Watermelon ( Citrullus lanatus) is frequently enjoyed by many but only few may know its health benefits.
Watermelon has numerous health benefits though only few are listed below.
(1) A GOOD SOURCE OF VITAMIN A
A 100g of fresh watermelon provides 569 mg of vitamin A (which is 19% of daily-required levels of the vitamin). Vitamin A is one of essential vitamin for vision and immunity.
Vitamin A is also required for maintaining healthy mucus and skin. Consumption of natural fruits rich in vitamin A is known to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
(2) A SOURCE OF ANTI-OXIDANT FLAVONOIDS
Watermelon is rich in anti-oxidant flavonoids like cryptoxanthin, lycopene, beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
These antioxidants have been found to offer protection against colon, prostate, breast, endometrial, lung, and pancreatic cancers.
(3) A SOURCE OF PHYTO-CHEMICALS
Phyto-chemicals like lycopene and carotenoids which present in watermelon have the ability to help protect cells and other structures in the body from oxygen-free radicals.
(4) LOW CALORIE AND FATS
Watermelon contains just 30 calories per 100g (which is small) and carry minimal fats.
(5) HYDRATES THE BODY
Watermelon as the name go is rich in electrolyte and water. Watermelon are often seen as nature’s gift to beat tropical summer thirst.
(6) A SOURCE OF POTASSIUM
Watermelon is a good source of potassium.
Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. It, therefore offers protection against stroke and coronary heart diseases.
(7) A GOOD SOURCE OF LYCOPENE THAN TOMATOES
The carotenoid pigment; lycopene content in watermelon is superior to that in raw red tomato.
This is becuase 100g of fresh watermelon provides 4532µg lycopene, whereas 100g of raw red tomato provides only 2573µg.
Studies suggest that lycopene offer certain protection to skin against harmful UV rays.
(8) A GOOD SOURCE OF VITAMIN "C", AND "B"
Watermelon contains a good amount of vitamin-B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B-1 (thiamine) (vitamin B-1), and vitamin-C (ascorbic acid).
Consumption of foods rich in vitamin-C helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful oxygen-free radicals.
NOTE: If you are really observant you will notice that I preferred saying "fresh watermelon" through out this post.
This is because nutritional value of fruits are altered when stored for long period of time. Hence to get the most out them eat them fresh!
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