Watermelon is more than a pretty face. While it may be true that roughly 90 percent of a watermelon is water and natural sugars, it is not JUST sugar and water, it is actually a nutrient dense fruit. It contains elevated levels of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, while cursing us with only a small number of calories.
We all know that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but most people aren’t aware that a watermelon a week will enhance your mystique. Watermelon is great for the sex life. Eating watermelon rind can actually boost libido.
Researchers at A&M University in Texas Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center have found that citrulline, a nonessential amino acid and antioxidant that is found in the watermelon rind helps blood vessels relax and prevents erectile dysfunction. In fact, its ability to boost blood flow have led to watermelon’s citrulline to be referred to as nature’s Viagra.
Keep in mind that you only want to eat the white part of the rind, the green outer skin will wreak havoc on you innards leading to cramping and sometimes diarrhea.
Heart Health
In addition to enhancing male sexual function, the citruline found abundantly in watermelon rinds reduces arterial plaque to help prevent heart disease and can help reduce high blood pressure.
Florida State University researchers in a recent study discovered that watermelon helped normalize the blood pressure of all the participants who were previously observed to have high blood pressure.
‘FSU Assistant Professor Arturo Figueroa and Professor Bahram H. Arjmandi found that when six grams of the amino acids L-citrulline/L-arginine from watermelon extract were administered daily for six weeks, there was improved arterial function and consequently lowered aortic blood pressure in all nine of their prehypertensive subjects’ [2]
Lycopene and antioxidants, coupled with other essential vitamins in watermelon plays a vital role in reducing the risks of heart attack and stroke. As per the National Watermelon Promotion Board, watermelon contains more lycopene than any other fruit or vegetable.
Hair and Skin Health
In the dog days of summer it’s an awesome snack as its high water content is loaded with electrolytes to prevent dehydration. It also helps keep our skin and hair hydrated. The viatamin A in Watermelon is good for skin health.
Vitamin A facilitates the bodies production of Sebum, which keeps skin and hair moisturized. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair. The vitamin C in watermelon is needed for collagen which provides structure to skin and hair.
Other Health Benefits of Watermelon
Watermelon contains viatamin A, Vitamin C, Iron, Calcium, vitamin B-6, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, choline, lycopene, and betaine.
Compounds, vitamins and minerals found in watermelon have been proven to have beneficial properties against. Asthma, Digestion and regularity issues, Blood Pressure, Inflammation and Muscle soreness and last but certainly not least Cancers and Lymphomas.