Introduction: With its sweet taste and high water content, watermelon is undoubtedly the most popular fruit in the summer. But did you know that watermelon also has many nutritional benefits? According to research from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a cup of watermelon (about 237 ml) contains 46 calories and can provide 20% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C and 20% of vitamin A. In addition, the dietary fiber in watermelon is beneficial for digestive health, and the potassium it contains helps maintain stable blood pressure. Recently, the American Huffington Post summarized 5 other lesser-known benefits of watermelon.
Watermelon Sago
The lycopene content exceeds that of raw tomatoes. A cup of watermelon contains 6 milligrams of lycopene, while a fresh raw tomato contains only 4 milligrams. As a super antioxidant, lycopene 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 resist heart disease and various cancers. The recommendation from American nutritionists is: to get the most antioxidants, it is best to eat watermelon at room temperature.
Watermelon Lemonade
Watermelon juice can relieve muscle soreness. A study published by Spanish scholars in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that athletes who drank 454 grams of watermelon juice before exercising experienced less soreness and had a lower heart rate throughout the day. This is because watermelon contains a natural substance called citrulline, which improves arterial function and lowers blood pressure. Its effect on relaxing blood vessels is equivalent to that of Viagra.
It is both a fruit and a vegetable. Like most fruits, watermelon is an agricultural product that reproduces by seeds. However, from a botanical classification perspective, watermelon belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, along with pumpkins and gourds. Therefore, the rind is also edible, and there is no reason to discard it.
Fresh Watermelon Juice
It contains a large amount of water. The hydrating effect of watermelon is very powerful, with a water content of 91.5%. Dehydration is common in the summer and can cause serious harm to health. Studies have shown that even mild dehydration can cause symptoms such as headaches, lack of concentration, fatigue, and poor mood. From a dietary perspective, watermelon is the best food for hydration.
Yellow-fleshed watermelon has similar nutritional value. The color of watermelon's flesh is not limited to red; there are also yellow-fleshed varieties on the market, which are sweeter. The two types look identical on the outside and have roughly the same health benefits.
Freshly Squeezed Watermelon Juice
Watermelon lemonade
Watermelon
Honey Orange Pumpkin