A noteworthy characteristic of watermelons is their high content of antioxidants, flavonoids, and lycopene. They ‘re also a good source of vitamin C that can help your immune system produce disease-fighting antibodies, and vitamin A that can help improve eye linked to a lower risk of eye diseases, such as macular degeneration and cataracts.
Potassium, although contained in watermelon in relatively small amounts, can help balance water content in your cells. Low levels of potassium also induce muscle cramps. One of the natural chemicals in watermelons is citrulline, which converts to arginine in the kidneys, an amino acid that plays a role in maintaining good cardiac health and immune function.
Arginine may also help eliminate your body’s ammonia and other toxicity. Lycopene is the winner antioxidant in watermelons, and in fact, in this fruit is more abundant than in tomatoes. Lycopene contributes to its reddish color as well. Research shows that lycopene can help protect and nourish the heart, prostate, and eyes.
Although its content of vitamins A and C is important, it is the lycopene that holds importance for the body’s main benefits of watermelon, which includes aiding to combat inflammation, facilitating bone health, and diffusing damage caused by free radicals. Most effective phytochemicals for watermelons are citrulline, which transforms to arginine to help improve the health of your heart and immune system.
The nutrients in the entire watermelon are somewhat close and not concentrated like other people think in the deeper red center. The white rind, which is not usually consumed, is probably the largest concentration of citrulline nutrients.
Try to eat watermelon in moderation because it contains fructose and unhealthy quantities can be detrimental to your health. For more information on this fruit’s nutritional qualities, please see the nutrition details table below:
Watermelon Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 3.5 ounces (100 grams), raw | Amt. Per Serving |
% Daily Value* |
---|---|---|
Calories | 30 | |
Total Fat | 0.15 g | 0% |
Saturated Fat | 0.16 g | 0% |
Trans Fat | ||
Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
Sodium | 1 mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrates | 7.55 g | 3% |
Dietary Fiber | 0.4 g | 2% |
Sugar | 6.20 g | |
Protein | 0.61 g | |
Vitamin A28 mcg | Vitamin C | 8.1 mg |
Calcium7 mg | Iron | 0.24 mg |
Watermelon Salsa Healthy Recipe
Ingredients: |
3 cups finely diced seedless watermelon, (about 2 1/4 pounds without the rind) 1/4 cup lime juice 1 cucumber, diced 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced 1/4 cup red onion, minced 1/3 cup chopped cilantro, (about half a bunch) 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste |