Your favorite summer treat isn’t just a tasty treat in summer; watermelon is packed with health benefits!
It’s full of nutrients that can keep you healthy as you age, with some that you won’t find in many other fruits or veggies.
“When we’re looking to put healthy things in our diet, what a gift that we can have something like watermelon that is naturally sweet, delicious, filling and just chock-full of beneficial nutrients,” says Samantha Cassetty, a registered dietitian in New York.
Nutritionists say watermelon is low in calories and sugar but packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it perfect
as part of a healthy diet
Watermelon Health Benefits
It helps lower blood pressure
Watermelon is rich in L-citrulline, an amino acid that supports healthy blood vessels.
Studies from 2021 reviewed its impact on heart health, finding that consuming watermelon in various forms can help lower blood pressure
L-citrulline is crucial for maintaining flexible blood vessels that support smooth blood flow, explains Cassetty.
Additionally, nutrients like lycopene in watermelon help manage high blood pressure. At the same time, potassium offsets the effects of sodium on blood pressure levels.
Research suggests that consuming foods high in lycopene reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.
A 2012 American Journal of Hypertension study linked watermelon to heart health, indicating its extract may lower blood pressure long-term.
It’s good for your skin
Watermelon is rich in lycopene, a red pigment found in tomatoes.
Lycopene helps protect skin from U.V. rays and offers internal and external health benefits, with sunscreen products even incorporating it.
Watermelon is rich in lycopene, a red pigment found in tomatoes.
Lycopene helps protect skin from U.V. rays and offers internal and external health benefits, with sunscreen products even incorporating it.
Watermelon provides more than just lycopene for sun protection; a two-cup serving also supplies a significant amount of vitamin C, helping to defend your skin from U.V. damage.
However, these plant nutrients alone aren’t sufficient—you should still use sunscreen. Watermelon is an internal defense, supporting collagen production that maintains skin firmness, reducing the risk of wrinkles and fine lines.
It aids your diet
Watermelon, known for its high water content of 92%, offers a two-cup serving with just 90 calories, yet it is rich in essential nutrients.
Studies indicate that incorporating watermelon into your diet may encourage healthier eating habits.
According to a 2022 study in Nutrients, regular watermelon consumption is associated with better diets, characterized by a lower intake of unhealthy fats and sugars and higher consumption of fiber, magnesium, potassium, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants such as lycopene and beta-carotene.
Another study observed that overweight or obese individuals who ate two cups of watermelon daily for four weeks tended to eat less overall than those who consumed a daily cookie with equivalent calories.
Despite similar calorie content, weight increased with cookies but decreased with watermelon.
Participants reported feeling fuller for longer after eating watermelon, likely due to its fiber and high water content, which slow sugar absorption and increase stomach volume
It’s good for your eyes
Watermelon, similar to carrots, contains nutrients that may lower the risk of age-related eye problems:
- Lycopene: Studies indicate lycopene could reduce the risk of macular degeneration and protect against cataracts.
- Vitamin C: Getting vitamin C from a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, rather than supplements, is associated with a lower risk of cataracts.
- Lutein and zeaxanthin: Research shows watermelon consumption increases levels of these eye-protective compounds.
- Vitamin A: Watermelon provides vitamin A, which is important for vision health, similar to carrots.
Use watermelon seeds!
Regarding watermelon seeds, black seeds are high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
Watermelon seeds, whether raw or dried, are packed with magnesium, which is crucial for energy production, nerve function, and DNA synthesis and is important for regulating blood pressure.
They also offer folate, which may lower cancer and depression risks.
Additionally, the seeds contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are also good for heart health by decreasing the risk of strokes and heart attacks and reducing bad
Although most watermelons (particularly in the U.S) are now seedless...
If you find seeded watermelon, roast the seeds similar to pumpkin seeds for a nutritious snack, in trail mix, or on salads
My thanks to
I've just got back from shopping and the fruit and veg stands are filled with watermelon
My favourite dishes are a watermelon pizza (using a circular cut of the watermelon) with feta cheese, black olives and sprinkled with nuts and seeds
It's delicious my friends at My Positive Outlooks for the information I've shared with you here
At the end of the day we all have the opportunity for better healthier lives because of the research and articles published like this that help us make better choices
While writing, I wanted to let you know I take a daily drink called Happy Juice which contains a product called Edge which is watermelon based and delicious especially in hot weather
Why You'll Love It
- Amare EDGE, the all-natural nootropic, that helps give you the motivation to crush your to-do list and tackle your day with ease. Kinda like your secret superpower.*
What It Is
- The all-natural nootropic that supports motivation. Mango Leaf, Lychee Fruit, Palm Fruit: 3 synergistically powerful ingredients combined for the first time.
- NO calories, NO sugar, NO caffeine, NO GMOs, Sustainably sourced ingredients*
How It Works
- Mango Leaf: Supports mental flow*
- Lychee Fruit: Supports body & mind endurance*
- Palm Fruit: Supports enhanced neuron regeneration*
Amare Edge is available in the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK and Europe
Ask me for the details if you are interested in trying it
Thanks for reading and do let me know how you like to eat your watermelon and any favourite recipes
