelon.

Aids in Pregnancy

Eating watermelon during pregnancy will help relieve swelling and soothe heartburn.

How to Consume Watermelon & Serving tips

Watermelon can be relished in the way you think, you want to enjoy it. Cut a piece and
eat straightaway till the rid. Still, it�s delicious.

Cut into pieces and eating with skewers is also delicious. Some people like the tangy
taste, add a few drops of lemon juice and sprinkle some chat masala.

Watermelon can also be barbecued and consumed. It can also be served as a salad with
some fruits of your delicacy. It can also be served as a juice and smoothie.

Watermelon blended with mint leaves gives an exotic taste to relish. Watermelon goes
well with any fruit. So you can choose your companion to enjoy!

Full story:
https://www.quora.com/Is-watermelon-good-for-you

Mike Dippel

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