Description
Watermelon keeps you hydrated.
- Consuming an adequate amount of fluids supports circulation, skin health, and digestion.
- It also helps regulate body temperature, organ and joint function, metabolism, appetite, and waste elimination. Being properly hydrated also impacts mental performance.
- As little as a 1-3% loss of body fluid can impair mood, reduce concentration, increase headaches and fatigue, interfere with working memory, and boost anxiety.
- Watermelon is lower in calories and sugar than you may think. A cup of watermelon provides 45 calories from 11 grams of carbohydrate, 9 grams of which are naturally occurring sugar.
- It may help support healthy weight management. While watermelon isn’t very high in fiber, the fiber it does contain supports healthy gut function.
- The fruit also contains fluid and prebiotics, a type of fiber that stimulates the growth and/or activity of beneficial bacteria in the large intestine.
- Watermelon is one of the best sources of lycopene, an antioxidant known to combat oxidative stress. The protection lycopene provides reduces the risk of chronic diseases and cancer, as well as neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
- It may offer some skin protection.
- Watermelon’s vitamins A and C support healthy skin, and the fruit’s lycopene content may protect against sun damage, although the effects are not immediate.
- Make a batch of watermelon salsa by combining the chopped fruit with cucumber, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Combine seedless watermelon with fresh lemon juice and freeze for a refreshing slushy drink. Or blend it with coconut milk and chopped dark chocolate, then pour into popsicle molds for an alternative to icy treats.
