Watermelon is a fruit found in summer that not only tasty but also keeps the body hydrated. Watermelon keeps your body moist with water in summer. Vitamin A is found in plenty in it, which increases your immunity and also takes care of the eyes. Its effect is cool which keeps you cool in summer. If you get more angry then consume watermelon. Watermelon also treats the heart. It reduces bad cholesterol. Eating it relieves the problem of constipation, as well as the lack of blood in the body. Let us know the benefits of eating watermelon and what precautions should be followed after eating it.
History of Watermelon
Watermelon is large in size. It is red from inside and green from outside. Watermelon contains more than 90 percent water. Watermelon is found in all three forms of sweet, tasteless and bitter. Its place of origin is said to be in the vicinity of the Kalahari Desert of South Africa. The first crop of watermelon is said to have been grown in Egypt about 5 thousand years ago. Watermelons were often placed in the tombs of kings, so that they could nurture them even after life.
Watermelon cultivation is believed to have started in China in the 10th century and today China is the largest producer of watermelon. In India also, it is cultivated on a large scale. Let us know further about the different physical benefits of watermelon.
Health Benefits of Eating Watermelon
Keeps the Body Hydrated
The biggest problem in summer is hydration. Watermelon can go a long way in dealing with this problem. This fruit contains 92% liquid, which provides adequate hydration to the body.
Watermelon Reduces Weight
Watermelon is the best fruit for weight loss. An element called citrulline present in watermelon is helpful in reducing fat from the body. It reduces fat-forming cells. The high amount of water in the watermelon can be a great option during dieting. Watermelon also contains vitamins and minerals.
Watermelon has very few calories but it makes the stomach feel full for a very long time. 100 grams of watermelon contains only 30 grams of calories. It contains about 1 mg sodium, carbohydrate 8 grams, fiber 0.4 grams, sugar 6 grams, vitamin A 11 percent, vitamin C 13 percent, protein 0.6 grams. All these nutrients keep you hydrated.
For Energy in the Body
Watermelon can be consumed regularly to increase energy levels in the body. Watermelon is a good source of vitamin B, which works to increase the flow of energy in the body. Watermelon is rich in essential vitamins, such as B6, which are considered good sources of energy. In addition, watermelon has a high amount of water, which removes tiredness and thirst to replenish lost energy.
Blood Pressure Control
Watermelon is rich in amino acids called citraline, which may be beneficial for blood pressure. According to a Florida State University study, citraline may be helpful in controlling blood pressure. Watermelon is also a good source of potassium, which is known to reduce high blood pressure. Potassium is also an electrolyte, which regulates blood pressure during exercise. Another study also supports the blood pressure control properties of watermelon. Research has found that watermelon can reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
If there is a Stone in the Kidney then Eat Watermelon
People who have problems with kidney stones should eat plenty of watermelon. Watermelon has a lot of water and also helps in detoxing the kidneys.
Keep the Heart Healthy and Fit
A nutrient element like potassium present in watermelon is very important to keep the heart healthy and fit. According to the WHO, an adult should consume 3,510 mg of potassium a day to keep the heart healthy.
Beneficial for the Eyes
Watermelon has many benefits for the eyes too. Watermelon is a good source of vitamin-A, which helps to produce pigments in the retina of the eye. This can help to remove age-related eye blur. Vitamin-A is also called retinol, which promotes good vision in low lightIts regular intake is very beneficial for the eyes. The presence of beta carotene and vitamin A in watermelon is good for eye health. Its use helps in preventing diseases like night blindness and cataract.
Immune System Strength
Being full of vitamin-C, watermelon strengthens the body’s disease immune system. In addition, fiber is also found in watermelon, which can work to keep the digestive system healthy. At the same time, intestinal health can be helpful in improving immunity through good bacteria. This particular fruit also contains vitamin B6, which helps the immune system to produce antibodies. Vitamin-A present in watermelon regulates the immune system and prevents infection. It is very important to have a strong immune system for a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, you can place watermelon in your daily diet.
