10 Health Benefits of Watermelon

The watermelon is one of the juiciest fruits on earth. It contains a very large quantity of water which brings about a cooling effect especially during the summer season. A watermelon is very rich in potassium, carotenoid, sodium antioxidants, lycopene, Vitamin A, B1, B6 and C, magnesium, citrulline, amino acids, arginine and other phytonutrients.
It therefore goes without saying that it's health benefits are many. Below are some of the major ones...
1. It controls the blood pressure
The high amounts of potassium and magnesium in the fruit ensure that it reduces the blood pressure. This is also made possible by the present carotenoids that work by preventing the hardening of the veins and arteries' walls.
2. Strengthens the immune system
In addition to magnesium and potassium, watermelons are also a great source of thiamin which protects the body from many diseases.
3. Neutralizes free radicals
They contain anti-oxidants that travel throughout the body neutralizing free radicals thus preventing against colon cancer, prostate cancer, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, heart diseases and stroke.

4. Reduces the risk of kidney disorders
Potassium that is present in watermelons is crucial in the toxic deposition from the kidneys. It also reduces the concentration of uric acid in the blood thus reducing the formation of calculi in the kidneys.
5. Cooling effect
It has a special cooling effect and is exceptionally high in citrulline, an amino acid used by our bodies to make another amino acid, known as arginine, which is used in the urea cycle to remove ammonia from the body.
6. Prevents macular degeneration
Beta-carotene and the vitamin C in the fruit both protect the eyes from macular degeneration thus promoting a sharp vision and ensuring that our eyes stay healthy
7. Improves cardiac functions
watermelon is also famous for its high lycopene abundance. It is the one that gives the fruit its characteristic red colour. This carotenoid, beta-carotene and the anti-oxidants properties in the fruit work together towards ensuring that our hearts remain young and free from age related cardiac problems
8. Good for diabetes
They are good supply of low energy and low sugar diets which ease the inflammation in diabetic people. They also promote the proper functioning of the insulin which further reduces the blood sugar levels. Arginine also enhances the impact of insulin on sugar
9. Good for energy production
A watermelon is rich in vitamin B1 and B6 which are essential for energy production.

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