Watermelon is centuries old fruit that is juicy and sweet, and many view it as a perfect treat to quench your thirst during summer heat.
With a bright red flesh and little seeds embedded throughout,
Here are some of the top health benefits of watermelon.
Staying hydrated is important for your body to function properly.
Body temperature regulation, normal organ function, nutrient delivery to cells, and alertness are only some of the bodily processes that
Eating foods with a high water content may help give your body the water it needs to function properly. Since watermelon is
That water content also means this melon has a low calorie density — in other words, very few calories for its total weight. Eating foods with low calorie densities like watermelon
Watermelon
Here are the nutrients in 1 cup (152 grams) of raw, diced watermelon:
- Calories: 46
- Carbs: 11.5 grams
- Fiber: 0.6 grams
- Sugar: 9.4 grams
- Protein: 0.9 grams
- Fat: 0.2 grams
- Vitamin A: 5% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 14% of the DV
- Potassium: 4% of the DV
- Magnesium: 4% of the DV
Watermelon is also a rich source of citrulline, an amino acid that
Plus, it boasts antioxidants, including vitamin C, carotenoids, lycopene, and cucurbitacin E, all of which are
These compounds
Several plant compounds found in watermelon, including lycopene and cucurbitacin E, may have possible anticancer effects.
While study results are mixed, lycopene intake may be associated with a lower risk of some types of cancer, such as
Lycopene is believed to work by
Additionally, cucurbitacin E
All the same, further human research is necessary.
Several nutrients in watermelon
Heart disease is a
Research suggests that lycopene
Watermelon also contains citrulline, an amino acid that
Other vitamins and minerals in watermelon include magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A, B6, and C — all of which are healthy and can help your heart and overall health.
Inflammation is a key driver of many chronic diseases.
The combination of antioxidants, lycopene, and vitamin C in watermelon
This
Additionally, an
As an antioxidant, lycopene may also delay the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. But more research is needed on that topic.
Somewhat connected to the effects on inflammation in your body, watermelon
The fruit contains a natural pigment called beta-cryptoxanthin, which may protect your joints from inflammation. Though it’s limited, research even indicates that over time, less inflammation
More research is needed.
The watermelon compound lycopene may have benefits for your eyes.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye problem that can cause blindness in older adults.
Lycopene’s role as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound
Keep in mind that more research is necessary.
Citrulline, an amino acid found in watermelon,
It’s also available as a supplement.
One
What’s more, some evidence suggests that watermelon itself — not just citrulline — may aid your body after exercise.
Still, more research is needed.
Vitamins A and C, which are found in watermelon, are important for skin health.
Vitamin C — either when eaten or applied topically —
A higher intake of vitamin C from food or supplements
Vitamin A is also important for healthy skin since it
Bear in mind that further studies on watermelon specifically are needed.
Watermelon contains plenty of water and a small amount of fiber, both of which are necessary for healthy digestion.
Fiber
Does watermelon have a lot of sugar?
Watermelon does contain natural sugar, though it has less than other fruits. A medium-sized wedge (286g or roughly one-six of a watermelon) has about
Is watermelon a superfood?
Yes, watermelon is considered a superfood. The term “superfood” was created for marketing purposes to help sell certain healthy foods, and it’s generally used for foods that have a lot of nutritional benefit while only having minimal calories. There is no hard or fast rule as to what foods meet that criteria, but they’re generally packed full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. That
Can you eat watermelon at night?
Since watermelon is mostly water and can help hydrate your body, you can eat this fruit before bed.
Watermelon is a tasty, thirst-quenching fruit that many people enjoy in the heat of summer.
It has a very high water content and provides nutrients like lycopene, citrulline, and vitamins A and C.
Studies suggest that this sweet, red melon may even boost heart health, reduce muscle soreness, and decrease inflammation, though more research is needed.
