Surprising predictions part 4

7 Benefits of Watermelon That Will Make You Want to Eat It Everyday

Watermelon is known to be one of the most refreshing foods, and that’s thanks to its high water content. 

In fact, just 100 grams of this delicious fruit will give you 15% of your daily recommended intake of water! However, watermelon isn’t just good because it has loads of water; this summertime treat also contains several important nutrients that are essential to your health and well-being. 

You can eat it as part of your regular diet or as an occasional snack in order to prevent dehydration as well as protect your skin and body from free radicals.

1) Anti-inflammatory properties

One thing that puts watermelon on a lot of healthy-food lists is its anti-inflammatory properties. While watermelons don’t have a ton of protein or fiber, they do contain high levels of vitamin C and lycopene, which have been shown to reduce inflammation. 

A 2012 study found that eating one cup a day can help you lower levels of inflammatory biomarkers like c-reactive protein (CRP). 

The good news is that watermelon doesn’t need any special preparation (like cooking) to release these anti-inflammatory properties. Just cut it up and eat![4] [5] [6] [7] [8]

In fact, recent research suggests that watermelon extract could be developed into an effective treatment for arthritis.[9]. And in another small study, researchers suggest that compounds in watermelon may also play a role in reducing oxidative stress.[10]. 

So go ahead and enjoy your slice—your body will thank you for it! ;) The next time you’re craving something sweet but want to avoid sugar, reach for some watermelon. This fruit is high in fiber and low in calories, making it a great choice if you’re looking to lose weight. 

While most fruits contain fructose (fruit sugar), watermelons are one of the few fruits that contain mostly lycopene (about 40% by volume). Lycopene is a carotenoid antioxidant found naturally in tomatoes and other red fruits. 

Studies have shown that lycopene can help lower cholesterol levels by preventing LDL cholesterol from oxidizing.

Watermelons also contain vitamin C, which helps maintain collagen production and keep skin healthy. A cup of watermelon contains about 30% of your daily recommended intake. 

Plus, lycopene is fat-soluble (unlike most other antioxidants), so it can be more easily absorbed by your body when consumed with a little fat—like in a salad dressing or salsa![19]. All that being said, don’t go overboard on any fruit. 

If you’re trying to lose weight or eat healthier, focus on eating whole fruits instead of drinking fruit juice or adding sugar to your food.

The next time you want something sweet but want to avoid sugar, reach for some watermelon instead!

2) Vitamin A

A glass of watermelon juice provides about 8% of your daily intake. Beta-carotene is another nutrient that you’ll find in a serving of melon—about 35 micrograms. Not only does it promote healthy skin, but it may also reduce your risk for developing cancer and cardiovascular disease. 

Finally, watermelons are high in lycopene, which has been linked to decreased cancer risk. While lycopene can be found in other fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, it’s more concentrated in watermelons than any other fruit or vegetable source. 

By weight, watermelons are 91% water and 7% sugar. So not only do they taste good, but they’re a good source of hydration as well! They’re even sweeter than an orange, so if you don’t have diabetes (and most people don't).

Enjoy one every now and then! Melons contain antioxidants such as beta carotene and vitamin C that fight against cell damage caused by free radicals. 

Free radicals are molecules created when our bodies break down food during digestion; however too many free radicals can cause cell damage leading to premature aging. 

Melons may even protect against heart disease due to their antioxidant content and fiber content. For example, just 1 cup of watermelon contains 3 grams of fiber, which helps lower cholesterol levels by preventing cholesterol from being absorbed into your bloodstream. 

Melons also help prevent obesity because they are low in calories, fat and sodium. One medium sized watermelon contains about 60 calories, 0 grams of fat and 0 milligrams of sodium. 

This makes them a great snack option for those trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you're looking for something sweet without all the extra calories try cutting up some watermelon instead of reaching for ice cream or cookies. 

Consuming moderate amounts of melon can help improve your digestive system and prevent constipation because it's rich in dietary fiber. Fiber is important because it increases stool bulk making bowel movements easier to pass through your digestive tract with less straining required on your part. 

It also decreases your chances of developing hemorrhoids since blood flow is increased in areas where hemorrhoids develop. In addition, watermelon rinds are used to treat diarrhea and dysentery thanks to its astringent properties. 

The rind is often used as a diuretic to treat edema and dropsy due to its ability to increase urination. Drinking watermelon juice will give you lots of energy because it contains citrulline which converts into arginine, an amino acid that improves circulation throughout your body giving you more energy. 

