• Home Remedies Index
  • Feedback
  • Subscribe
Top 10 Home Remedies
No Result
View All Result
Advertisements
Top 10 Home Remedies
No Result
View All Result

Home » Kitchen Ingredients

Top 10 Health Benefits of Watermelon

by Top10HomeRemedies Team
December 5, 2018
11

Watermelon definitely tops the list of foods that people love to eat in the summer. It is a refreshing, delicious and thirst-quenching fruit. Its rich nutritional profile means it is also immensely good for your health.

Watermelon is an excellent source of carbohydrates, protein, fiber and vitamins C, A and B. Plus, it has potassium along with other important minerals, such as iron, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous. It also contains enzymes, organic acids and natural sugars.

The water content in watermelon is also extremely helpful in keeping the body hydrated during the hot summer months.

The fruit is equally great for what it doesn’t have—no fat or cholesterol and very little sodium.

Advertisements

top 10 health benefits of watermelon

Here are the top 10 health benefits of watermelon.

Contents

  • 1. Controls High Blood Pressure
  • 2. Reduces Body Fat
  • 3. Hydrates the Body
  • 4. Improves Eye Health
  • 5. Keeps Kidneys Healthy
  • 6. Improves Mood
  • 7. Heart Healthy
  • 8. Combats Cancer
  • 9. Boosts Energy Levels
  • 10. Rich in Antioxidants

1. Controls High Blood Pressure

Watermelon can help control high blood pressure. The potassium, magnesium and amino acids in watermelon work together to maintain the health of blood vessels and ward off sclerosis, in turn ensuring smooth blood flow.

Watermelon also helps maintain proper electrolyte and acid-base balances in the body that helps lower the risk of high blood pressure.

Watermelon can significantly reduce blood pressure in overweight individuals, both at rest and while under stress, according to a study by Florida State University faculty published in the American Journal of Hypertension.

If you suffer from high blood pressure, drink one glass of watermelon juice daily to keep your blood pressure under control.

Advertisements

2. Reduces Body Fat

Watermelon is low in calories and contains no fat or cholesterol, all of which aid weight loss. One important component in watermelon that helps with weight loss is a compound called citrulline.

This compound metabolizes into the essential amino acid arginine that helps reduce the rate at which the body stores fat and improves cardiovascular functioning, according to a 2007 study published in the Journal of Nutrition.

Containing more than 90 percent water, watermelon also fills you up quickly and helps control over eating.

This summer, replace high-calorie snacks or desserts with watermelon.

3. Hydrates the Body

This thirst-quenching fruit helps keep the body hydrated. Watermelon contains more than 90% water and helps replenish body fluids and restore electrolytes.

Advertisements

It also contains essential rehydration salts–calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium – that help hydrate the body and skin and reduce the chance of dehydration to a great extent.

A 2009 study at the University of Aberdeen Medical School found that the combination of salts, minerals and natural sugars in watermelon and certain other water-rich fruits and vegetables can actually hydrate the body better than water.

During the hot summer days, drink one to two glasses of watermelon juice daily to stay well hydrated.

4. Improves Eye Health

Watermelon is extremely good for your eyes. Being an excellent source of beta-carotene that is converted in the body to vitamin A, watermelon helps maintain eye health.

Vitamin A along with lycopene helps produce the pigments in the eye’s retina and provides protection against macular degeneration, night blindness and other age-related eye problems.

Advertisements

Plus, watermelon has vitamin C, lutein and zeaxanthin that are essential to keep your eyes healthy and free from different types of infections.

Eating one cup of watermelon daily is recommended for your overall vision health.

5. Keeps Kidneys Healthy

Being a natural diuretic, watermelon is highly beneficial for your kidneys. It helps the body flush out harmful toxins, purifies the liver, stimulates kidney function and reduces uric acid in the blood.

Watermelon helps the liver process ammonia, a kind of waste product from protein digestion, which eases strain on the kidneys while getting rid of excess fluids.

It can also ease swelling and kidney inflammation to some extent and reduce the risk of developing kidney stones.

If you are producing less urine than normal or having difficultly urinating, you can eat watermelon or drink some watermelon juice to help make enough urine to remove waste from the body.

Note: Watermelon should be avoided by people with advanced kidney disease.

6. Improves Mood

Watermelon can also improve your mood. It is high in vitamin B6, an essential nutrient that is important in the synthesis of certain neurotransmitters responsible for calming mood.

