Yes, to this orange flesh watermelon. Each year I look forward to the summer so I can enjoy SEEDED watermelon and this year, thanks to Perkins Orchard I get to enjoy this orange, tasty treat!
There are countless benefits to eating watermelon, aside from it being a sweet and refreshing meal, and below I share a few of them.
1. Watermelon has Lycopene
Khadijah, what the heck is Lycopene? Well, Lycopene is a carotenoid antioxidant that gives fruits and vegetables a pink or red color (think tomato, pink grapefruit, papaya, rosehips). Watermelon is said to be a more concentrated source of Lycopene. One cup of watermelon has 1.5 times the lycopene found in a tomato.
According to FitDay.com, Lycopene is known to help prevent many forms of cancer as well as the prevention and treatments of illnesses and diseases such as:
- Heart diseases – Lycopene stops LDL cholesterol from being oxidized by free radicals and in turn cannot be deposited in the plaques which narrows and hardens the arteries
- Infertility – Research suggests that lycopene may help in the treatment of infertility. Results from tests showed that lycopene can boost sperm concentration in men
- Helps prevent diabetes
- Prevents age-related macular degeneration and cataracts
- Prevents the aging of skin and keeps it younger looking
- Acts as an internal sunscreen and protects your skin from sunburn
- Lycopene is also been known to help prevent osteoporosis
2. Watermelon Juice May Relieve Muscle Soreness
If you have a juicer, try juicing about one-third of a fresh watermelon and drinking its juice prior to your next workout. This contains a little over one gram of l-citrulline, an amino acid that seems to protect against muscle pain.
For the record, I absolutely love juicing! And when juicing watermelon I will add mint or ginger. If I really wanna ‘spice’ it up I will add some seltzer water for a sparkling, summer drink 😉
3. Watermelon Is a Fruit and a Vegetable
Apparently, watermelon is related to cucumbers, pumpkin, and squash, who knew!? (Dr. Mercola, I guess because that is where I found out.)
4. You Can Eat Watermelon Rind and Seeds
You can juice or blend the rind and seeds with some lime for a tasty drink. Not only does the rind contain health-promoting and blood-building chlorophyll, but the rind contains more of the amino acid citrulline than the pink flesh. [Citrulline is converted to arginine in your kidneys, and not only is this amino acid important for heart health and maintaining your immune system, but it has been researched to have potential therapeutic value in over 100 health conditions.]
The seeds contain iron, zinc, protein, and fiber – gimmie all the seeds!! (Plus, isn’t that how you reproduce, with seed???) You can also roast the seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
5. It’s Mostly Water
Watermelon is more than 91 percent water.
********* Now I saved the best benefit for last…. watermelon also helps with inflammation AND sexual health. L-arginine is an amino acid that changes into nitric acid. Nitric acid is a neurotransmitter which helps blood vessels to relax and improves circulation. Soooooo men who may be dealing with erectile dysfunction, by eating some watermelon you are helping to relax your blood vessels, including those supplying blood to your penis. One more note – “citrulline supplementation has been found to improve erection hardness in men with mild erectile dysfunction.” And if you add a little Shutran essential oil to your daily routine, you’ll be in there [literally]. ha!***********
I am a firm believer that the foods we eat can heal us or kill us. Our bodies have a way of communicating what it needs we just have to listen. I eat the rainbow and love every bite, so does my body. What are your favorite ways to enjoy watermelon? Leave a note in the comments below, so I can try 😉
The information shared in this article is for educational purposes. It is not to diagnose or treat any illness. As the reader please do your own research (reference the links included), in order to make informed decisions about YOUR health and wellness. ‘
Great information!!!!
Thank you! Watermelon is packed with goodness.