12 Health Benefits of Watermelon

Many studies have suggested that increasing consumption of plant foods like watermelon decreases the risk of obesity and overall mortality, diabetes, heart disease and promotes a healthy complexion and hair, increased energy, overall lower weight. It can help lower blood pressure in the obese. It’s also a natural diuretic that can help hydrate your body, low in calories, and practically free from cholesterol and fat.

1. Asthma prevention

The risks for developing asthma are lower in people who consume a high amount of certain nutrients. One of these nutrients is vitamin C, found in many fruits and vegetables including watermelon.

2. Blood pressure

Watermelon extract supplementation reduced ankle blood pressure, brachial blood pressure and carotid wave reflection in obese middle-aged adults with prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension and that watermelon extract improved arterial function.

3. Cardiovascular & Bone Health

The lycopene in watermelon is especially important for our cardiovascular health and bone health. Watermelon is also rich in potassium which helps to retain calcium in your body, resulting in stronger bones and joints.

Diets rich in lycopene may help protect against heart disease.

4. Cancer

Watermelon can help combat the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer. Lycopene intake has been linked with a decreased risk of prostate cancer prevention in several studies.

5. Digestion

Watermelon is incredibly hydrating (up to 92% water!) and is naturally low-fat. Because of its water and fiber content, helps to prevent constipation and promote regularity for a healthy digestive tract.

6. Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant

The choline in watermelon is a very important and versatile nutrient in watermelon that aids our bodies in sleep, muscle movement, learning and memory. It's also helps to maintain the structure of cellular membranes, aids in the transmission of nerve impulses, assists in the absorption of fat and reduces chronic inflammation. The carotenoid lycopene in watermelon is particularly beneficial in reducing inflammation and neutralizing free radicals. The tripterpenoid cucurbitacin E is also present in watermelon, which provides anti-inflammatory support by blocking activity of cyclo-oxygenase enzymes which normally lead to increased inflammatory support

7. Muscle soreness

Watermelon have been shown to reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery time following exercise in athletes. Rich in potassium, watermelon is a great natural electrolyte and thus helps regulate the action of nerves and muscles in our body.

8. Eye and Skin

Watermelon is source of beta-carotene which is converted in the body to vitamin A, a nutrient required for sebum production that keeps hair moisturized. It's also necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair.

9. Alkaline forming

Watermelons have an alkaline-forming effect in the body when fully ripe. Eating lots of alkaline-forming foods can help reduce your risk of developing disease and illness caused by a high-acid diet.

10. Diuretic & Kidney Support

Watermelon is a natural diuretic which helps increase the flow of urine, but does not strain the kidneys. Its helps the liver process ammonia which eases strain on the kidneys while getting rid of excess fluids.

11. Reduces Body Fat

The citrulline in watermelon has been shown to reduce the accumulation of fat in our fat cells. Citrulline is an amino acid which converts into arginine with help from the kidneys and has the ability to (through a series of steps) block the activity of TNAP (tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase) which makes our fat cells create less fat, and thus helps prevent over-accumulation of body fat.

12. Immune Support, Wound Healing & Prevents Cell Damage

The vitamin C content in watermelon is great at improving our immune system by maintaining the redox integrity of cells and thereby protecting them from reactive oxygen species. The role of vitamin C in healing wounds has also been observed in numerous studies because it is essential to the formation of new connective tissue. The enzymes involved in forming collagen (the main component of wound healing) cannot function without vitamin C.

source :

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266886.php

http://livelovefruit.com/2013/07/8-amazing-health-benefits-of-watermelon/