Watermelon is incredibly healthy!

Watermelons are found almost everywhere in the world. Although we can find watermelons in our markets throughout the year, not many people are aware or appreciate its goodness to a healthier life being a rich source of antioxidants. Moreover, incorporating watermelon in one’s diet is not only delicious, but can help to quickly quench thirst and keep many illnesses at bay.

Watermelons are an excellent source of several vitamins: vitamin A, which helps maintain eye health and is an antioxidant; vitamin C, which helps strengthen immunity, heal wounds, prevent cell damage, promotes healthy teeth and gums; and vitamin B6, which helps brain function and helps convert protein to energy.
Over the years, nutritionists, medical professionals, scientists and researchers have taken time out to find out more about health benefits of watermelon.
Surprisingly, the health benefits of watermelon are tremendous given its nutritional content.

Sustains healthy kidneys:

Water melon contains a lot of potassium, which is very helpful in cleaning or washing off the toxic depositions in the kidneys. Moreover, it is helpful in reducing concentration of uric acid in the blood, thereby lowering the chances of kidney damages and formation of kidney stones in it.
In addition to helping to prevent dehydration due to its high water content, it induces frequent urinating, which is again helpful for cleaning of kidneys.

Lowers blood pressure:

Watermelon contains a compound known as citrulline, which in the bloodstream, signals the body to release a compound that causes the blood vessels to dilate. As a result, blood flows through the vessels easily, causing less pressure on the vessel walls.
The research, led by food scientists at The Florida State University suggests that six weeks of L-citrulline extract from watermelon, reduced blood pressure and aortic wave reflection in middle aged individuals with pre-hypertension.
Pre-hypertension is classified as a blood pressure between 120/80 mmHg and 139/89 mmHg. It is a precursor of hypertension, and a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
The researchers in the 2010 American Journal of Hypertension suggested that intake of watermelon may prevent prehypertension from progressing to full-blown hypertension, a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.

Protects from cancer:

Watermelon is rich in antioxidants such as lycopene which contains twice the amount found in tomatoes. Watermelon also contains vitamins C and A, which play active role in the fight against several cancers such as breast, prostate and colorectal cancer.
Chinese study showed in 2009 that the compounds found in watermelon, work to increase the programmed death in breast cancer cells.

Boosts heart health, controls weight gain:

In an animal study, researchers at the Purdue University and University of Kentucky found a diet including watermelon juice lower weight, cholesterol and arterial plaque.
In the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, they suggested that citrulline, a compound found in watermelon, plays a role in cardiovascular health by protecting the vessels and arteries from hardening.
The mice that consumed watermelon juice gained about 30 per cent less weight than the control group and had about 50 per cent less LDL cholesterol - the so-called bad cholesterol. The experimental group also had about a 50 per cent reduction in plaque in their arteries, as well as elevated levels of citrulline.

Prevents heat stroke:

Watermelon is effective in reducing body temperature and blood pressure. Many people in the tropical regions eat the fruit to protect themselves from heat stroke. In many countries, Nigeria inclusive, the fruit is sold by vendors in almost every street.

Boosts libido and improves fertility:

Watermelon may have Viagra-like effect.  It is a rich source of amino acid citrulline, which works to further expand the blood vessels, relax the body’s blood vessels, in a way similar to what happens when a man takes Viagra. This ensures the passage of more blood vessels to the penis leading to erection.
According to a study done by Indian Association of Urologists, because of the lycopene content in this fruit, it is helpful in increasing male fertility by improving both sperm concentration and motility.

Eases heartburn, morning sickness:

Watermelon eases heartburn and reduces swelling; its high water content (92 per cent) and fruit sugars alleviate morning sickness and dehydration; and the minerals it contains can help prevent third-trimester muscle cramps.
Interestingly, a 2003 study in the International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics found that daily lycopene supplements reduced the incidence of preeclampsia by 50 per cent. Test subjects were given four milligrammes of lycopene; a single serving of watermelon can have increase that effect by three folds.

Eases arthritis:

Watermelon can serve as a diuretic, which means that it can help to maintain the balance between fluids and glucose in the body. Aside helping to keep the body hydrated  so helping to prevent arthritis, its rich beta-carotene and vitamin C content also contribute to reducing inflammatory processed associated with this disease.

Constipation:

 Drinking a big glass of watermelon juice is very effective in aiding the elimination of wastes. Consuming plenty of this red juice will do a lot of good.

Avert infections:

 Watermelon plays an important role in the treatment of many infections in the body.  As a rich source of vitamin-C, it helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful oxygen-free radicals.