The Wonders of Watermelon

Aside from being absolutely delicious, watermelon has some amazing health benefits, and is full of some of the most important antioxidants found in nature.

Watermelons contain essential nutrients that can improve circulation by relaxing the blood vessels. The citrulline found in watermelon converts to argunine, which is an amino acid that benefits the heart and circulatory system. Argunine is also used in the urea cycle to remove ammonia and other toxins from the body.

The antioxidants found in watermelon has been shown to effectively reduce the severity of asthma, and also to reduce the risks of developing cancer. They can also reduce the risks of developing many cancers, heart disease, arthritis and stroke. The powerful antioxidants in watermelon travel through the entire body, neutralising free radicals (substances that can cause damage to the body, cells and blood). When the watermelon flesh is dark red, it's antioxidants and nutritional value are particularly potent.

Studies have shown that the high amounts of lycopene found in watermelon has an effect on the carotid artery's thickness and protects the LDL (good cholesterol) from oxidation, significantly preventing cardiovascular disease. In fact, consuming watermelon juice increases far more lycopene than tomato juice does. In fact, watermelon contains higher amounts of lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable.
Watermelon promotes a healthy blood pressure, and works well lowering blood pressure, especially of those who are obese, or those who suffer from hypertension or pre-hypertension. This research shows that watermelon extract reduced arterial pressure, and could be used even supplementary for those who seek a more natural approach to treating hypertension.

Watermelon is completely fat free, but it aids in energy production. It is rich in the B  vitamins which are all necessary for good health and energy production. Food experts say that because of its high water content and calorie value, it is ranked more valuable than other fruits. It hydrates the body as it is made up of 90% water, is nutrient-dense, and has a wonderful cooling affect on the body.

Watermelon is an excellent source of vitamin C and a great source of vitamin A, particularly through its concentration of beta-carotene. It is rich in electrolytes and potassium that the body loses through perspiration, so it is very beneficial before, during and after physically demanding exercise or work.

1/2 a cup of diced watermelon contains only 25 calories and 6 grams of carbs, with no fat and no sodium, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

Giving your body the right foods can provide overall protection from all diseases and illnesses.

If that's not enough to make you want to eat more watermelon, then I don't know what is!! :-)
Xx Samara

Resources:
- Nutrition and Heart Disease: Causation and Prevention; Ronald Ross Watson and Victor R. Preedy
- American Journal of Hypertension: Watermelon Extract Supplementation Reduces Blood Pressure and Carotid Augmentation Index in Obese Adults With Prehypertension or Hypertension.
- CDC - Centres for Disease Control and Prevention