Watermelon: what it is for, properties, uses, benefits, harm and tips
Watermelon is a delicious fruit with lots of water, rich in potassium and magnesium which makes watermelon an excellent natural diuretic .
Watermelon is incredibly hydrating (up to 92% water), and has a low fat content.
Include watermelon in your daily diet and you’ll get amazing benefits ranging from improving cardiovascular health to nourishing your eyes and boosting your immune system.
Watermelon is one of the most powerful and healing fruits in the body!
Here are some of the health benefits of watermelon :
- Prevent Asthma;
- Improves Digestion;
- Hydrates the Body ;
- Strengthens Skin Health;
- Protects the Kidneys;
- Helps in weight loss;
- Controls Diabetes;
- Combats Stress;
- Intestinal Health.
Uses of Watermelon
Because it is a tasty and very refreshing fruit, watermelon is a good choice for summer. Watermelon can be consumed in slices or pieces, in the form of juices or in fruit salads .
But it’s not just the watermelon pulp that’s edible. Many places make use of watermelon rind and seeds , with watermelon rind , canning can be made. For this, fruits from organically grown plants are preferable, as the peels will be free of pesticides.
Roasted watermelon seeds are consumed by people in the Middle East. The Indians, in turn, prepare a bread with a flour made from watermelon seeds .
Watermelon Nutritional Properties and Values
See what are the properties and nutritional values of watermelon , per 100 grams:
Calories: 35 Kcal
Carbohydrates: 6.88 grams
Magnesium: 11 milligrams
Potassium : 116.25 milligrams
Fiber: 0.3 grams
Folic Acid : 3 micrograms
Beta-carotene: 18 micrograms
Water (%) – 92
Proteins – 0.63g
Fats – 0.63g
Cholesterol – 0
Vitamin A – 368.75U.l.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) – 25mcg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) – 35mcg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) – 0.19mg
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) – 9.38mg
Sodium – 1.88mg
Phosphorus – 8.75mg
Calcium – 8 .13 mg
Iron – 0.45 mg
Beltamol – 1.13 mg
Now that you know the nutritional values of watermelon , learn more about its benefits:
watermelon benefits
To Prevent Asthma:
The risks for developing asthma are lower in people who consume a large amount of certain nutrients.
One of these nutrients is vitamin C , which is found in many fruits and vegetables, including watermelon .
Improve Digestion:
Watermelon , due to its high water and fiber content , helps prevent constipation (also called constipation or constipation) and promotes the proper functioning of the digestive system, keeping it healthy by improving intestinal transit.
For gum health:
The vitamin C in watermelon keeps the capillaries and gums healthy.
Vitamin C deficiency can cause bleeding gums and gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and watermelon can prevent these conditions.
Pregnancy Health:
Watermelon contains high potassium content, which helps during pregnancy to keep calcium in the body, process bone formation better.
This substance that watermelon has can strengthen the joints for pregnant women.
Prevent Cancer:
Watermelon is useful in reducing the risk of cancer through its antioxidant properties.
The lycopene that watermelon contains has been linked to reduced proliferation of prostate cancer cells.
Hydrate the Body:
Being composed of 92% water and full of important electrolytes, watermelon is a great ally to always have on hand during the summer months, helping to avoid dehydration.
Skin and Hair Health:
Watermelon is also one of the ideal fruits for the skin as it contains vitamin A , a nutrient necessary for the production of sebum that keeps the hair hydrated.
Vitamin A is also needed for the growth of all body tissues, including the skin and hair.
Watermelon is also used as a home remedy for acne due not only to its Vitamin A but also Vitamin C content .
Tone the Skin:
This juicy red fruit is a natural astringent that improves the appearance of our skin , acting as a natural tonic.
For the best results, massage your skin with a slice of fresh watermelon .
If you have oily skin , you can add hazelnut powder to watermelon juice extract and apply it to your face and neck for smooth, hydrated skin .
Moisturize the Skin:
Dehydration can make our skin look dry and dull. If you have dry skin , you can apply watermelon with honey to keep it hydrated.
This fruit should also be included in your diet if you want to have supple skin .
Cure Acne:
Watermelon is one of the best natural acne remedies. If your skin is prone to acne or pimples, simply massage your skin with watermelon juice every day.
- Clean your face thoroughly;
- take a cotton ball with watermelon juice;
- Apply it on your face;
- Leave for 15 minutes;
- Rinse with cold water.
Removing Excess Oil from the Skin:
Watermelon is a rich source of vitamin A , which is vital for the health and vitality of our skin .
It reduces the size of skin pores and minimizes the oil secreted by the sebaceous glands.
