For some time, there has been a reduction in fruit and vegetable consumption. The World Health Organization says that 1.7 million lives could be saved each year in return for a sufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables because this low consumption is among the top ten risk factors for global mortality. Nearly 19% of gastrointestinal cancers, 31% of ischemic heart disease and 11% of stroke are caused by insufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables.
This is why it is necessary to consume fruits and vegetables. But some foods contain more benefits as is the case of watermelon.
There are different colors and varieties like the Crimson watermelon which is yellow. The origin of his name comes from the Portuguese "bateque", coming himself from the Arabic "batek" or "al batikha" which means the food of the gods.
Watermelon contains lycopene
Lycopene is an antioxidant of the carotenoid family. This antioxidant offers fruits and vegetables their pink or red color. It is more often spoken of its content in tomatoes, while the watermelon also contains them. These two fruits are rich in lycopene, which can reduce cholesterol, prevent prostate cancer and coronary heart disease and combat the appearance of free radicals causing skin aging.
Watermelon mainly contains water
Watermelon contains more than 90% of water making it an ally in case of dehydration. Knowing that it is recommended to drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day, this fruit does not replace the water but allows the body to remain sufficiently hydrated. Be sure to consume watermelon and drink water throughout the day to enjoy the benefits of adequate hydration such as a luminous complexion, body temperature regulation, nutrient transport, circulation Oxygen to the cells, waste disposal as well as protection of organs and tissues.
Watermelon relieves muscle pain
Watermelon juice in particular helps to relieve muscle pain because the latter contains an amino acid, citrulin. The latter is transformed in the organism into arginine which plays a vital role in the proper functioning of the vascular system, immune defenses and circulation of blood vessels.
The seeds and skin of the watermelon are edible
The seeds of the watermelon are rich in fiber which facilitates digestion and fight against intestinal parasites and citrulin. American scientists even recommended drinking infusions made from watermelon seeds, once they were crushed and boiled, in order to improve the condition of the urinary tract and the functioning of the kidneys.
As for the skin of the watermelon, it contains as many benefits as the flesh because it is a source of vitamins, lycopene and citrulin. However, its taste is bitter, so be sure to eat it raw and in pieces in a salad for example, accompanying tuna and turkey breast or marinating them with balsamic vinegar and some salt.
Watermelon is fruit but also a vegetable
As part of the cucurbitaceae family, watermelon is also considered a vegetable. Indeed, it is part of the family of squash, cucumbers and pumpkin. So it's called a vegetable-fruit or Fregetable in the United States.
Watermelon reduces blood pressure
According to recent research, the nutrients present in watermelon play an important role in the prevention of heart attacks because they contribute to the reduction of blood pressure.
The study included obese participants who received supplements of arginine and citrulin from watermelon extract. The result demonstrated a reduction in stress and blood pressure under anxiogenic conditions. The nitric oxide that converts from arginine, itself produced citrulin, helps to relax the blood vessels and facilitate blood circulation then acting as a blood pressure reducer.
However, in order to benefit from all these benefits and nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, magnesium, vitamin B6 and A, you must know how to choose the best watermelon. Then find out how!
How to choose the best watermelon?
First, you should spot a yellow spot on the ends of the watermelon meaning the place where the fruit was in contact with the ground. This spot is an indicator of fruit maturity and the darker it is, the more watermelon will be good at tasting. Indeed, a white spot illustrates an early harvest.
In addition, be sure to choose a watermelon with unbroken lines on its bark and whose stem is dry because it is also a gauge of taste quality regarding the maturity of the fruit.