The health benefits of watermelon - Watermelon contains about 92% of water but soaked with a lot of nutrients.

Watermelon is a low-calorie, hydrating fruit that is naturally high antioxidant food, plus a source of vitamins and minerals that can help fight inflammation free radical damage and prevent a number of serious illnesses. It is by far, one of the most powerful body-healing fruits out there. The amazing health benefits of watermelon cover everything from your brain all the way to the cells in your feet.



One of the benefits of watermelon includes containing a high amount of lycopene, a certain type of carotenoid that is currently of great interest to researchers because of its known antioxidant capacity and various potential benefits. Lycopene is responsible for giving many fruits and vegetables, including watermelon, their deep red or pink colour. Lycopene found in watermelon is a powerful antioxidant, meaning it has the ability to fight free radicals in the body that can damage cells.

The health benefits of watermelon
Contains antioxidant: Studies have shown that consuming specific fruits and fruit juices, such as watermelon and watermelon juice can actually reduce the amount of oxidative damage because the antioxidant in those fruits has the power to scavenge the reactive oxidative species and render them harmless. The radical scavenging is actually maintained for up to 90 minutes after the consumption of the fruit or fruit juice, suggesting that the work of antioxidants continues long after you first consume them.
Lowers blood pressure (hypertension): Watermelon is rich in citruline, which is an amino acid that is converted to arginine in the body. In turn, both citrulline and arginine help in the production of nitric oxide, which is a vasodilator, meaning that it helps relax and dilate your blood vessels. When the blood vessels are dilated, more blood can pass freely through, leading to lower blood pressure and less of a risk for such things as stroke and cardiac infarction.

Prevents kidney disorders: watermelon has a very abundant supply of both calcium and potassium, each of which contributes to helping flush out the toxins in the body’s kidney. The calcium provided by watermelon is important for regulating cell functions, maintaining cell structure, and benefiting the cell differentiation process. Extra calcium also aids in reducing the concentration of uric acid in the blood. By decreasing any extra amounts of this acid, the calcium and potassium in watermelon help to reduce the chances of kidney diseases. Although these two compounds are very important, we can’t forget about water, the namesake of this beneficial fruit. Watermelon’s high water content induces frequent urination, which, once again, is always helpful in cleansing the kidneys and keeping them functioning properly.
Prevents cancer: Current research have found direct links between active food components and cancer prevention and treatment. One of the compounds most thoroughly studied is lycopene. Lycopene functions in diminishing insulin growth, which is a vital step in decreasing the prevalence of cancer. Lycopene also helps with the regression of cancer by targeting and interrupting cancer cell growth, apoptasis, carcinogen, metabolism, and hormone regulation.

Heart health: Cardiovascular disease causes a great many deaths. One of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease is cholesterol content, specifically, the low-density and high-density lipoprotein ratios. Many researchers and scientist alike agree that LDL cholesterol levels are strong independent predictor of coronary heart disease, especially for those patients with diabetes. Fortunately, the abundance of lycopene found in watermelon has been shown to be an effective compound in lowering such cholesterol levels.
Prevents macular degeneration: Deteriorating eye health comes with age, but many simple and convenient measures can prevent premature eye degeneration and unfortunate eye diseases. Many studies and research have focused on the role of carotenoids and vitamins in eye health. Vitamin A is a primary vitamin that helps our eyes stay healthy. A deficiency of such a vital vitamin can cause macular degeneration and exophthalmia.
Aids in digestion: One of the most common gastrointestinal problem is constipation, which is characterized by a slow gastrointestinal transit, a hard stool, and difficulty in passing stool. Drinking plenty of water everyday can eliminate this unfortunate and uncomfortable problem. Because watermelon has both a rich water and fibre content, this juicy fruit easily helps promote regularity for a healthy digestive tract.
Skin care: Vitamin C and E are the most important natural antioxidants for anti-aging benefits because their small molecular weights allow them to penetrate the skin and induce the production of collagen, which is vital for keeping your skin smooth and healthy. Citrus fruits, guava, chilli peppers, and watermelon are all hearty source of vitamin C.

Source: NaijaFoodThereapy - Benefits Of Watermelon