Six health benefits of Watermelon you never knew
Watermelon is a type of berry known botanically as a pepo. It contains reddish sweet juicy flesh, white, or yellow; flesh colour, shape and thickness. Its rind depends on the variety.
Watermelon weight varies from 1 to 2 kg (2.5 to 5 pounds) to 20 kg (44 pounds) or more. The number of fruits per vine varies from 2 to 15. The fruit contains vitamin A and some vitamin C and is usually eaten raw. The rind is sometimes preserved as a pickle.
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These six health benefits of Watermelon will make you eat it:
1. Glowing Skin
Vitamins A, B6, and C in watermelon help the skin stay soft, smooth, supple and makes it glow. Since it’s loaded with water, melon also makes a great face mask. Mix 1 tablespoon 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.
2. Reduces Cancer & Diabetes
The cheery red colour comes from lycopene, an antioxidant. Studies show it may help curb the 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 melons tend to have more lycopene than those with seeds.
3. Improves Eyesight
Just one medium slice of watermelon contains 9-11% of the vitamin A needed each day. This nutrient is one of the keys to keeping the eyes healthy. Watermelons are the best ways to get all the vitamins and minerals that the body needs to function.
4. Levels Up Blood Sugar
Trying to keep the blood glucose levels steady, 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.
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5. Protects Joints
Watermelon has a natural pigment called beta-cryptoxanthin that may protect your joints from inflammation. Some studies show that over time, it could make you less likely to get rheumatoid arthritis.
6. Healthier Heart
Watermelon is rich in an amino acid called citrulline that may help move blood through your body and can lower your blood pressure. Your heart also enjoys the perks of all the lycopene watermelon contains. Studies show that it may lower your risk of heart attacks. Of course, your whole lifestyle affects your heart health. So make sure you also work out, don’t smoke, limit saturated fat, and keep up with your doctor’s advice
Source: www.spotonnews.net