Citrulline also boosts nitric oxide production in your body allowing better blood flow throughout your body promoting better oxygenation of tissues and organs allowing you to exercise longer before becoming fatigued.

3) Low in calories and rich in nutrients

Both are helpful for a balanced diet. At only 46 calories per cup, watermelon is lower in calories than many other fruits. However, it packs a lot of nutrients into those low-calorie packages. One cup contains 12 percent of your daily vitamin C needs, 10 percent of your daily vitamin A needs and 6 percent each of your daily vitamin B6 and potassium needs. 

Those vitamins support immune function and help fight off sickness caused by germs or viruses like colds and influenza. 

Eating watermelon also may boost weight loss efforts by creating feelings of fullness without adding too many calories—although overindulging can prevent weight loss as well as promote it, so watch portion size! The juicy fruit’s health benefits. 

Aside from being packed with vitamins and minerals, watermelon has been shown to have other health benefits. In one study published in Nutrition Journal, researchers found that people who ate at least 2 cups of melon daily had significantly higher antioxidant levels compared with people who didn’t eat melon regularly. 

Antioxidants play an important role in keeping your body healthy because they counteract harmful free radicals that damage cells throughout your body. 

Another study found that eating watermelon regularly reduced triglyceride levels by up to 13 percent in obese adults, which can help reduce risk factors associated with heart disease. 

What makes it so good? While there are several compounds in watermelon that contribute to its nutritional value, lycopene appears to be especially beneficial. 

Lycopene is a carotenoid pigment responsible for giving watermelons their bright red color; however, unlike beta-carotene (which converts into vitamin A), lycopene does not convert into retinol (vitamin A). 

Instead, lycopene appears to have strong antioxidant properties and may protect against heart disease and cancer. Additionally, some research suggests that lycopene may slow down cell aging. 

How much do you need? If you don't already eat watermelon on a regular basis, start small. Begin by including 1/2 cup of chopped fresh watermelon in your next salad or smoothie recipe. 

Then gradually increase intake to 1 cup of fresh slices daily if desired—or more if you're trying to lose weight! Keep in mind that while there's no recommended dietary allowance for lycopene specifically, most experts recommend consuming five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

4) Gives you energy

Watermelon is an excellent source of energy. The fruit contains natural sugars and a high water content, making it one of nature’s most hydrating foods. 

Watermelons also contain vitamins A and C, as well as magnesium, which helps your body metabolize carbohydrates, protein and fat. 

Eating a 1/2 cup serving or drinking 3/4 cup watermelon juice gives you 16 percent of your daily recommended dose of vitamin C! So next time you feel like snacking on something sweet, try some watermelon instead. 

You’ll not only get a good amount of fiber and nutrients, but you will also help keep your blood sugar levels stable. This is great for people who are diabetic or pre-diabetic. 

In addition, when we eat food that’s high in water content, our bodies need less food to feel full and satisfied. So if you want to lose weight by eating healthy snacks throughout the day.

Choose fruits that are 90% water or more – including melon! Melon is also a rich source of antioxidants known as carotenoids such as beta-carotene and lycopene that may help protect against heart disease and cancer (1). 

One study found that women who ate diets with large amounts of carotenoids had lower rates of breast cancer than those whose diets contained little or no carotenoids (2). 

If you're looking for ways to add more fruits in your diet during pregnancy, then look no further than fresh fruits such as melon! Another benefit of consuming watermelon is that it can relieve constipation due to its high fiber content. 

For example, 100 grams of raw watermelon has about 2 grams of dietary fiber, while cooked melon has about 5 grams per 100 grams (3). 

Moreover, studies have shown that consuming adequate amounts of dietary fiber can reduce risk factors associated with heart disease and diabetes (4). 

Watermelons are low in calories and they make a great snack choice because they fill you up without filling you out! They are also packed with many other nutrients such as vitamin B6, folate, thiamin and potassium. And best yet? They taste amazing!

5) Helps with digestion and constipation

Watermelons contain citrulline, a nonessential amino acid that is converted into arginine in our bodies. Arginine helps us with digestion, bowel movements and constipation by increasing muscle strength in your intestines. 

The combination of fiber and citrulline from watermelon is especially beneficial for colon health. Look for locally grown watermelons at farmers markets or if you can grow your own, it’s best to do so (that way you know they’re not sprayed with pesticides). 

Some large grocery stores also sell small mini watermelons that are fun sized but no less tasty! Be sure to choose yellow-rinded melons over red-rinded melons as they contain higher levels of water content. 

