Top 5 Amazing Watermelon Benefits

These watermelon benefits are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what this fabulous fruit has to offer. I feel watermelon is an underrated fruit, and people definitely don’t eat enough of it. Many people might eat a slice or two from a fruit platter for breakfast during the summer, or add some to a juice, but watermelon actually deserves to be the foundation of a meal if you truly want to maximise its health benefits. I recommend eating an entire (small) melon for breakfast on its own. Or you can eat one following a freshly made fruit and vegetable juice, or before another breakfast meal of your choice.

Don’t forget to munch on the watermelon seeds. They are high in magnesium, iron and zinc.

It’s also important to note that watermelon is predigested. It moves very quickly through the digestive tract. Therefore, it’s best not to eat melon after consuming other foods. Wait at least three hours after eating a meal, before consuming melon. The best time to eat watermelon is actually as your first meal in the morning. Although, you can drink fruit or vegetable juice before or with your melon meal. For more tips on proper food combining, read my blog post here.

Top 5 Amazing Watermelon Benefits

Increases Hydration

Watermelon is one of the most hydrating foods you can consume. Did you know watermelon is made up of 92% water, and its water is almost identical to human blood? Its  sodium, potassium and glucose are extremely bioavailable, which adds to its amazing hydration benefits.

Boosts Heart Health

Watermelon contains an amino acid called citrulline, which can potentially increase nitric oxide levels in the body. This helps blood vessels expand; supporting healthy blood flow, circulation, and lowering blood pressure. Melon also thins the blood, helping to reduce heart attack risks and prevent heart disease.

Reduces Risk of Chronic Diseases

Watermelon is rich in lycopene, which is an antioxidant that gives this melon its lovely red colour. This powerhouse nutrient provides protection against free radicals and oxidative stress, helping protect against cancer, hypercholesterolmeia, diabetes and macular disorders and other diseases.

Protects Kidney Health

 Watermelon is a natural diuretic which means it helps to remove excess water and salt from the body through urination. This is helpful for people with kidney disease, high blood pressure and other conditions. Watermelon’s diuretic action has been shown to be just as effective as furosemide, a popular diuretic drug. Fortunately, watermelon increases urination without stressing the kidneys, like other commonly known diuretic medication. 

Increases Athletic Performance

 The amino acid citrulline in watermelon helps improve exercise performance in humans by improving blood pressure and the uptake of oxygen supply to the body. According to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, drinking watermelon juice also help to reduce the recovery heart rate and muscle soreness after exercise. Watermelon has bioavailable and bioactive trace minerals which work to drive electrolytes higher than normal and make them easily usable by the body. This helps restore fluid balance in the body while increasing energy and exercise performance.