Top Benefits of Eating Watermelon

Watermelon, with its sweet taste and high water content, is undisputedly the most popular fruit of the summer. But did you know that watermelon also has many nutritional benefits? According to research from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one cup of watermelon (about 237 ml) contains 46 calories and provides 20% of the daily value for vitamin C and 20% of the daily value for vitamin A. Additionally, the dietary fiber in watermelon is beneficial for digestive health, and the potassium it contains helps to maintain stable blood pressure. Recently, the American Huffington Post summarized 5 other lesser-known benefits of watermelon.

The lycopene content exceeds that of a raw tomato. One cup of watermelon contains 6 mg of lycopene, while a single fresh raw tomato contains only 4 mg. Lycopene, as a super antioxidant, protects the body's cells from damage by free radicals and enhances the function of the immune system. Some studies even suggest that lycopene may help fight heart disease and various cancers. American nutritionists recommend that to get the most antioxidants, it's best to eat watermelon at room temperature.

Freshly squeezed watermelon juice

Watermelon juice can relieve muscle soreness. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry by Spanish researchers found that athletes who drank 454 grams of watermelon juice before exercising experienced less soreness and had lower heart rates throughout the day. This is because watermelon contains a natural substance called citrulline, which improves arterial function and lowers blood pressure. Its relaxing effect on blood vessels is similar to that of Viagra.