Plus, its high vitamin C content protects the body against free radicals. Free-radical damage contributes to cognitive decline, irritability and depression. Watermelon also helps balance hormones, which can affect your mood when out of balance.

By eating a few slices of this fruit daily, you can lift your mood, reduce stress, and combat depression and anxiety.

7. Heart Healthy

watermelon for heart

Consuming watermelon also improves the condition of your heart. Watermelon contains a good amount of potassium that helps combat heart disease and keep your heart healthy.

It also contains the amino acids citrulline and arginine that help maintain arteries, blood flow and overall cardiovascular functioning.

A study from Purdue University and University of Kentucky published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry also found that citrulline present in this fruit improves cardiovascular health.

Plus, it has lycopene, beta-carotene and vitamin C that help reduce cholesterol and prevent many cardiac problems.

To maintain a healthy heart, follow a diet rich in antioxidants and low in fat and cholesterol. Watermelon meets all of those needs.

8. Combats Cancer

cancer

Regular consumption of watermelon can even combat cancer. Watermelon is among the best dietary sources of lycopene, an antioxidant linked to both the prevention and treatment of different types of cancer.

According to several research works lycopene is helpful in reducing the risk of prostate, breast and endometrial cancers, as well as lung and colon cancer.

Plus, it contains vitamins C and A that play an active role in protecting cells from free-radical damage, in turn helping reduce the risk of several cancers.

To enjoy the anti-cancer benefits of watermelon, try to eat the flesh as well as the rind.

9. Boosts Energy Levels

boosts energy levels

A daily serving of watermelon has been shown to boost energy levels by up to 23 percent. It is a rich source of vitamins B6 and B1. The body uses vitamin B6 to synthesize feel good dopamine.

It also contains magnesium that helps form adenosine triphosphate, which fuels cellular functions to keep your energy level high all-day. Plus, it has potassium, vitamin C and beta-carotene, which are all natural energy boosters.

Next time you feel sluggish or weak and you need instant energy, have a slice of watermelon. You can also blend some watermelon with one tablespoon of honey, a little bit of lemon juice and one-half cup of water to make your own energy drink.

10. Rich in Antioxidants

rich in antioxidants

Watermelon is a storehouse of powerful antioxidants that help keep you healthy and free from many diseases. It is an excellent source of vitamin C and flavonoids like lycopene, beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin.

These antioxidants protect your body against free radicals that can cause inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, asthma, strokes and heart attacks.

Watermelon can also minimize skin damage from ultraviolet (UV) sun rays and protect your skin from many harmful and toxic air pollutants. This can have a huge impact in preventing pre-mature aging.

Also, the vitamin C present in watermelon helps strengthen immunity to better protect your body from seasonal allergies and common infections.

To maximize the antioxidant benefits of watermelon, make sure to pick ripe watermelons and eat them fresh.

Alone or in a fruit salad or in juice form, do not forget to include watermelon in your diet to enjoy its many health benefits.

Resources:

ajh.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2014/02/25/ajh.hpt295
jn.nutrition.org/content/137/12/2680.long
www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1200531/The-vegetables-hydrate-glass-water.html
www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2012/Q4/watermelon-shown-to-boost-heart-health,-control-weight-gain-in-mice.html

Advertisements

Comments 11

  1. s.rajagopalan says:
    8 years ago

    can a type II diabetic patient eat watermelon. will affect or increase, sugar level..?

    • kash says:
      8 years ago

      I think you should check the nutrition value of watermelon. It would not effect LDL or diabetes as my grand father is a watermelon eater and he is a patient of both. Secondly, the think you need to count is carbohydrate.

  2. varun gupta says:
    8 years ago

    I am having weight 100kg. And i just want to loose my weight as soon as possible. I am a pure vegeterian. Can you suggest me a diet plan which should be effective for me.

    • Bree says:
      8 years ago

      Hi there ,
      I was just reading through the comments and came across your post.
      I have had HUGE success with loosing weight using a very nutritional cleansing system and adopting a paleo lifestyle. I feel fantastic !!!

  3. may says:
    8 years ago

    hi,
    Just wanna know if you have a book which compiles all the topics that your site contain coz i hope to have a handy reference in case i can’t go online right away…thanks and more power!

