Benefits of Watermelon, uses and side effects

One of the best fruits to eat in summer is watermelon, which besides being very refreshing, contains many health properties. It belongs to the botanical family Cucurbitaceae and is very beneficial for the organism.

Although some individuals think that this delicious fruit only contains water and sugar, watermelon has a lot of nutrients and provides many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Watermelon is a very healthy food and has a low amount of calories.

Watermelons and the summer period go hand in hand. Its refreshing quality and its sweet taste help to fight the heat, and for those who want to lose weight, this fruit is a very tasty dessert that does not make you feel guilty when you eat it.

Properties and benefits of watermelon

There are different types of watermelon, some larger, others less rounded and others without the stripes that characterize them. Regardless of the type of watermelon consumed, all are highly healthy.

But what are the properties of watermelon? In the following lines we present the health benefits of watermelon.

1. Hydrate

Watermelon is associated with summer and it is not surprising, since it is a food with a high content of water, 92% of its composition, and contains important electrolytes. It can be eaten at any time and is an ideal "snack" to drink at any time. If we also leave it in the fridge, it will be not only delicious, but it will be very refreshing. When the summer season approaches, watermelon becomes a very appetizing food.

2. Stimulates the immune system and prevents cell damage

This fruit is rich in vitamin C, which is essential for the immune system and, therefore, protects the body and helps fight, for example, colds. It also maintains the redox balance of the cells and protects them from reactive oxygen species, which damage the cells and DNA.

3. Healing wounds

The role of vitamin C in wound healing has also been observed in numerous studies, as it is essential for the formation of new connective tissue. Enzymes that participate in the formation of collagen, that is, the main component of wound healing, are inefficient without vitamin C. In short, watermelon participates in the healing of wounds.

4. Improves bone health

Watermelon contains lycopene, which is especially important for the bone health. Dietary lycopene, which is present in some foods such as watermelon or tomatoes, reduces the oxidative stress that normally reduces the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, two bone cells involved in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis.

The consumption of lycopene is associated with healthier bones. Watermelon is also rich in potassium, which helps retain calcium in the body, resulting in healthier bones and joints.

5. Improves cardiovascular health

Consuming watermelon in large quantities, according to many researches, correlates positively with the improvement of cardiovascular function, since it increases blood flow through vasodilation.

A study conducted by the American Journal of Hypertension found that supplementation of watermelon extract reduces ankle blood pressure, brachial blood pressure and carotid pressure in obese adults of middle age with mild hypertension.

6. Helps to lose body fat

Watermelon contains citrulline, which helps reduce the accumulation of fat in the fat cells. Citrulline is an amino acid that is converted to arginine with the help of the kidneys. When the bodies absorb citrulline, it has the ability to block the activity of TNAP (non-tissue-specific alkaline phosphatase), which causes the fat cells to produce less fat tissue, and therefore helps prevent excessive accumulation of body fat .

7. Improves the health of the eyes

This fruit is a great source of beta-carotene (hence that reddish color inside) that turns into vitamin A. It helps produce pigments in the retina of the eye and protects against age-related macular degeneration. It also prevents night blindness, keeps the skin, teeth, skeletal and soft tissues and the membranes of healthy mucous membranes.

8. Diuretic effect

Watermelon is a natural diuretic that helps increase the flow of urine and protects the kidneys. It also intervenes in the process of removing ammonia from the liver. Watermelon is a diuretic and natural slimming, which will help stay fit and healthy.

9. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant

Watermelon is rich in phenolic compounds such as flavonoids, carotenoids and triterpenoids. The carotenoid lycopene of this fruit is beneficial in reducing inflammation and neutralizing free radicals.

The triterpenoid cucurbitacin E is also present in watermelon, and provides anti-inflammatory support by blocking the activity of cyclooxygenase enzymes that normally produce an inflammatory increase. Mature watermelons contain higher amounts of these beneficial phenolic compounds.

Blood pressure

By eating a portion of watermelon you can see the benefits on blood pressure. Research in the January 2011 issue of the "American Journal of Hypertension" correlates watermelon with improved blood flow through the aorta, the largest artery in the heart that carries blood from this organ to the rest of the body. This lowers blood pressure due to the watermelon citrulline that becomes arginine. The researchers note that arginine lowers blood pressure in the brachial artery. Do not consume watermelon as a method of treating hypertension without consulting the health care provider.

10. Prevents cancer

This fruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, as well as other antioxidants. That is why it can help combat the formation of free radicals associated with the development of cancer. Lycopene intake has been positively linked to a decreased risk of prostate cancer, according to several studies.

Side effects of watermelon

Watermelon consumption can also have some unexpected side effects, some positive and others negative.

Allergies

Including watermelon in the diet can trigger allergic reactions. The evidence available in the 2009 edition of "International Archives of Allergy and Immunology" reveals that the allergens in this fruit consist of malate dehydrogenase, triose phosphate isomerase and profiling, all of which are enzymes.You may have an allergy to watermelon if you have allergic sensitivities to latex, celery, cucumber or carrot. According to reports from the Allergen Bureau the watermelon allergy symptoms can vary from mild to severe, including hives, facial swelling, diarrhea or anaphylaxis.

Sources

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov : Characterisation and functional properties of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) seed proteins
[2] https://www.organicfacts.net : 9 Amazing Benefits Of Watermelon
[3] https://www.healthline.com : Top 9 Health Benefits of Eating Watermelon
[4] https://www.livescience.com : Watermelon: Health Benefits, Risks & Nutrition Facts