Watermelon is one of the most popular fruits in the world and it’s no wonder why; it’s delicious, refreshing, and has numerous health benefits! Watermelon contains antioxidants that fight off free radicals to help prevent cell damage, lower blood pressure, aid digestion, and even help to reduce cholesterol. So without further ado, here are five health benefits of watermelon you may not have known about before!
1) Helps with weight loss
The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry reported that watermelon contains substances known as coralline, which has been shown to help lower blood pressure. The fruit also has high levels of a nutrient called lycopene, which is linked to a reduced risk for stroke and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, watermelon can help you lose weight. Research published in Nutrition Research found eating watermelon before meals helped people feel more full and eat fewer calories throughout their day. This was thought to be because watermelon is rich in dietary fiber.
2) Boosts metabolism
Watermelon is a high-fiber food, and it’s also very low in calories. The combination means that watermelon can speed up your metabolism and help you lose weight faster. According to a Japanese study, participants who ate half a watermelon before meals lost an average of 30% more body fat than those who didn’t consume any watermelon beforehand. That’s because melons are high in an amino acid called coralline, which gets converted into L-arginine—an amino acid that helps open blood vessels and increases blood flow. (Here are some more foods that boost metabolism.)
3) Fights depression
Crippling depression can make people feel like they’re fighting a losing battle. They lose their appetite, find it hard to keep up at work, and may even lose interest in activities they used to enjoy. While medications can be helpful, there are natural ways to fight depression without drugs. Watermelon is one surprising option that can boost moods and encourage people who are suffering from mental illness to think more positively and stay active. The natural plant chemical coralline, which is found in watermelons, helps lower blood pressure (one major cause of depression) but also boosts energy levels for those who struggle with fatigue due to depression or anxiety.
4) Hydrates your body
Your body is composed of about 60% water, so you should try to make sure you’re staying hydrated. That means you should drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day—or even more if you exercise a lot or live in a warm climate. Drinking lots of water will keep your skin looking clear and bright and keep your body moving efficiently. If you’re not getting enough water, it can also lead to headaches and constipation (Yuck!). Watermelons contain around 95% water; which makes them an excellent fruit choice for hydrating your body. So no matter how hot summer gets, don’t forget to get enough H2O!
5) Prevents kidney stones
Watermelon contains a compound called coralline, which our bodies convert into an amino acid called arginine. This compound is then converted into nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and helps prevent kidney stones from forming. Drinking water with lycopene: Like all fruits and vegetables, watermelons are nutrient-dense powerhouses that are chock full of health benefits. Lycopene is one phytonutrient found in watermelons that research suggests plays an important role in maintaining good health. Experts believe that consuming lycopene along with certain other nutrients found in watermelons can improve overall heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and preventing heart disease due to atherosclerosis.
