Do you know about the different health benefits of watermelon? Over about 4,000 years ago in Northeast Africa, the watermelon fruit has been first known as a household fruit.
It’s just the right go-to fruit when the weather is hot and you need something sweet and refreshing to feel alive. it’s just irresistible
Also, this juicy round fruit with a green rind and red flesh is fully loaded with antioxidants, vitamins like A and C, and also nutrients.
It also naturally adds glow and fine tone to your skin and hair and as well maintains the balance of minerals and salts present in your body.
However, do you know that watermelon juice has various health benefits for your body?
Read below to find out how…
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Health benefits of watermelon
Below are some of the health benefits of watermelon juice everyone ought to know.
- Hydration
It is among the top health benefits of watermelon. Watermelon juice has the ability to keep you feeling hydrated as we all know that it’s highly vital for your body to remain hydrated so as to be able to work efficiently.
Some bodily activities you perform daily require your inner body to be hydrated so also other bodily processes like delivery of nutrients to cells, regulation of body temperature, normal functioning of body organs, alertness, and many others.
Furthermore, consuming meals that have enough water content, especially watermelon as it contains 92 percent of water in it and also helps boost the proper functioning of your body system.
- Aids weight loss
In addition to that, watermelon contains very low calories of its total weight because of its high water content also consuming meals or fruits for example watermelon with low calories will help you watch your weight by reducing your appetite and keeping you full for longer periods of time.
- Filled with Beneficial plant compounds and nutrients
Did you know that consuming the watermelon juice means you are also consuming different nutrients, vitamins, and compounds good for the body like magnesium, potassium, vitamins A and C to mention but a few?
Also, watermelon contains an amino acid known as citrulline which helps in developing your performance during outdoor activities.
It also is a good booster of vitamin C, anti-oxidants, lycopene, cucurbitacin E (3,7) and carotenoids as well.
The compounds listed aid in warding off dangerous molecules otherwise known as free radicals that may cause damage to your cells if they are left to accumulate in your body and might eventually lead to severe health conditions like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
- Watermelon juice helps in relieving stress
Watermelon contains a high quantity of vitamin B6 needed by your body to relieve fatigue, tiredness, anxiety, and stress.
- Watermelon contains Anti-aging properties
This is highly beneficial to you especially if you are elderly. Consuming watermelon juice helps in reducing aging signs like wrinkles and the rest.
It contains an antioxidant named Lycopene(good for skin) which helps in releasing the body of free radicals and effectively slows down your aging process.
- Quick Energy Booster
Watermelon juice contains sodium and potassium (electrolytes), carbohydrates, and some minerals which is a perfect combination in keeping your body strong and feeling hydrated.
- Has a Rich Fibre Content
Watermelon juice contains a high level of fibre and it aids in digestion as well as removing toxic materials from your body. It is among the outstanding health benefits of watermelon.
- Watermelon juice helps in treating some skin issues
Watermelon juice has the ability to treat certain skin problems like pimples and acne and it also helps in making your skin look less oily.
It is good for your skin in all dimensions.
- Acts as a good skin lubricator
Watermelon juice has been known to be a natural lubricant for your skin, it can be used as a face toner as well and it also helps in keeping your overall skin looking fresh and happy. This is an important side in the health benefits of watermelon.
- Aids in the treatment of Osteoarthritis Disease
A cup of Watermelon juice has been naturally believed to be able to ward off certain bone and health diseases like asthma, osteoarthritis, colon cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis and keep them at bay.
- Reduce blood pressure
Watermelon juice has the tendency of checking your blood pressure and making sure it is normal due to its good level of electrolytes.
Having known the health benefits of watermelon juice, you should also read below to know its nutritional benefits as well.
Nutritional value of watermelon
Below are the nutrients content in just a cup (150 gramms ) of watermelon:
- Carbohydrates- 89%
- Fats- 4%
- Protein- 7%
- nutrition value 1cup (150g)
- energy 71cal
- protein 1.45g
- carbohydrate 17.97g
- fats 0.36g
- saturated fats 0.038g
- monounsaturated fats 0.088g
- polyunsaturated fats 0.119g
- cholesterol 0 mg
- fiber 1g
- electrolytes(sodium & potassium)
- 2mg (sodium) 267mg (potassium)
- Minerals and Vitamins Content present in Watermelon Juice
- Vitamin A 19 %
- Calcium 0.007
- Vitamin C 13.50 %
- Iron 3 %
- Magnesium 2.50 %
Uses of watermelon juice
The uses of watermelon juice are abundant and surplus. It is also easy to find as it is consumed by half of the world’s population.
Listed below are some of its wide known Uses.
- It keeps your system hydrated enough and equally provides it with the required nutrients necessary for proper effectiveness.
- It also improves overall kidney health as well
- Do you know you can also apply watermelon juice to your skin, a thicker one can also be used as a scrub as no part goes to waste? Just apply the juicy pulp to your skin and leave for a few mins. it acts as a gentle exfoliator in that regard.
- It helps soften your skin and sucks in all the nutrients directly into your skin and leaves you feeling all lush and fresh.
Side effects of Watermelon Juice.
You may wonder, is there even such thing as watermelon juice side effects?
Well the answer can be found in the part below;
As much as there are many health benefits, there also are side effects especially if you are allergic to watermelon or its juice.
As the saying goes ” too much of everything is bad” So is also applicable in the case of watermelon juice. In all you do, maintain a moderate diet.
Consuming watermelon juice in large quantities may have diverse effects on your body system.
Some of which may include:
- Not recommended for diabetes patients as it causes insulin imbalance
- Not advisable in large amounts for pregnant women( should be taken in small quantity)
- It may cause Intestinal disturbance for some people
- Should be avoided completely if you are a patient with a low blood sugar level, feel free to ask your dietician
- Also causes rashes, swelling of your face, and anaphylaxis to your body.
A final thought on the Health benefits of watermelon
Watermelon juice is mostly your preferable drink, especially during the hot seasons in Africa. It is cherished not only for its sweet flavor but also for its refreshing taste.
It is powerfully loaded with essential minerals, Vitamin A and C, carbohydrates, and high water content. It is just an all-around health booster if you ask me.
You can also make this juice at home and even boost its effects by adding lemon and ginger.
Not only is it good for your skin and general bodily health, but it is also a good recipe for weight loss and detoxification as well.
It is very important that you are practicing good hygiene during the preparation of watermelon juice as bad hygiene has its side effects and any alter the whole process.
Feel free to reach out to your dietician in order to know the fruits that are great for you.
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Chibueze Uchegbu is a certified medical physiologist with a great passion for healthy living.