This delicious summertime favorite should be a year-round component of your healthy eating plan!
You would think of blueberries, cranberries, or cherries when you hear the term "superfruit," but not watermelon. This hot-weather favorite, on the other hand, provides incredible health benefits that most other fruits lack.
Watermelon (Citrullus Lantus) consists of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Potassium, B-Vitamins, Fiber, Magnesium, Phosphorus, and even Protein which are necessary nutrients to stay healthy. According to newer studies, watermelon contains essential phytonutrients, including lycopene and L-citrulline, which offer specific health benefits.
In a scientific review report published in the Journal Molecules, researchers determined that eating watermelon may help prevent vascular diseases, aging-related maladies, obesity, diabetes, ulcers, and numerous types of cancer.
While there are numerous advantages to eating watermelon, one of the most important is reaping all of the healthy lycopene it contains.
Consuming lycopene is one of the key benefits of eating watermelon, but what precisely is lycopene?
Watermelon, tomatoes, pink grapefruit, guava, and papaya all contain lycopene, a reddish-hued pigment.
Lycopene is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory characteristics that can be found throughout the body. More than 5,000 studies on lycopene and its health benefits have been published. Studies have demonstrated that this carotenoid has anti-cancer, cardiovascular, anti-aging, skin protection, and other health-promoting properties.
Watermelon contains more lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable, according to the USDA Nutrient Database (12.7 milligrams per 2-cup serving), making it one of the most significant ways to receive this essential element.
Why is lycopene so beneficial to your health?
Several studies have linked a diet high in the antioxidant lycopene and those who take supplementary lycopene to a lower risk of some cancers, such as breast, prostate, and lung cancers. Furthermore, growing evidence suggests that increased levels of lycopene in the bloodstream aid in the reduction of UV-induced skin damage.
More harmful effects of watermelon consumption...
Aside from all the lycopene, a two-cup portion of watermelon has only 80 calories, thanks to the fruit's high water content.
Watermelon is 92 percent water by weight, which helps you stay hydrated while also preventing overheating. When you want something sweet and filling without breaking your daily calorie budget, reach for watermelon.
I recommend watermelon to anyone wanting to lose or maintain a healthy weight as a licensed dietitian. Watermelon's water and fiber combination will provide volume and enjoyment to your meals and snacks, effectively suppressing hunger and cravings! Watermelons are available fresh all year, so don't wait until summer to enjoy all of the advantages of this tasty and versatile fruit.