This means more lycopene, which is an antioxidant found in tomatoes and other fruits. Lycopene has been shown to reduce risks of certain cancers like prostate cancer, as well as reduce symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes. 

In addition, lycopene is great for skin care and reducing acne breakouts. Keep in mind that most store bought watermelons have been treated with waxes to preserve them longer – so be sure to wash off any residue before eating!

Fresh Watermelon: One cup of cubed fresh watermelon contains just 45 calories and 1 gram of sugar. In addition, it contains vitamin C, A and B6. 

Watermelon is also high in potassium – one cup contains 425 milligrams, which is 16 percent of your daily value (DV) needs. Potassium helps with muscle contractions, including those needed for heart function. 

This can help lower blood pressure and reduce risks of stroke or heart attack. In addition, potassium helps balance fluids in our bodies by pulling excess fluid out through urine or sweat. 

This can help prevent dehydration when we’re exercising or if we’re living a very active lifestyle that includes lots of sweating during hot weather months. 

Lastly, watermelon is an excellent source of lycopene – a carotenoid phytonutrient that gives tomatoes their red color as well as many other fruits like pink grapefruit and guava fruits. 

Lycopene has been shown to reduce risks of certain cancers like prostate cancer as well as reduce symptoms associated with menopause such as hot flashes!

6) Good for your skin

The high water content and antioxidants in watermelon help fight wrinkles. However, if you don’t want to deal with all that fuss, simply rub some watermelon rind onto your skin. 

The enzymes found in watermelons are natural exfoliators, meaning they can make you look younger and smoother by buffing away surface dead skin cells. Next time you eat a piece of watermelon, scrape off a little bit of rind and rub it on your face—you’ll be amazed at how good it feels! Just don’t forget to use sunscreen. 

Watermelon contains an antioxidant called lycopene, which is known for its cancer-fighting properties. Lycopene is also believed to slow down signs of aging because it protects against free radicals from damaging skin cells. 

So next time you sit down for a slice of watermelon, feel free to drink up too! There are about 90 calories in one cup of diced watermelon (about half a medium-sized fruit).

So if you were planning on eating an entire large fruit (which would likely weigh about 2 pounds), then know that eating two cups will set you back 180 calories total—not bad for an entire meal! Not only does watermelon taste great, but it’s also very filling. 

When we eat something satisfyingly sweet like watermelon, our bodies naturally produce more insulin to process that sugar. As a result, we feel fuller faster. If you’re trying to lose weight or just watch what you eat, try having a few slices of watermelon instead of dessert or other sweet snacks. 

Since it takes less than five minutes to cut up a whole melon into slices and cubes, there’s no excuse not to have some handy when hunger strikes! A study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that consuming foods rich in vitamin C helps boost immunity. 

This means that, by consuming watermelon regularly, you can reduce your risk of getting sick during cold and flu season. A lot of people avoid drinking water because they say it makes them bloated. 

But studies show drinking plenty of H2O actually helps prevent bloating because it keeps everything moving through your digestive tract smoothly so nothing gets backed up. 

Drinking lots of water also has many other health benefits such as preventing headaches, boosting energy levels and improving metabolism (the rate at which your body burns calories). In fact, drinking enough H2O could even help you live longer!

7) Great for weight loss

Watermelon contains many essential nutrients, such as vitamins A and C, potassium and dietary fiber. Because watermelons are made up primarily of water, they can be a great addition to your diet when you’re trying to lose weight. 

One cup (140 grams) contains about 3 percent of your daily recommended amount for water, which will keep you hydrated and feeling full for hours. 

In addition, if you choose a smaller size than a regular-sized cantaloupe or honeydew melon (which can have nearly 20 percent sugar content), you’ll get fewer calories from sugar and more from nutrition overall.

Just make sure that when you do indulge in it, eat it in moderation. The high sugar content can lead to tooth decay and cavities if you eat too much. Also, remember that one serving is only 1/2 cup, so don’t go overboard. 

Instead of adding it to smoothies and other drinks, try slicing some into a salad or adding slices to yogurt with granola on top for an easy breakfast on-the-go. You could also add slices to sandwiches or wraps with turkey breast or lean deli meat for lunch or dinner. 

And you don't need just one serving per day—one half is plenty! If you want to enjoy it even more often, freeze some cubes of watermelon juice and drink them throughout the week. They'll keep your body hydrated without all of those extra calories.

When you're looking for ways to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet, look no further than watermelon! This summertime favorite is sweet.

Refreshing and delicious—and now we know there's even more reason to love it: Not only does it taste good but it's also good for us! Here are seven benefits of eating watermelon every day: