Watermelon is a delicious and juicy fruit with inner red (sometimes pink) juicy flesh. It is commonly grown in tropical areas and is usually readily available all year round. Although it contains about 92% water, it is also rich in vitamins and nutrients. It is a good source of vitamin A, B6 and C, beta-carotene, lycopene antioxidants and amino acids. Watermelon is one of the most nutritious fruits available as a result of its components. Check out the following benefits of watermelon you did not know.
- Lowers the risks of cancer: As a result of its richness in lycopene, a carotenoid phytonutrient that is linked to cancer prevention. Lycopene has been proven to reduce the risks of colon, lung, prostate, endometrial and breast cancers. Watermelons have received great attention as a cancer-preventing fruit.
- Helps control diabetes: The various vitamins and minerals such as potassium and magnesium present in watermelon help in the proper functioning of insulin in the body thus lowering blood sugar level in diabetic patients. It is a fruit that can be used as a perfect supplement for diabetic patients who cannot eat staple means.
- Protects the heart: Watermelons are rich in lycopene which helps in improving cardiac functions and beta carotene which performs anti-aging functions and keeps the heart young.
- Controls high blood pressure: The high levels of magnesium and potassium present in watermelons is useful in the regulating and bringing down of the blood pressure thereby helping to prevent strokes and heart attacks.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: The carotenoids in watermelon makes it a good fruit to control inflammation. The lycopene in the fruit is a well-known inhibitor of many inflammatory processes in the body.