This article is best read after you google that song with the great la bamba beat, “Watermelon Man.” You can also dance to the song while the fresh juices of watermelon drool down your chin.
Watermelon has many health offerings that may surprise:
Loaded With Lycopene
The cheery red colour comes from lycopene, an antioxidant. Studies show it may help curb risk of cancer and diabetes as part of a healthy lifestyle. Watermelon has more of this nutrient than any other fruit or veggie — even tomatoes. To load up on lycopene, choose a melon with bright red flesh rather than yellow or orange. And the riper, the better. Also, seedless melon tends to have more lycopene than those with seeds.
Protects Your Joints
Watermelon has a natural pigment called beta-cryptoxanthin that may protect joints from inflammation. Some studies show that over time, it could make you less likely to get rheumatoid arthritis.
Easy on Your Eyes
Just one medium slice of watermelon gives you contains 9-11% of the vitamin A you need each day. This nutrient is one of the keys to keeping your eyes healthy. Foods are the best ways to get all the vitamins and minerals that your body needs.
Naturally Sweet Hydration
Juicy watermelon is 92% water, so it’s a simple way to help stay hydrated. Every cell in your body needs water. Even a small shortage can make you feel sluggish. If you get really dehydrated, it can become serious enough that you need to get fluids by IV.
Soothes Your Skin
Vitamins A, B6, and C in watermelon help your skin stay soft, smooth, and supple. Because it’s loaded with water, melon also makes a great face mask. Mix one 1tablespoon of watermelon juice with the same amount of Greek yogurt. Spread over your face and leave on for 10 minutes to slough off any dry, dull skin. Rinse and pat dry.
Won’t Spike Your Blood Sugar
Trying to keep your blood glucose levels steady? You’re in luck. Watermelon has a glycemic index (GI) value of 80, about the same as a bowl of cornflakes. But it’s got few carbs. That means its glycemic load (how quickly it enters your bloodstream and how much glucose it can produce) is a mere 5. Enjoy a slice without guilt!
Easy to Digest
If you have a digestive condition like Crohn’s or colitis, the list of what not to eat during a flare can be long. You can put watermelon on your “yes” list. Its soft, fleshy fruit is easy for even an inflamed gut to digest. (Just don’t eat the rind or the seeds if you need to limit fibre.)
What If I Eat a Seed by Accident?
You may have been told as a kid that if you swallow watermelon seeds, they’ll grow in your belly. Not true! After all, your stomach has no sunlight or soil, and a lot of gastric acid. Many melons are seedless these days, but don’t worry if you do swallow a seed. They’re actually full of nutrients!
Thanks to Webmd.com
