Despite what it may seem, watermelon is a nutrient-dense food, which provides us with a large amount of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for a low amount of calories. With the arrival of summer, watermelon becomes an indispensable ally thanks to its sweet taste as it is one of the most refreshing fruits that exist. Not surprisingly, it is made up of 92% water and benefits us in all these fields:
Asthma prevention: The risks for developing asthma are lower in people who consume a large amount of certain nutrients. One of these nutrients is vitamin C, which is found in many fruits and vegetables, including watermelon.
Blood Pressure: Watermelon extract supplements reduce ankle blood pressure, brachial blood pressure in obese middle-aged adults with prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension.
Cancer: As an excellent source of vitamin C and other antioxidants, watermelon can help fight the formation of free radicals that can lead to cancer.
Digestion and regularity: Watermelon, due to its high water and fiber content, helps prevent constipation and promotes the regularity of a healthy digestive system.
Hydration: Being 92% water and full of important electrolytes, watermelon is a great ally to have on hand during the hot months to avoid dehydration.
Muscle pain : Watermelon and watermelon juice have been shown to reduce muscle pain and improve recovery time for athletes after exercise.
Skin: Watermelon is also ideal for the skin, as it contains vitamin A, a nutrient necessary for the production of sebum that keeps hair hydrated. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all body tissues, including skin and hair.
Risks
Moderate amounts of watermelon do not pose any serious health risks. Consuming too much can raise the levels of certain vitamins in the body, which can cause complications.
Too much vitamin C, abundant in watermelon, can cause symptoms such as diarrhea or gastrointestinal upset. Foods that contain lycopene, such as watermelon, grapefruit, or papaya, can also cause these symptoms. These symptoms are only normally seen when excessive intake is due to supplements, not food.
Potassium levels are another consideration, as too much could lead to complications such as hyperkalemia (high potassium) that causes an abnormal heart rhythm and can be dangerous. Again, complications are most often due to excessive intake of supplements. In general, watermelon can be safely consumed with little risk. Ideally, look for a watermelon that is firm, heavy, and symmetrical, with no soft spots or bumps. Touching the outside can give you a clue as to the texture of the fruit on the inside. If you hear a slight, almost hollow thump, it indicates that the water and the contained fruit are intact and have a stable structure. It will be a fantastic watermelon to savor.
