Watermelon is only known as the thirst quencher, but knowledge of its health benefits are less pronounced. Watermelon is packed with antioxidants that can be found in nature. It is rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Vitamin A is found in the form of beta-carotene in watermelon. Watermelon is also a good source for potassium, an element necessary to control blood pressure, heart rate and even prevent strokes. Potassium helps to work against high blood pressure, prevent the formation of kidney stones and age related bone loss. Vitamin C and beta-carotene also help to stay away from heart attacks, cancer and other chronic diseases.
Watermelon also contains surplus of Vitamin B which are responsible for energy production in the body. It also hydrates the body. So it is advisable to consume a glass of watermelon juice before any physical exercise rather than preferring coffee. Coffee only results in dehydration of the body. The richness of Vitamin A and beta carotene in watermelon also helps to avoid macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is also known as loss of vision. This is a common problem in older people. The powerful antioxidants present in watermelon travel through the body and neutralize any free radicals. Free radicals are not at all necessary for our body as they oxidize the cholesterol in the body. This form of cholesterol sticks to the vascular tubes thereby choking them and increasing the risk of heart diseases.
Watermelon is also rich in citrulline which is an amino acid used for the production of another amino acid called arginine. Arginine is used in the urea cycle to remove the toxic ammonia. It is also used by the cell lining to produce nitric oxide which is used to relax the blood vessels which in turn reduces blood pressure. Arginine is also used to increase the sensitivity of insulin in obese diabetic patients. Watermelon is also known to boost the sexual health of the individual through supplementation of arginine. Good levels of arginine are responsible for the immune system of the body. Watermelon helps to increase the level of arginine in the body.
Watermelon is also a very good source of a carotenoid called lycopene. Lycopene is abundant in tomatoes, especially in cooked tomatoes. It is also found in mangoes. Watermelon ranks next when the abundance of lycopene is considered. Lycopene is an antioxidant and is capable of preventing cancer. It is a proven fact that lycopene is highly efficient in preventing cancer. The cancer varieties include prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, endometrial cancer and colorectal cancers. It is observed that in people suffering from colorectal cancer, the level of lycopene in the blood is 35 percent less as compared to a person free of this type of cancer. It is also realized that the protection of DNA in the white blood cells is primarily due to the anti-oxidant property of the lycopene.
It has to be understood that watermelon can provide with high amount of energy while it is low on its calorific value. So if you are conscious about your weight and overall health, watermelon makes a good choice.