Watermelons are the ideal food for the summer. They are delicious, low in calories, packed with nutrients and super hydrating. This makes it a fruit to eat every day, and making watermelon part of your daily diet is not only a delicious thing to do, but it will give you tons of overall health benefits.
13 healthy reasons to eat watermelon every day
Watermelon benefits improve heart health to boost brain and boost immune system. But there are many more reasons to eat watermelon. Keep reading our article to discover that it is true that watermelon cannot be missing from our daily table.
1. Healthy heart
Eating large amounts of watermelon improves your heart functions. Watermelons contain high levels of a remarkable antioxidant called lycopene (hence its red color). Lycopene keeps your heart young and prevents damage caused by free radicals. Along with lycopene, watermelons contain high levels of potassium that lower the risk of a heart attack, help lower cholesterol, improve blood flow, and regulate the heartbeat.
2. Strong bones
Lycopene in the diet (also found in tomatoes) has been recognized to promote healthy bones. This powerful antioxidant reduces the activity of bone cells involved in the development of osteoporosis. And its high potassium levels help retain calcium, which keeps your bones and joints healthy and strong.
3. Boost the immune system and heal wounds fast
Watermelon contains high levels of vitamin C. Vitamin C supports the immune system and protects the body against free radicals and oxidative stress. Vitamin C also plays an important role in wound healing. The enzymes involved in collagen production need vitamin C. So, if your wounds don't heal as they should, increase your vitamin C intake with rich foods such as watermelons and citrus fruits.
4. Helps in weight loss
Watermelon contains around 90% water and is very low in calories, making it a great fruit for people who want to lose weight. But their low-calorie content isn't the only reason you should eat watermelons regularly to lose weight. The citrulline, is also found in watermelons, it becomes arginine which is an amino acid that has the effect of burning fat.
5. Anti-inflammatory properties
Watermelons are rich in flavonoids, carotenoids (like lycopene), and triterpenoids. Especially the lycopene in watermelon has shown great results in reducing inflammation and neutralizing free radicals. Make sure to pick ripe watermelons as they have higher amounts of these anti-inflammatory compounds. See: 10 natural anti-inflammatories to cure joint pain.
6. Prevents cancer
Again, it's the lycopene that steals the show. This potent carotenoid has been linked to reducing the risk of prostate, breast, lung cancer, uterus, and colon cancer. See: Recipe to prepare an anticancer salad.
7. Alkalize the body
These days our diets are full of acidic foods (meat, dairy, baked goods, processed foods, and fast foods). High acid diets have been linked to weight gain and an increased risk of developing diseases such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's, and heart disease. Ripe watermelons are highly alkaline and help the body to neutralize these harmful and damaging acids.
8. Healthy muscles and nerves
Watermelon is a good source of potassium and citrulline to keep your muscles and nerves working properly. Control muscle contraction and prevent muscle pain after hard workouts. Our body converts citrulline into arginine, which helps relax blood vessels and improves blood circulation.
9. Improves vision
Eating a lot of watermelon is good for eye health, due to its high levels of antioxidants like beta carotene, vitamin C, lutein, and zeaxanthin. These protect your eyes against age-related problems such as night blindness, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. See: Improve your eye vision naturally with these tips.
10. Skin and hair
Watermelon contains a good amount of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A. Vitamin A plays an important role in sebum production and cell growth to keep skin and hair healthy and hydrated. See Diet for clearer skin.
11. Watermelon is a natural stimulant
Watermelons work as a natural stimulant. They increase libido and improve circulation. According to a study by Texas A&M University, the citrulline in watermelons helps to relax blood vessels in a similar way to what happens when men take a stimulant supplement.
12. Hydrate your body
Watermelons are around 90% water and packed with beneficial electrolytes. So, eating watermelon daily can help prevent dehydration, especially in the summer months.
13. Makes your brain sharper and improves your mood
Watermelons contain a good amount of vitamin B6. B6 is needed for the production of several chemicals in the brain that are responsible for our mood and behaviour (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and gamma-amino butyric acid, or GABA). Imbalances can lead to mood swings, anxiety, depression, and Parkinson's disease. According to the National Institutes of Health, low levels of vitamin B6 can also play a role in reduced short-term memory, making watermelon the perfect snack for students. See: Foods to help improve memory.
Watermelon seeds are also edible and full of benefits
Most people do not eat the seeds of watermelons or opt for seedless watermelons. The watermelon seeds are a rich source of protein and have their own phytonutrients beneficial to keep your body healthy. See: How to prepare a Watermelon Seed Tea - the most effective drink to cleanse the kidneys.
Fiber makes stool bulkier and softer so it's easier to pass. Gradually increase the amount of fiber in your diet until you're getting at least 20 to 35 grams of fiber daily. Good sources include whole grains found in cereals, breads, and brown rice, beans, vegetables and fresh or dried fruits. Prunes and bran cereal are tried and true constipation remedies.