Aside from being the most consumed type of melon variant in the U.S., there are about 300 watermelon varieties grown in the country. Here are seven surprising reasons to eat the powerful and body-healing fruit of watermelon for better health.
1. Full Of Lycopene
A single cup of watermelon has nearly twice the amount of antioxidant lycopene compared to one large fresh tomato, which means watermelon is rich in antioxidants that stop free radicals from damaging cells in the body. Lycopene is also known to fight heart disease and several types of cancer, according to Health.
2. Controls High Blood Pressure
A study printed in the American Journal of Hypertension said that watermelon extract reduced blood pressure in the ankle in obese middle-aged adults with stage 1 hypertension. The amino acids in watermelons also promote blood flow and lessen blood pressure to a great extent.
3. Asthma Prevention
People who consume watermelon have a lower risk of developing asthma, according to Medical News Today. The fruit is also rich in vitamin C, which is key in preventing asthma attacks from happening.
4. Relieves Inflammation
Watermelons are particularly beneficial in reducing inflammation due to the carotenoid lycopene. Choline is also a versatile nutrient found in watermelon that helps in maintaining the structure of cellular membranes and aids in the transmission of nerve impulses.
5. Soothes Muscle Soreness
Based on a study published in the Journal of Agricultural Food and Chemistry, watermelon juice helps reduce heart rate and next-day muscle soreness in athletes. The tasty fruit is also rich in L-citrulline, which is an essential amino acid that helps improve the flow of blood vessels for better circulation.
6. Improves Eyesight
The fruit is a great source of beta-carotene, which is adapted to vitamin A in the body. Aside from maintaining healthy skin, teeth and soft tissue, watermelons produce the pigments in the retina of the eye and protect against macular eye degeneration due to age.
7. Good With Hydration
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition mentioned that people with mild dehydration will experience headaches, fatigue, poor concentration and mood swings. Since watermelons are made up of 91.5 percent water, they are packed with some serous hydration power.