Sunburn Treatment:
Watermelon can also be used to treat sunburn.
- Prepare an easy mask by mixing equal proportions of watermelon and cucumber pulp.
- Apply the paste on your face evenly
- Let it rest for 20 minutes.
- This will not only help to heal the sunburn but also brighten the skin tone .
Promote Hair Growth:
Watermelon contains an abundant amount of a phytonutrient called citrulline . They help to increase the level of arginine in the body.
Arginine is an amino acid that improves blood circulation to the scalp, promoting hair growth.
In addition, the Viagra effect of watermelons keeps the blood pumping to your scalp.
Protect the Kidneys:
Watermelon intake increases the flow of urine excretion. Because watermelon is considered a natural diuretic and does not put pressure on the kidneys to do so.
Helps in Weight Loss:
As already mentioned, watermelon is indicated for weight loss diets.
Watermelon consumption produces a feeling of satiety and is low in sodium, fat-free, cholesterol-free and low in calories.
Control Diabetes:
Minerals such as potassium and magnesium in watermelon help in the correct functioning of insulin in the body and reduce blood sugar levels, making watermelon very useful (in moderation) for diabetic patients.
Against Stress:
Watermelon It has positive effects in reducing asthenia, fatigue, weakness and tiredness caused in times of great physical effort and stressful situations.
Intestinal System:
The fiber present in watermelon helps to cleanse the intestines as it has cleansing properties.
Heart Health:
Watermelon improves heart functions, as it contains beta – carotene, known for its excellent antioxidant and anti-aging properties, and prevents age-related heart problems.
Diuretic and Renal Support:
Watermelon is a natural diuretic that helps increase the flow of urine but does not distress the kidneys, it helps the liver process ammonia (waste from protein digestion) which eases strain on the kidneys while getting rid of excess fluids .
Increases Energy Levels:
Watermelon is a good source of vitamin B , which is responsible for energy production in the body. it’s low in calories and high in energy, and it can help you stay active for most of the day.
Liver Health:
Watermelon also helps the liver process ammonia , a type of waste product from protein digestion, which relieves the strain on the kidneys that remove excess fluids.
Also, it can relieve swelling and inflammation of the kidneys.
Improve Sleep:
Watermelon plays an important role in improving sleep due to the presence of polysaccharide carbohydrates that improve the production of serotonin in the body.
An increase in serotonin levels at night makes your brain less sensitive to disruptive stimuli such as noise, promoting restful sleep.
Anti-aging :
Watermelon is an excellent source of antioxidants such as lycopene , vitamin C and vitamin A.
These antioxidants fight free radicals, stopping all signs of skin aging like wrinkles, fine lines and age spots.
Vision Health:
Watermelon is a great source of beta carotene (that rich red hue of watermelon , beta carotene) which is transformed in the body into vitamin A.
It helps produce pigments in the retina of the eye and protects against age-related macular degeneration as well as preventing night blindness.
Reduce body fat:
Watermelon is low in calories and contains no fat.
An important component in watermelon that helps with weight loss is a compound called citrulline.
Keep Bones Stronger:
Lycopene also plays an important role in promoting bone health.
Dietary lycopene reduces oxidative stress, thereby reducing the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, two bone cells that are involved in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis.
Therefore, consuming foods rich in lycopene (such as watermelon ) can make bones stronger.
In addition, watermelon is also rich in potassium which helps in retaining calcium in your body, giving you stronger bones and joints.
For a Better Erection:
Watermelon is often referred to as the natural Viagra as it contains arginine.
Arginine increases nitric acid. This acid relaxes the blood vessels, thus treating and preventing erectile dysfunction.
Watermelon is also a rich source of amino acid – citrulline – which works in further expanding blood vessels.
Muscles and Nerves:
Rich in potassium , watermelon is a great natural electrolyte and therefore can regulate the action of nerves and muscles in the body.
Potassium is a mineral that determines the degree of contraction of muscles and controls the excitation of nerves in the body.
Heal Wounds:
Watermelon has a high content of vitamin C, which improves the immune system, maintaining the integrity of cells, protecting them from reactive oxygen radicals.
Vitamin C also eases rapid wound healing as it is vital for the formation of new connective tissue.
This vitamin is necessary for the functioning of enzymes that are involved in the formation of collagen, the main component of wound healing.
Arginine, on the other hand, accelerates the supply of white blood cells to injured sites, accelerating the growth of new skin tissue .
Other benefits
Watermelon harm
Excess consumption of watermelon can caue some problems such as indigestion, gas, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, because watermelon has lycopene.