  4. Helen Reilly Lyngholm says:
    8 years ago

    What exactly is the sugar content of a normal slice of watermelon

    • Kash says:
      8 years ago

      Almost all fruit has sugar, so eat in moderation.

      • anders says:
        7 years ago

        around 6 % sugar…. But must be the sweetest of all fruits if you take away the watercontent.

  5. Shago Dandambe says:
    7 years ago

    Beautiful and extremely educative site. So educative on health related issues. Kudos and keep the good work pls.

  6. shirin says:
    7 years ago

    helpful !!!! thx u guys !!!!!!!!

  7. Tsega says:
    7 years ago

    it is very helpful!! thank you.

Recommended

face tingling treatment
Home Remedies

Facial Tingling: Causes, Diagnosis, Natural Treatment

by Mahesh Karandikar, MD - Neurosurgeon
July 11, 2019
0

A sudden tingling sensation overtaking your hands, feet, or face is a fairly common complaint reported by people in the...

Read more
Advertisements
how to sterilize baby bottles
Healthy Living

How to Sterilize Baby Bottles: 5 Safe Methods

by Karen M. Walker, MD, FAAP
April 1, 2019
0

The best way for a new mother to establish a nurturing bond with her baby is through breastfeeding. But sooner...

Read more
Advertisements

Homemade

DIY strawberry face mask to lighten and brighten your skin
DIY Homemade

DIY Strawberry Mask to Lighten and Brighten Your Skin

by Top10HomeRemedies Team
January 28, 2019
12

Brighten up your dull, oily skin with a rejuvenating strawberry face mask. Strawberries are not only good for your health...

Read more
DIY healthy juices and smoothies to curb arthritis

DIY Healthy Juices and Smoothie to Curb Arthritis

January 29, 2019
Advertisements

Trending

mediterranean diet benefits
Healthy Living

Mediterranean Diet 101: Benefits, Drawbacks, Myths and More

by Miriam Christie, MS, RD, LD, ABD
August 21, 2019
0

The Mediterranean diet emerges from the kind of foods eaten in countries situated along the Mediterranean Sea. These include France,...

Read more
Neem Oil for hair and skin
Healthy Living

Neem Oil for Hair and Skin: 9 Benefits and How to Use It

by Robert Signore, DO - Dermatologist
July 2, 2019
0

Neem is often referred to as Indian lilac as it is endemic to the Indian subcontinent, but its medicinal virtues...

Read more
Advertisements

Don't Miss

consume aloe vera

Different Ways to Consume Aloe Vera for its Health Benefits

by Holly Klamer, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
March 5, 2021
0

Gone are the days when aloe vera was just a potted plant sitting on your windowsill, jazzing up your home...

honeydew melon for health

Honeydew Melon: Origins, Nutritional Value and Health Benefits

by Holly Klamer, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
July 8, 2019
0

Honeydew melon makes for a sweet-tasting and refreshing treat that can take the sting out of the sweltering summer heat....

fava beans for health

Fava Beans: Nutritional Value, Recipes and Health Benefits

by Holly Klamer, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
July 8, 2019
0

The fava bean, alternatively known as broad bean, is a large, flat, green leguminous vegetable. The earliest record of its...

health benefits of curry leaves

Know the Amazing 10 Health Benefits of Curry Leaves

by Top10HomeRemedies Team
March 27, 2019
3

Curry leaves are a common cooking ingredient for people native to India’s subtropical and tropical regions. The curry leaves are...

Advertisements
how to use apple cider vinegar for heartburn
Common Conditions

Can Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Heartburn?

by Top10HomeRemedies Team
August 5, 2019
7

Apple cider vinegar is right up there with aloe vera, high on the list of the most versatile and effective...

Read more
Advertisements

All the tips mentioned here are strictly informational. This site does not provide medical advice. Consult with your doctor or other health care provider before using any of these tips or treatments. Read more.

 

Categories: Home Remedies | Kitchen Ingredients | Healthy Living | Pets | Common Conditions | Pregnancy | Healthy Foods

 

  • Contact
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Subscribe
  • Terms and Conditions of Use
  • Unsubscribe

© 2018 Top 10 Home Remedies

No Result
View All Result
  • Home Remedies
  • Kitchen Ingredients
  • DIY Homemade
  • Healthy Foods
  • Healthy Living
  • Pregnancy

© 2018 Top 10 Home Remedies