Over time, this damage may lead to conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer 8. Watermelon boasts numerous nutrients, including a substantial amount of vitamins A and C.
It also offers antioxidants like lycopene and cucurbitacin E. Several plant compounds found in watermelon, including lycopene and cucurbitacin E, have possible anticancer effects. While study results are mixed, lycopene intake may be associated with a lower risk of some types of cancer, such as prostate and colorectal cancers 9 , 10 , 11 , Lycopene is believed to work by lowering blood levels of insulin-like growth factor IGF , a hormone that promotes cell division.
Notably, cancer forms when cell division becomes uncontrollable Additionally, cucurbitacin E may inhibit tumor growth by promoting the autophagy of cancer cells. Autophagy is the process by which your body removes damaged cells 14 , Watermelon contains plant compounds that may combat certain forms of cancer. However, more studies are needed. Several nutrients in watermelon may support heart health.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Studies suggest that lycopene may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. It may also help prevent oxidative damage caused by high cholesterol levels 3. Watermelon also contains citrulline, an amino acid that may increase nitric oxide levels in your body. Nitric oxide helps your blood vessels expand, which lowers blood pressure Other heart-healthy vitamins and minerals in watermelon include magnesium , potassium, and vitamins A, B6, and C 3.
The lycopene and citrulline in watermelon may support heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.
The combination of antioxidants, lycopene, and vitamin C in watermelon may help lower inflammation and oxidative damage 3. In one study, rats fed watermelon powder to supplement an unhealthy diet developed less oxidative stress and lower levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein than those in the control group Additionally, an 8-week study gave 31 people with obesity and high inflammatory markers mg of vitamin C twice daily.
They showed a significant decrease in inflammatory markers compared with the control group However, more research is needed Watermelon contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation, high levels of which are linked to numerous illnesses. The watermelon compound lycopene may have benefits for your eyes. Age-related macular degeneration AMD is a common eye problem that can cause blindness in older adults 3.
One test-tube study that treated eye cells with lycopene found that it decreased the capacity of inflammatory markers to damage cells It can also satisfy a sweet tooth with its natural sugars. Watermelon also contains antioxidants. These substances can help remove molecules known as free radicals, or reactive species, from the body. The body produces free radicals during natural processes, such as metabolism. They can also develop through smoking, air pollution, stress , and other environmental pressures.
If too many free radicals stay in the body, oxidative stress can occur. This can result in cell damage and may lead to a range of diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. What other foods provide antioxidants? Click here to find out. Some experts believe that free radicals contribute to the development of asthma.
The presence of certain antioxidants in the lungs, including vitamin C, may reduce the risk of having asthma. Studies have not confirmed that taking vitamin C supplements can help prevent asthma, but a diet that is rich in vitamin C may offer some protection.
A cup of watermelon balls weighing around grams g provides What types of exercise can people do if they have asthma? Find out here. In a study , researchers found that watermelon extract reduced blood pressure in and around the ankles of middle-aged people with obesity and early hypertension. The authors suggested that L-citrulline and L-arginine — two of the antioxidants in watermelon — may improve the function of the arteries.
Lycopene — another antioxidant in watermelon — may help protect against heart disease. Some guidelines recommend consuming 2 grams g of phytosterols each day. Which foods can help lower blood pressure? The oxidative stress they cause can result in DNA cell damage. Dietary antioxidants in watermelon, such as vitamin C, may help prevent cancer by combatting free radicals. Some studies have also linked lycopene intake with a lower risk of prostate cancer.
Click here to learn more about the links between cancer and diet. Watermelon has high water content and also provides some fiber. These nutrients help promote a healthy gut by preventing constipation and promoting regularity of bowel movements. This makes it a healthful choice of snack during the hot summer months. People can eat watermelon fresh, as juice, or frozen in slices for a tasty cold Popsicle-style snack. Water is essential for health.
Learn more here about why we need it. It contributes to the following functions and activities:. What is a brain-boosting diet? Watermelon and watermelon juice may reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery time following exercise in athletes. In a study , athletes drank either half a liter of either a placebo or watermelon juice with added L-citrulline, 2 hours before running a half marathon race.
Those who consumed the watermelon drink reported less muscle soreness 24—72 hours after the race. They are dense in antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients, and are a storehouse of health benefits. From boosting healthy eyesight, regulating blood pressure, increasing blood flow to immunity, melons make for an extremely healthy addition to your diet. They are perhaps one of the oldest fruits known to mankind. According to the book Healing Foods by DK Publishing, "Rich in beta carotene, vitamin C and assorted antioxidants, melons are good for immune support.
They also contain potassium, which normalises blood pressure. And such stands the case for melons too. Overeating melons could bring about a couple of side effects with them too. Here are some reasons why you must look out for your portion of melons in a day.
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