Super excellent health benefits of watermelon

Super excellent health benefits of watermelon

Watermelon

Watermelon Citrullus lanatus is a plant of Cucurbitaceae family of the plant kingdom. It is a vine-like flowering plant thought to be originated from southern Africa. It is a large, annual plant with lobed leaves and white to yellow flowers. It has a large edible fruit known as watermelon. Watermelon has a smooth hard rind with a sweet juicy interior flesh usually red to pink with many seeds.

History

The watermelon is originated in southern Africa, found growing wild there. Alphonso de Candolle considered it to be indigenous to tropical Africa. Evidence of its cultivation in the Nile valley has been found from the second millennium BC onwards.

In the 7^th century, watermelons were being cultivated in India. In the 10^th century, it reached China. Moorish invaders introduced the fruit into Europe and there is evidence of it being cultivated in Cordoba in 961 and also in Seville in 1158.

European colonists and slaves from Africa introduced the watermelon to the New World. Spanish settlers were growing it in Florida in 1576, and it was being grown in Massachusetts by 1629, and by 1650 was being cultivated in Peru, Brazil, and Panama. 

Cultivars

More than 1200 cultivars of watermelon range in weight from less than 1 kg to more than 90 kilograms, the flesh can be red, pink, orange, yellow or white with many seeds. Its famous cultivars are:

·         Carolina Cross

·         Golden Midget

·         Moon and Stars

·         Cream of Saskatchewan

·         Densuke

·         Melitopolski

Nutritional value of watermelon

Watermelon is mainly water about 92% of it. One cup of diced watermelon (150 grams) contains

·         43 calories,
2 milligrams of sodium
·         11 grams of carbohydrates
·         1 gram of fiber

 One cup of watermelon will provide 17% of vitamin A, 21% of vitamin C, 2% of iron and 1% of calcium needs for the day.

Watermelon also contains thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folate pantothenic acid, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, choline, lycopene, and betaine. According to a research, the watermelon contains more lycopene than any other fruit or vegetable.

Health benefits of Watermelon

Consuming fruits and vegetables of all kinds have long been associated with a reduced risk of many diseases. 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.

Benefit# 1 Good for hypertension

Scientists found that the fruit significantly reduces blood pressure in overweight people, even when they are exposed to cold weather.

A recent study found that 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.

Diets rich in lycopene may help protect against heart disease.

Benefit# 2 Good for cancer

As an excellent source of the strong antioxidant vitamin C as well as other antioxidants, 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.

Benefit# 3 Good for skin

Watermelon is also very good for your skin because it contains vitamin A, a nutrient required for sebum production that keeps hair moisturized. Vitamin A is also good for the growth of all body tissues, including skin and hair.

A good intake of vitamin C (one cup of watermelon provides 21% of daily needs) is also needed for the building and maintenance of collagen which provides structure to skin and hair. Watermelon also contributes to overall hydration, which is vital for having healthy looking skin and hair.

Benefit# 4 Good against inflammation

Choline is a very important and versatile nutrient in watermelon that aids our bodies in sleep, muscle movement, learning, and memory.Choline 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.

Benefit# 5 Works as hydrating agent

Made up of 92% water and full of important electrolytes, watermelon is a great choice to have on hand during the hot summer months to prevent dehydration.

Benefit# 6 Treats muscle soreness

Watermelon and watermelon juice have been shown to reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery time following exercise in athletes. Researchers believe this is likely due to the amino acid L-citrulline present in a good amount in it.

Benefit# 7 Digestion and regularity

Hydration is the key to good digestion. Watermelon, because of its water and fiber content, helps to prevent constipation and promote regularity for a healthy digestive tract.
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