Come summer season and watermelon becomes every fruit lover’s go-to snack owing to its sweet and refreshing taste. Watermelons are popular across the globe but its first harvest was documented 5000 years ago in Egypt. Slowly, it reached other parts of the world. Watermelon is a rich source of natural antioxidants especially lycopene, ascorbic acid and citruline. These wonderful ingredients are known to protect against many chronic illnesses from heart disease to cancer. (Also read: 7 immunity boosting foods to fight seasonal infections)
As the mercury goes up, many people tend to lose their appetite and face dehydration issues. If you too struggle with such problems, watermelon is the perfect snack for you. It has 90-92% water and is packed with wide range of nutrients; it also provides you satiety while curbing your sweet cravings.
Nutritionist Abhilasha V HOD & Chief Clinical Nutritionist, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Bengaluru talks about benefits of watermelons.
Safe snack for everyone
The best thing about this fruit is that it is so low in calories and so low in sodium making it a safe snack for almost all people.
Full of nutrients and antioxidants
Watermelon is loaded with various nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, B6, potassium and the super anti-oxidants lycopene and beta-carotene.
Excellent for heart health
Antioxidants help prevent cell damage, and has even been known to prevent cancer. They are also good for your heart health and prevent artery clogging.
Healthy skin and eyes
Watermelon also keeps skin healthy due to its water content, vitamin B6 and also vitamin C that helps in collagen production, hence improving skin texture and suppleness. Also studies have shown that lycopene content in watermelons have a sun-protection effect, so you are less likely to get sunburnt. The vitamin A in watermelon keeps your eyes sparkly and healthy too and can prevent macular degeneration.
Prevents muscle soreness after workout
Potassium content in watermelon helps in preventing muscle soreness during and after workouts. A bowl of watermelon either before or after workout can have protective effects on muscle health.
Eases morning sickness in pregnancy
In pregnancy, a high water content from this fruit can prevent dehydration in first trimester and also ease morning sickness and heartburn in second and third trimester. The minerals in it can help ease third trimester leg muscle cramps too. The potassium content can also keep the blood pressure in check. The water and easily digestible fiber can ease constipation in pregnancy too.
Ways to consume watermelon
• As a fruit by itself.
• As popsicles or homemade sorbets and ice candy.
• In combination with salad with cucumber, mangoes, carrots, oranges etc for a colorful nutrient boost.
• As smoothies or unfiltered juices mixed with lemon or sweet lime.
