Consuming Watermelon Can Reduce The Chances Of Cancer - Fact Or Myth!

Watermelon, a surprising fruit with lots of surprising benefits has high water content and delivers many essential nutrients to the body. Not only it is refreshing and hydrating true to its name, there are also other benefits that it has.

Listed below are 8 reasons that you should bite into a watermelon. Whatever the season, there are always reasons!

• Body Hydration - The most important benefit of this red, juicy fruit is water, which is as high as 92%.  It is no surprise that you feel hydrated as soon as you start biting into a slice of watermelon. In patients who need to be hydrated, this could work wonders.
   
• Reduces body fat - Watermelons contain an amino acid called Citrulline which converts to arginine. This conversion blocks the creation of fat from fat cells, thereby reducing fat accumulation in the body.
   
• Digestion - The high fibre content in watermelon, supplemented by the high water content, aids in smooth digestion and clear constipation.
   
• Heart Benefits - Watermelon contains lycopene, which dilates the blood vessels and allows for a smoother flow of blood. The lycopene is proven to protect against various heart ailments. Tests done to check blood pressure at various spots including ankle and carotid regions showed a significant decline in blood pressure. These also improve blood flow in the arteries.
   
• Musculoskeletal benefits - The benefits to the bones and muscles are multifold. After a workout session, athletes recover faster by eating watermelon.  The reasons are many:
  • ​The potassium-rich watermelon helps muscles function better
  • The amino acid Citrulline is believed to reduce muscle soreness and inflammation
  • Choline in the watermelon helps in better muscular movement and reduce inflammation
     
• Skin - The Vitamin A in the watermelon generates the production of hair and skin follicles, production of sebum, and moisturizing the hair follicles. This also promotes the better condition of supporting tissues like hair, teeth, soft tissues and mucous membranes.  Watermelon also contains Vitamin C, very essential for building and maintaining collagen.  Collagen is what provides structure to the hair and skin.  Add some watermelon if you have wounds, and see how wound healing is improved with better collagen formation.  Needless to say, the high moisture content also adds to the improved look of hair and skin.
   
• Cancer Prevention - Watermelon, especially a nicely ripened fruit, contains a lot of carotenoids, flavonoids and triterpenoids. These are proven anti-cancer chemicals and reduce the formation of free radicals in the body which are responsible for cancer.
   
• Vision - The bright red colour of watermelon is from beta carotene.  If this name rings a bell, yes, you have heard it associated with carrots, which are very good for eye health. Watermelon also is a rich source and beta-carotene helps in the production of pigments in the eye. It can also prevent macular degeneration and night blindness.

So, the next time you bite into a watermelon, think about all the good things you are treating your body.