6 amazing benefits of watermelon
6 amazing benefits of watermelon
For some time, there has been a reduction in fruit and vegetable consumption. The World Health Organization claims that 1.7 million lives could be saved each year in return for adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables because this low consumption is one of the top 10 risk factors for global mortality. Indeed, nearly 19% of gastrointestinal cancers, 31% of ischemic heart disease and 11% of stroke are caused by insufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables.
Therefore, it is necessary to consume fruits and vegetables. But some foods contain more benefits as is the case of watermelon.
There are different colors and varieties like the Crimson watermelon which is yellow. The origin of its name comes from Portuguese "bateque", coming from the Arabic "batek" or "al batikha" which means the food of the gods. Also called "watermelon" in France, the watermelon contains unbelievable health benefits!
Watermelon contains lycopene
Lycopene is an antioxidant of the carotenoid family. This antioxidant gives fruits and vegetables their pink or red color. It is more often spoken of in the tomato, while the watermelon also contains it. Both fruits are rich in lycopene, which reduces the cholesterol , prevent prostate cancer and coronary heart disease and fight against the appearance of free radicals causing skin aging.
Watermelon contains mainly water
The watermelon contains over 90% water making it an ally in case of dehydration. Knowing that it is recommended to drink at least 1.5 liters of water a day, this fruit does not replace water but allows the body to stay hydrated enough. So be sure to consume watermelon and drink water throughout the day to enjoy the benefits of sufficient hydration like a luminous complexion, a regulation of the body temperature, the transport of nutrients, the circulation of the water. oxygen to the cells, waste disposal as well as the protection of organs and tissues.
Watermelon relieves muscle pain
Watermelon juice in particular helps relieve muscle pain because it contains an amino acid, citruline. The latter is transformed in the body into arginine which plays an essential role in the proper functioning of the vascular system, immune defenses and circulation of blood vessels.
The seeds and skin of the watermelon are edible
The seeds of the watermelon are rich in fiber which facilitates digestion and fight against intestinal parasites and citruline. American scientists have even recommended drinking infusions of watermelon seeds, once they have been crushed and boiled, to improve the condition of the urinary tract and the functioning of the skin. waist .
As for the skin of the watermelon, it contains as many benefits as the flesh because it is a source of vitamins, lycopene and citruline. However, its taste being bitter, be sure to consume raw and in pieces in a salad for example, by accompanying tuna and turkey breast or marinated with balsamic vinegar and a little salt.
Watermelon is fruit but also a vegetable
As part of the cucurbitaceae family, watermelon is also considered a vegetable. Indeed, it is part of the family of squash, cucumbers and pumpkin. So this is called a fruit vegetable orFregetablein the USA.
Watermelon reduces blood pressure
According to recent research, the nutrients found in watermelon play an important role in preventing heart attacks because they contribute to the reduction of blood pressure.
The study included obese participants who received supplements of arginine and citruline from watermelon extract. The result demonstrated a decrease in stress and blood pressure under anxiety-provoking conditions. Nitric oxide, which is converted from arginine, itself produced from citruline, relaxes blood vessels and facilitates blood circulation, which then acts as a blood pressure reducer.
However, in order to benefit from all these benefits and nutrients such as potassium, vitamin C, magnesium , vitamin B6 and A, you have to know how to choose the best watermelon. Then discover how!
How to choose the best watermelon?
First, you need to spot a yellow spot at the ends of the watermelon signifying where the fruit was in contact with the earth. This stain is an indicator of maturity of the fruit and the darker it is, the more the watermelon will be good for tasting. Indeed, a white spot illustrates an early harvest.
In addition, be sure to choose a watermelon with unbroken lines on its bark and whose stem is dry because it is also a guarantee of taste quality concerning the maturity of the fruit.
