Watermelon is 92 percent water and low in vitamins and minerals. However, watermelons are valued for other properties - a high content of antioxidants that delay the aging process and inhibit the development of cancer cells, and citrulline - an amino acid that supports the work of the heart, accelerates the process of muscle regeneration in athletes and … works like Viagra. What nutritional and he alth properties does watermelon have?

Watermeloncontains a lot of water (92%) and small amounts of vitamins and minerals, but is rich in antioxidants such as lycopene, beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin that help protect the body against the development of neoplastic diseases.

In addition, watermelon has a diuretic effect, so it is recommended in kidney diseases and urinary tract infections. Watermelon also has a beneficial effect on the digestive system and improves metabolism.

In addition, the active ingredients contained in the watermelon support the work of the circulatory system, remove from the body harmful compounds accumulating in the muscles during intense exercise and act like Viagra.

Watermelon helps lower blood pressure and prevents heart attack

Watermelon is a rich source of many substances that control blood triglyceride levels and ensure proper blood pressure, thus preventing heart disease:

  • carotenoids are antioxidants and natural pigments that are responsible for the red color of watermelon flesh. Lycopene is considered the main representative of carotenoids as it prevents oxidation of cholesterol and thus lowers pressure in the veins and arteries. In addition, it inhibits the multiplication of free radicals in blood vessels, which cause their mechanical damage. Lycopene also reduces the risk of cancer, especially prostate cancer. 100 g of fresh, red watermelon contains 4532 μg of lycopene, while the tomato, which is most often recommended to people with heart disease, only 2573 μg. It is worth knowing that the lighter the flesh of the watermelon, the smaller the amount of carotenoids;
  • Vitamin A and Vitamin C are also antioxidants that help lower blood pressure, thus reducing the risk of a heart attack or stroke;
  • potassium helps to control blood pressure,because it accelerates the excretion of excess sodium from the body (which is responsible for arterial hypertension), it inhibits atherosclerotic processes in blood vessels;
  • Magnesium improves the elasticity of blood vessels so that blood can flow freely through them. In addition, it prevents a decrease in potassium levels and an increase in sodium concentration in the body;
  • citrulline - citrulline present in the flesh and skin of the watermelon is an organic chemical compound from the α-amino acid group, a derivative of ornithine. After it enters the body, citrulline is converted into L-arginine, an amino acid that raises the levels of nitric oxide, which causes the blood vessels to relax.
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Watermelon nutritional value(per 100 g)

Energy - 30 kcal Total protein - 0.61 g Fat - 0.15 g Carbohydrates - 7.55 g Fiber - 0.4 gMinerals

Calcium - 7 mg Iron - 0.24 mg Magnesium - 10 mg Phosphorus - 11 mg Potassium - 112 mg Sodium - 1 mg Zinc - 0.10 mg

Vitamins

Vitamin C - 8.1 mg Vitamin A - 569 IUTiamine - 0.033 mg Riboflavin - 0.021 mg Niacin - 0.178 mg Vitamin B-6 - 0.045 mg Folic acid - 3 μg Vitamin E - 0.05 μg Vitamin K 1 (phylloquinone) - 0.1 μg Data source: USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference

Watermelon lowers pressure level

According to research, watermelon is the richest source of natural L-citrulline (100 g contains 300 mg). Professors Arturo Figueroa and Bahram H. Arjmandi from Florida State University found that taking 6 grams of L-citrulline from watermelon extract daily for 6 weeks improves arterial function and, consequently, reduces blood pressure in patients with so-called against hypertension, i.e. high normal pressure.

Watermelon "vegetable Viagra"

Thanks to citrulline, watermelon can also increase sex drive. Citrulline, like Viagra tablets, relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow.

According to research, men should eat at least six slices of watermelon to get the same effect as one pill of Viagra. According to Bhimu Patil, director of Texas A&M University's Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center, watermelon can be used to both prevent and treat erection problems.

Watermelon for beauty

Watermelon is an excellent source of antioxidants that delay the aging process of the skin (including protecting against the harmful effects of UV rays and helping to heal skin inflammations). lycopene, but also vitamin A, which increases the network of blood vessels, thanks to which tothe skin with blood reaches more oxygen and nutrients, and vitamin C, which also "sweeps" free radicals from the body and supports the action of other antioxidants.

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Watermelon for athletes

Citrulline, by expanding the lumen of blood vessels, causes the effect of the so-called "Muscle pump", as a consequence of which the muscle volume increases during exercise.

In addition, citrulline is an amino acid that, along with ornithine and arginine, is involved in the urea cycle, which neutralizes toxic ammonia - a substance that contributes to muscle fatigue during exercise. Therefore, watermelon allows for more intense training and supports muscle regeneration.

Research has shown that regular intake of more citrulline improves strength endurance. Consuming about two glasses of watermelon juice a day increases the level of arginine in the blood by over 10%, which contributes to better blood supply and nourishment of the muscle tissue.

In addition, 92% watermelon is water enriched with minerals such as potassium and calcium, so it not only quickly quenches thirst, but also replenishes electrolyte deficiency in the body.

Watermelon not for diabetics

Watermelon, although low in calories (30 kcal per 100 g), is a concentrated source of carbohydrates with a high level of glycemia (watermelon glycemic index=75), therefore it can raise blood sugar levels quickly. For 7.55 g of carbohydrates there is as much as 6.20 g of these "bad", i.e. simple sugars. So, watermelon is not recommended for people with diabetes. This should also be remembered by people who are slimming.

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