Watermelon: The Refreshing Way to Good Health

I grew up being told that watermelon has nothing but “water” in it; no nutritional benefits of any kind, just pure water. Now, watermelon is my favorite fruit. In fact, I can finish one whole regular size all by myself.

As more studies are being done on fruits and vegetables, so many health benefits are being uncovered. It’s quite surprising that watermelon has become one of the most nutritious fruits. The color of its flesh alone shouts that it’s packed with cancer-fighting lycopene.

The rising star among the watermelon’s phyto-nutrients is the organic compound citrulline, an amino acid first isolated from the fruit. The word “citrulline” was derived from citrullus, the latin name for watermelon. Citrulline’s beneficial functions include its ability to relax blood vessels, much like Viagra does.

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Here are eight more reasons why this fruit should always be included in your grocery list:

1. Watermelon is a very good source of vitamin C and beta-carotene, antioxidants known to reduce the risk of heart disease, reduce the airway spasm that occurs in asthma, reduce colon cancer risk, and ease symptoms of arthritis
2. It comes packed with lycopene, known for its antioxidant and cancer-fighting properties including: prostate cancer, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. Lycopene has also been linked to the prevention of heart disease.
3. The vitamin C in watermelon also boosts the body’s ability to fight off infection and helps in the production of colagen, a substance that holds muscles and bones together.
4. Watermelon is a good source of potassium. A diet high in potassium has been found to reduce the risk of hypertension and possibly stroke. This mineral also helps the kidney to function normally.
5. This fleshy fruit contains folic acid, a mineral that plays a vital role in the growth of tissues and formation of hemoglobin in the body.
6. Watermelon is one of the rare food sources of citrulline, an amino acid that delivers Viagra-like effects to the body’s blood vessels and may even increase libido.
7. This fruit is also a good source of vitamins B1 and B6. B vitamins are important to: enhance immune and nervous system function, support and increase metabolism rate and maintain healthy skin and muscle tone. When consumed in food, B vitamins reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer, one of the most lethal forms of cancer.
8. Watermelon is 92 percent water and is ultra low in calories making it the perfect food to eat to keep off those unwanted weight.

Related reading:

• 10 Most Nutritious Fruits
• The Best of Watermelon Carving
• Papaya: The Most Important Fruit
• Health Benefits of Red Fruits and Vegetables