The watermelon is one of the most common fruits and is especially loved during summer. It is succulent and a good fruit during the hot weather. The inner edible flesh is mostly red in color but can also come in yellow, orange, or white.
Watermelon is made up of 92% water, and the remaining proportion is full of nutrients. The water aids in digestion and helps prevent constipation. It provides a cooling effect to the body especially during summer and helps in inducing frequent urination which is necessary for cleaning the kidneys and blood.
The watermelon is a very healthy fruit packed with lots of nutrients. Both the inner flesh and seeds are edible. It is high in a carotenoid called lycopene which is a potent antioxidant responsible for the reddish coloration. The carotenoid is linked to a reduced risk of pancreatic, prostate, bladder, colon and cervical cancers.
Watermelon is rich in Vitamin A. This vitamin helps in improving vision and the proper functioning of the immune system. It also helps in maintaining a healthy looking skin and prevents premature wrinkles, as well as aiding in cell growth and development.
The watermelon is also a good source of potassium. This mineral helps in the functioning of the muscle and nervous systems as well as reducing the risk of high blood pressure. Potassium is vital in cleaning the kidney, getting rid of toxic substances and reducing the concentration of uric acid in the blood. This reduces the chances of kidney failure and related diseases.
Other nutrients provided by the watermelon include carbohydrates, sugars, and dietary fiber. These have proven quite beneficial to persons diagnosed with diabetes because the patients need the nutrients for the proper functioning of their bodies and regulation of blood glucose.
Watermelons also contain a nutrient called choline, which is required by the body for various functions like memory and muscle control. Some studies suggest that choline is anti-inflammatory and therefore it can reduce the chances of arthritis.
Finally, watermelons are good sources of trace elements like sodium, magnesium, phosphorous, calcium, iron and zinc. All these nutrients are required by the body and aid in the proper formation of red blood cells, formation of cell membranes, strengthening bones and increasing their density, as well as ensuring the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system.
The above are some of the many nutritional health benefits of eating watermelons. It goes to show that these fruits are very healthy and should be eaten regularly. They must, however, be stored in a refrigerator once they have been cut because they get spoiled quickly.
