Amongst all the summer foods, watermelon is a good choice for its many health benefits. It is high in vitamin C and water, and has a lot of antioxidants to help protect you from disease. These antioxidants fight against free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage your cells. It also helps your immune system.
Watermelon is a good source of calcium, which is important for promoting strong bones and teeth. It also contains potassium, which is good for the heart. It also contains L-citrulline, an amino acid that has been shown to lower blood pressure. This amino acid may also help protect against a number of conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and inflammation.
Vitamin A is also present in watermelon, and is good for skin and eye health. Vitamin A helps the immune system, and maintains healthy bones, teeth, and mucus membranes. It also helps to keep your skin soft, and protects against skin blemishes and infections. Vitamin A is also needed for healthy vision, and can help maintain your vision as you age.
Watermelon is also a good source of vitamin B6, which is needed for nerve function, immune system production, and breaking down protein. It is also essential for the formation of red blood cells.
Lycopene, the antioxidant found in watermelon, may help to protect against heart disease. Studies have also shown that high levels of lycopene in watermelon may reduce the risk of diabetes and prostate cancer. The antioxidants in watermelon may also promote brain health. They may also protect against the development of chronic diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Watermelon is also rich in fiber, which helps to keep your bowels regular. It also contains a number of electrolytes, which help keep the body hydrated. It is also a good source of choline, which helps to keep chronic inflammation down.
Watermelon also contains antioxidants, including lycopene and beta-carotene. Lycopene is an antioxidant that helps fight against free radicals. A high amount of beta-carotene in watermelon may also help to prevent night blindness. It also protects against age-related macular degeneration, a condition that can cause blurred vision. It also promotes eye health, and helps to produce pigments in the retina of the eye.
Lycopene is also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties. It may help to reduce inflammation, which can lead to conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, and even stroke. A high level of lycopene in watermelon also helps to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
A study conducted at Purdue University found that watermelon extracts reduced hypertension in obese adults. Similarly, research has shown that eating two cups of watermelon per day may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. While more research is needed, these preliminary studies are encouraging.
Watermelon also contains vitamins A, B6, and C. Vitamin A and C are antioxidants, which help to fight against free radicals. Lycopene and beta-carotene may also help to protect against certain forms of cancer. These vitamins also help to protect against infections and reduce oxidative damage to cells. Watermelon also contains a good amount of potassium, which helps to flush toxins from the kidneys.
