Some people avoid watermelon because they say it has high levels of sugar. However, according to recent research, there appears to be a wide range of watermelon’s health benefits.
A fully ripened watermelon is usually 6 percent sugar and 91 percent water by weight. No wonder people question it’s potential health benefits.
This information includes a nutritional break down along with watermelon’s health benefits:
Watermelon’s nutritional profile
Watermelon’s are a “nutritional award winner” claimed by nutrition experts at UT Southwestern Medical Center.
Although watermelons are made up of mainly water and sugar, they’re a very good source of vitamin C(which provides protection against immune system deficiencies) and vitamin A(which promotes good eyesight).
Source: Food and Drug Administration
Phytochemicals, in particular one known as lycopene, fill the red flush of a watermelon. Lycopene, also found in tomatoes, is a nutrient with proven cancer-protection qualities.
Watermelons can prevent cardiovascular disease
“Watermelon is effective at preventing prehypertension(which can lead to cardiovascular disease)” claimed researchers at Florida State University. Watermelon is the richest edible natural source of L-citruline, closely related to L-arginine, the amino acid required for the formation of nitric oxide essential to the regulation of vascular tone and healthy blood vessels.
Watermelons may relieve muscular soreness
Because of its high levels of L-citrulline, watermelon can help treat post-exercise muscle soreness. This was revealed in a study publish in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
Watermelons male erectile function
A study conducted by researchers at Texas A&M found that phytonutrients in watermelon can relax blood vessels in the same way Viagra does. Therefore, the argine in watermelons can treat erectile dysfunction and maybe even prevent it.
Watermelon’s Health Benefits
Though this may not be all of the benefits, these are some good benefits that should increase your health. Researchers find that with each study they do with watermelons they find more health benefits every time.
