In addition to its many health benefits, watermelon has an incredible amount of lycopene. This antioxidant may lower the risk of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Seedless varieties have the most lycopene than seeded melon. Read on to learn more about watermelon’s many other health benefits. We also explore the antioxidant properties of other watermelon ingredients. Here are a few of our favorites.
I love watermelon. And don’t just take my word for it. Watermelon ranks high on several other lists — including “best hydrating foods” ( 1 ) and “best low calorie fruits” ( 2 ). How can you turn down a fruit that’s literally 92 percent water? I know I can’t, which is why it was my first baby food when I had kids, and it’s now a part of my family’s summertime meals. But as much as I love watermelon…I wanted to know more about its benefits. Information is power after all. Though there are plenty of reasons to love watermelon, I wanted to know the best health benefits of watermelon — and the answer surprised me!
Citrulline increases vasodilatation
In humans, there are two main ways to get L-citrulline, one from supplements and the other from eating watermelon. Supplementation increases the availability of this amino acid, while watermelon consumption may increase nitric oxide production. This article reviews the potential vascular benefits of L-citrulline and watermelon. You may also find other information about the watermelon’s citrulline content interesting.
Lycopene fights cancer
The lycopene found in watermelon is an unmatched source of this nutrient. The antioxidant is an effective fighter against cancer because it is not converted to Vitamin A in the body. Its innate antioxidant activity also reduces cell damage and promotes healthy cholesterol. The benefits of lycopene from watermelon go beyond its nutritional value. Let’s look at how lycopene in watermelon can help you fight cancer.
Potassium reduces inflammation
Watermelon contains high levels of potassium, an essential mineral that helps the body reduce inflammation. It is also packed with antioxidants, which help remove reactive species. Free radicals are produced by the body during metabolism, but also develop in the body through smoking, air pollution, and stress. When free radicals become too numerous, they can cause oxidative stress and damage cells, resulting in an array of diseases. Dietary antioxidants can help remove free radicals from the body and improve overall health.
Vitamin C boosts skin health
If you’re looking for a way to improve your skin’s health, consider using a product containing Vitamin C. The antioxidants found in vitamin C make it an excellent choice for your skin care routine. Not only is it beneficial for your health, but it can also fight free radicals and help protect you from precancerous changes caused by UV exposure. Let’s take a look at a few ways vitamin C can benefit your skin health.
Lycopene protects plants from the sun
Although lycopene has many uses, it may be best known for its protective effects against the sun. It is also found in tomatoes, as well as in tomato paste mixed with olive oil. Although lycopene can be obtained from food, consuming the pigment directly from tomatoes may be the most effective way to get it into your system. Besides, eating lycopene-rich foods can also provide other health benefits.
We hope that this article will inspire you to incorporate watermelon into your diet. If you’re not a fan of the fruit, there are also other ways to get your daily dose. Watermelon-based supplements are available, so don’t hesitate to ask your doctor if they would be a good option for you. Watermelon is good for you, and we hope that more people choose to take advantage of its many benefits.