You think about watermelon and the first thing that comes to your mind is its water content and nothing more. As much as watermelon is a boring fruit to some, it’s packed with so many shocking health benefits you might not be aware of.
1. Lowers Cancer Risk
Watermelon is a great source of antioxidants which helps in significantly reducing the amount of free radicals in the body which can result to many health issues. Aside that, it contains lycopene which gives its characteristic pink or red color. Lycopene is effective in reducing the negative effects of sun radiation. Lycopene is found in many cells, but its concentration in the skin shields it from the damaging effects of sun radiation.
2. Relaxes Inflammation
Lycopene, antioxidant and vitamin C all present in watermelon work together in reducing inflammations in the body. As you may have known, inflammation is the genesis and root of very many health complications we have now.
3. Aids Body Functionality
Watermelon is said to contain about 90-92% of water. Regular consumption of it aids the digestive system, excretory system, movement of nutrients, regulation of temperature and removal of toxins through sweat, urine or egestion from the body. This alone goes a long way in improving the body health.
Also read: what happens to the body after drinking water
4. Improves Heart Health
The presence of citrulline helps increase the level of nitric acid in the body which helps to dilate or expand the blood vessels. This helps to lower the blood pressure. The lycopene helps to lower the cholesterol level in the body.
5. Improves Eye Health
The antioxidant and anti inflammatory effect of watermelon works together in the presence of lycopene to slow down or eradicate the eye problem that results to blindness in old aged people- Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
6. Improves Skin Health
Watermelon contains nutrients and vitamins like vitamin A and C which keeps the skin soft and is a source of anti-aging and wrinkling. The water content in this fruit also contributes in making the skin flawless by reducing outbreaks and improving softness of skin.
Also read: how to have a smooth flawless skin