For Skin and Hair
Adequate intake of vitamin C is required for the formation and maintenance of collagen. It provides structure for skin and hair. Watermelon helps in hydrating the body which is important for keeping skin and hair healthy.
In case of Burning Sensation
The lycopene present in watermelon is rich in antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can benefit in conditions such as irritation and inflammation. In addition, watermelon also contains an element called choline, which would be rich in antinociceptive and antiinflammatory. These two elements can benefit in the condition of pain, swelling and irritation in the body.
Beneficial for Muscles
Watermelon contains a good amount of potassium which is necessary for the health of the nervous system and muscles in the body. Problems related to muscles can be avoided by its use. Also, watermelon and watermelon juice helps in reducing muscle pain.
Heat Stroke
This is the condition in which the temperature of the body increases due to heat and is not able to cool down. The reason behind its occurrence is to spend more time in hot summer and less consumption of non-alcoholic liquid. It can also be fatal in many cases. At the same time, watermelon is high in water, so it works to protect the body from dehydration. Also, watermelon can prevent a condition like hyperthermia. It also has great importance in Chinese medicine. Watermelon is one of the few fruits that quench thirst in summer and relieve tiredness. Heat stroke does not significantly affect the amount of fluid retained in the body.
Eating Watermelon keeps Skin Young
The water content in watermelon is very high and the elements called flavonoids and caritenoids help to maintain skin tightness besides it helps in keeping away wrinkles for a longer period of time.
Asthma Prevention
The risk of developing asthma is less in those who consume high amount of nutrients. One of these nutrients is vitamin C found in watermelon.
For Gums
Watermelon can also be consumed for oral health. Watermelon is rich in vitamin-C and vitamin-C is considered very beneficial for teeth and gums. According to one report, vitamin-C deficiency can cause gum related problems. Another report stated the importance of vitamin-C for oral hygiene.
Apart from this, watermelon has a lot of water, so it can work to remove plaque, bacteria from teeth.
Cancer
Watermelon is a good source of strong antioxidant vitamin C and other antioxidants, it helps in dealing with the formation of free radicals that are known to cause cancer. In several studies, lycopene intake has been associated with prostate cancer prevention.
Helpful in Digestion
Watermelon, being rich in water and fiber, helps prevent constipation and promote regularity for a healthy digestive system.
Bone Health
Watermelon also has many benefits for bone health. Watermelon is rich in vitamin C, which is considered beneficial for bones. According to one report, vitamin-C deficiency in the body can cause problems like scurvy and bone pain.
A study from Switzerland suggests that lycopene present in watermelon may prevent the possibility of osteoporosis and bone fractures. In addition, vitamin-A present in watermelon works to promote bone growth.
During Pregnancy
Watermelon is rich in nutrients such as folic acid, calcium, vitamin A and iron, which are needed during pregnancy. According to a report, lycopene present in watermelon may reduce intra uterine growth restriction during pregnancy. Intra uterine growth restriction is a condition in which the baby does not reach normal weight during pregnancy. According to another report, watermelon can also help reduce chest irritation and morning sickness during pregnancy.
In such a situation, watermelon can be consumed in balanced quantity during pregnancy. At the same time, if there is a dilemma about this matter, then getting medical advice can be a good option.
Take these Precautions after Eating Watermelon
- Melon is very watery, so do not drink water immediately after eating it, it can cause cholera disease.
- Watermelon should not be eaten on an empty stomach, because of mistake, because it can increase the problems related to bile in your abdomen.
- If there is common flu, cough and cold then avoid eating watermelon as it can cause cold.
Side Effects of Watermelon
Stomach Troubles
As we have seen, most of the benefits of watermelon can be attributed to lycopene, but this compound can also cause many side effects. If the fruit is eaten in excess, then overdose of lycopene can cause nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and diarrhea.
Hyperkalemia
Excess intake of watermelon can cause hyperkalemia, in which potassium levels are higher than normal. This can lead to heart problems, such as irregular heartbeat and a weak pulse.
Allergies
Some people may be allergic to watermelon.