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1. Helps you stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is important for your body to function properly. Body temperature regulation, normal organ function, nutrient delivery to cells, and alertness are only some of the bodily processes that rely on adequate hydration.
Eating foods with a high water content may help give your body the water it needs to function properly.
Watermelon comprises 92% water, making it a great choice for daily water intake.
Furthermore, due to its high water content, this melon has a low calorie density — in other words, very few calories for its total weight.
Eating foods with low calorie densities, such as watermelon, may aid weight management by keeping you feeling full for longer.
SUMMARY:
Watermelon’s high water content may help keep you hydrated — which supports your overall health — as well as feeling full
2. Packed with nutrients and beneficial plant compounds
Watermelon contains a variety of nutrients, including potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A and C.
It’s also relatively low in calories, containing just 46 per cup (152 grams) (5Trusted Source).
Here are the nutrients in 1 cup (152 grams) of raw, diced watermelon:
Calories: 46Carbs: 11.5 grams
Fiber: 0.6 grams
Sugar: 9.4 grams
Protein: 0.9 grams
Fat: 0.2 grams
Vitamin A: 5% of the Daily Value (DV)
Vitamin C: 14% of the DV
Potassium: 4% of the DV
Magnesium: 4% of the DV
Watermelon is also a rich source of citrulline, an amino acid that may improve exercise performance.
Plus, it boasts antioxidants, including vitamin C, carotenoids and lycopene.These compounds help combat free radicals, which are unstable molecules that may damage your cells if they accumulate in your body.
Over time, this damage may lead to conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
SUMMARY
Watermelon boasts numerous nutrients, including a substantial amount of vitamins A and C. It also offers antioxidants like lycopene and cucurbitacin E.
3. May improve heart health
Several nutrients in watermelon may support heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. It’s worth noting that lifestyle factors like diet may lower your risk of heart attack and stroke by reducing your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Studies suggest that lycopene may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. It may also help prevent oxidative damage caused by high cholesterol levels.
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
SUMMARY
The lycopene and citrulline in watermelon may support heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol
4. May help prevent macular degeneration
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.
Lycopene’s role as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound may help prevent and inhibit AMD, though research is limited. One test-tube study that treated eye cells with lycopene found that it decreased the capacity of inflammatory markers to damage.
SUMMARY
Lycopene may help prevent AMD due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Still, further studies are needed.
5. May relieve muscle soreness
Citrulline, an amino acid found in watermelon, may improve exercise performance and reduce muscle soreness.
It’s also available as a supplement.One review found that regular intake of citrulline for at least 7 days improved aerobic performance by increasing the body’s production of nitric oxide.
This compound helps expand blood vessels so that your heart doesn’t need to work as hard to pump blood through your body. What’s more, some evidence suggests that watermelon itself — not just citrulline — may aid your body after exercise.One older study gave athletes plain watermelon juice, watermelon juice mixed with citrulline, or a control drink.
Both watermelon drinks led to less muscle soreness and quicker heart rate recovery than the control drink
SUMMARY
The citrulline in watermelon may help improve exercise performance and decrease muscle soreness.
6. May aid skin health
Vitamins A and C, which are found in watermelon, are important for skin health.Vitamin C — either when eaten or applied topically — helps your body make collagen, a protein that keeps your skin supple and your hair strong.
One review found that a higher intake of vitamin C from food and/or supplements may decrease your chances of developing wrinkles and dry skin.
Vitamin A is also important for healthy skin since it helps create and repair skin cells.
SUMMARY
Several nutrients in watermelon promote hair and skin health, though more research is necessary
7. May improve digestion
Watermelon contains plenty of water and a small amount of fiber, both of which are necessary for healthy digestion.
Fiber helps keep your bowels regular, while water moves waste through your digestive tract more efficiently .
One survey in 4,561 adults found that those with low fluid and low fiber intakes were more likely to experience constipation. Nonetheless, other factors may have played a role.
SUMMARY
The fiber and water content in watermelon may aid your digestive health by supporting regular bowel movements
Extracted From healthline.com
Watermelon 🍉 Banana 🍌 Smoothie Recipe
Here’s what simple ingredients you’ll need:
- Watermelon (fresh or frozen)
- Frozen bananas
- Vanilla protein powder of choice (or collagen peptides for flavorless)
- Chia seeds
- Unsweetened vanilla almond milk or oat milk (even soy milk would work just fine)
Additional Ingredients May Include:
- Ice cubes (this can work great in a pinch if you don’t have frozen watermelon and bananas to give you a chilled touch but the ice will make the smoothie watered down if not drank fast enough)
- Maple syrup (for added sweetness)
- Other fruits or berries
Step-By-Step Instructions
Place the frozen banana and other ingredients in a blender. (It helps if you have banana slices already cut.)
Place the lid on and secure it well.
Blend or process the ingredients until smooth.
Sprinkle some chia seeds on top, if desired.
Pour into your drinking glass.
Serve immediately.
It tastes best when freshest!
