1) Watermelon reduces your likelihood of suffering from several different types of cancer:
The high level of lycopene in watermelon is the reason that the fleshy inside is a pinkish shade of red. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that helps to neutralize the dangerous free radicals that can sometimes cause cancer, and the watermelon contains more lycopene than any other fruit or vegetable. Lycopene has been rigorously studied in human trials, and it has been proven to reduce your risk of developing cancers of the lungs, colon, rectum, breast, and womb.
2) It improves cardiovascular health:
The lycopene in watermelon will also help to keep your cholesterol levels under control. By preventing damage by free radicals, lycopene reduces the amount of oxidized cholesterol that sticks to the walls of your blood vessels. This, in turn, means that you will be less likely to suffer from a heart attack or stroke.
3) It may help you to lose weight:
The watermelon contains almost no fat and relatively few calories. This means that is compatible with your diet when you are trying to shed excess weight. Finally, some nutritionists suspect that the watermelon can help you to burn more fat by boosting your metabolic rate. This is due to the fact that your digestive system must work hard to break down fruits that are rich in fiber and protein.
4) It dramatically reduces dehydration:
Watermelon juice is actually 90% water, and it is rich in electrolytes. This means that eating a watermelon replaces the electrolytes you can lose through sweat or diarrhea. As a result, the watermelon is an excellent choice of snack if you have recently been ill or engaged in a strenuous workout. These properties may also make the watermelon a helpful fruit to eat when you are suffering from a hangover.
5) It can lower blood pressure:
Eating a watermelon provides you with a substantial amount of potassium, and studies show that a good intake of potassium can help to keep your blood pressure levels under control.
6) It can help to improve prostate health:
One famous study performed in recent years proved that men who eat plenty of watermelons (or other lycopene-rich foods) along with drinking lots of green tea are helping to protect their prostate against cancer. Indeed, these men are over 85% less likely to develop the disease.
7) It can help to decrease the severity of asthma attacks:
By combating free radicals, the lycopene found in the watermelon helps to reduce the severity of asthma attacks. This is because free radicals can make airways tighten, cause spasms and increase inflammation.
8.) It can protect against macular degeneration:
The watermelon is an excellent source of antioxidants. This is good news for your eyes, as several studies have shown that people who eat antioxidant-rich fruits can be around 36% less likely to suffer from macular degeneration as they age. Macular degeneration is the primary cause of blindness in the elderly.
As is obvious from the above health benefits, the watermelon is a great choice if you want to increase your daily consumption of fruits and vegetables. Watermelons are available all year round, but they tend to be at their very best during the summer months. A healthy watermelon will be a deep green shade and will have no noticeable white streaks.
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