Top 10 Health Benefits of Watermelon

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Imagine a scorching summer day where you are out for some work and you see a vendor selling bright red watermelon in triangular wedges. Aren’t you readily invited to the delicious and succulent fruit? The thirst quenching properties of the fruit has made it synonymous to summer. However,  juiciness is not the only feature ,the  fruit has a lot more to offer; it helps not only to beat the heat of tropical summer but also to combat numerous health related issues with its rich content of vitamins and minerals.

Watermelon is thought to have originated in southern Africa. The fruit was then gradually transferred to Asia, Europe and North America. China, Iran, Turkey, Egypt, Brazil and United States are famous watermelon producers in the world today. Watermelon belongs to a family called Cucurbitaceae which also incorporates cucumber, pumpkin, squash and gourd. Watermelon is scientifically known as Citrullis Ianatus. Citrullis Ianatus includes all varieties of water-melon available; the most popular red fleshed to orange, white or yellow fleshed. The fruit is oval or spherical in shape and has green stripped or spotted rinds. Several seedless varieties of watermelon have also been produced with the help of hybridization techniques.

There is a general impression that watermelon is massive store of just water and sugar. Several researches indicate that these assumptions are not entirely true. The fruit offers several varieties of vitamins and minerals that are indispensable for maintaining healthy life. Here is the list of ten most important health benefits watermelon offers.

10. Beauty Boon for Skin

watermelon are beauty boon for skin

It might come as a surprise to know that watermelon is a boon for beauty needs.  Watermelon contains a wide variety of antioxidants which prevent skin from detrimental effects of free radicals. Antioxidants slow down aging by neutralizing free radicals. As a result, rejuvenating and glowing skin can be maintained by use of watermelon as face packs or toners. Vitamin A present in the fruit helps to avert excessive production of oil and prevents from acnes.

9. Reduction of body fat

watermelon reduces body fat

If you are trying to shed some pounds then here is the good news. A study conducted at University of Kentucky suggests that watermelon could be used for combating obesity. Inclusion of watermelon in your dietary intake is one of the best ways to flatten your tummy. The fruit contains high levels of citrulline, a non-essential amino acid, which is later converted to arginine by kidney. Arginine is further converted to polyarginine and polyarginine reduces accumulation of excess fat by blocking activity of an enzyme responsible for fat absorption.

8.  Rich source of Protein

watermelon is a rich source of protein

The need for chewing of the tiny seeds while savouring the succulent fruit is disturbing, isn’t it? But you might want to reconsider. For long, these tiny seeds have been treated as bother and their nutrient content has been overlooked. Recent studies explain these scattered tiny seeds as excellent source of protein. Watermelon seeds can be formulated to combat problems that arise from deficiency of protein. In addition to protein, seeds are found to contain impressive amounts of multivitamin B like riboflavin, thiamine and niacin which boost immune system.

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