SIX BENEFITS OF WATERMELONS YOU DID NOT KNOW ABOUT
Watermelons are a national summer treasure. These luscious fruits are as eye catching with their rich red color as they are as tasty. Watermelon enthusiasts around the globe have discovered multiple benefits this fruity piece of heaven has to offer. Aside from being tasty, watermelons offer plenty of other health benefits you are probably not aware of. Here are six reasons you should indulge in a watermelon fetish.
1. Immune system support
Watermelons are a rich source of vitamin c. This vitamin is essential for improving the immune system. It does this by protecting our cells from reactive oxygen. Reactive oxygen consists of chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen which damages human DNA. Vitamin c also boosts the healing process.
2. Relieves muscle pains
Watermelons are known to relieve sore muscles. This is thanks to a compound in watermelons known as citruline. This mineral improves the functioning of arteries. It also lowers blood pressure.
3. Eye health
This is because watermelons are a great source of beta-carotene, a component which the body turns into vitamin A. Vitamin A is the vitamin that is responsible for the formation of the pigments in the retina of the eyes.
4. Great source of Lycopene
Watermelons have a way higher content of lycopene than tomatoes do. Actually, a single cup of watermelon offers 1.5 times more lycopene than a large tomato. Lycopene is a super antioxidant, which is essential for stopping free radicals that damage human cells, leading to advanced ageing.
5. Hydration
Watermelons offer serious hydration. Scientists estimate the watermelons to be 91.5% water. Hydration is good for health and even better for the skin.
6. Reduces body fat
Citruline, that mineral component abundant in watermelons, helps our bodies to drastically halt the accumulation of fat. The citruline is converted through the kidneys to arginine. Arginine is an amino acid which blocks the activity of TNAP, a protein which makes our fat cells accumulate less fat.