Watermelon: 10 properties and benefits of this summer fruit

One of the best fruits to eat in summer is watermelon, which in addition to being very refreshing, contains many health properties. Along with the melon, it belongs to the botanical family Cucurbitaceae and both are very beneficial for the body.

Although some individuals think that this delicious fruit only contains water and sugar, watermelon is rich in nutrients and provides many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. This fruit is a very healthy food and has a low amount of calories.

Watermelons and the summer period go hand in hand. Its refreshing quality and sweet taste help beat the heat, and for those who want to lose weight, this fruit is a very tasty dessert that does not make you feel guilty when you eat it.

• Related article: "24 fat burning (and highly healthy) foods”

Properties and benefits of watermelon

There are different types of watermelon, some larger, others less rounded and others without the stripes that characterize them. Regardless of the type of watermelon consumed, they are all highly healthy.

But… What are the properties of watermelon? In the following lines we present the health benefits of watermelon.

1. Hydrates

Watermelon is associated with summer and it is not surprising, since It is a food with a high water content, 92% of its composition, and contains important electrolytes. It can be eaten at any time and is an ideal "snack" to take at any time. If we also leave it in the fridge, it will not only be delicious, but it will also be very refreshing. When the summer season approaches, watermelon becomes a very appetizing food.

2. Improves the immune system and prevents cell damage

This fruit is rich in vitamin C, which is essential for our immune system And, therefore, it protects our body and helps us fight, for example, colds. It also maintains the redox balance of cells and protects them from reactive oxygen species, which damage our cells and DNA.

3. Heals wounds wound healing

The role of vitamin C in wound healing has also been observed in numerous studies, as is essential for the formation of new connective tissue. The enzymes involved in the formation of collagen, that is, the main component of wound healing, is inefficient without vitamin C. In short, watermelon participates in the healing of wounds.

4. Improves bone health

Watermelon contains lycopene, which is especially important for our bone health. Dietary lycopene, which is present in some foods such as watermelon or tomatoes, reduces the oxidative stress that normally lowers the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, two bone cells involved in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis.

Consuming lycopene is associated with healthier bones. Watermelon is also rich in potassium, which helps retain calcium in the body, resulting in healthier bones and joints.

5. Improves cardiovascular health.

Consuming watermelon in large quantities, according to much research, positively correlates with improved cardiovascular function, as it increases blood flow through vasodilation.

A study conducted by the American Journal of Hypertension found that watermelon extract supplementation reduces blood pressure Ankle Blood Pressure, Brachial Blood Pressure, and Carotid Pressure in Obese Middle-Aged Adults with Hypertension mild.

6. Helps lose body fat

Watermelon contains citrulline, which helps reduce the accumulation of fat in our fat cells. Citrulline is an amino acid that is converted to arginine with the help of the kidneys. When our bodies absorb citrulline, it has the ability to block the activity of TNAP (non-specific alkaline phosphatase of the tissue), which causes our fat cells to produce less fat tissue, and therefore helps prevent excessive accumulation of fat bodily.

7. Improves eye health

This fruit is a great source of beta-carotene (that's why the reddish color inside) that becomes vitamin A. Helps produce pigments in the retina of the eye and protects against age-related macular degeneration. It also prevents night blindness, maintains healthy skin, teeth, skeletal and soft tissues, and mucous membranes.

8. Diuretic effect

Watermelon is a natural diuretic that helps increase urine flow and protects the kidneys.. Likewise, it intervenes in the process of eliminating ammonia from the liver. Watermelon is a diuretic and natural slimming agent, which will help you stay fit and healthy.

9. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant

Watermelon it is rich in phenolic compounds such as flavonoids, carotenoids and triterpenoids. The carotenoid lycopene in this fruit is beneficial in reducing inflammation and neutralizing free radicals.

The triterpenoid cucurbitacin E is also present in watermelon, and provides support anti-inflammatory by blocking the activity of cyclooxygenase enzymes that normally cause an increase inflammatory. Ripe watermelons contain higher amounts of these beneficial phenolic compounds.

10. Prevents cancer

This fruit, as I have discussed previously, is an excellent source of vitamin C, as well as other antioxidants. That's why you can help fight the formation of free radicals associated with the development of cancer. Lycopene intake has been positively associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer, according to various investigations.