Watermelon is a delicious and refreshing fruit loaded with lycopene, an antioxidant. In Fact, the cherry red color comes from the lycopene content in it which is actually more than the tomatoes. Always choose a bright red watermelon while buying, the riper the better, and the seedless ones have more lycopene than the one with seeds. 

It contains only 46 calories per cup but is high in vitamin C, vitamin A, and many healthy plant compounds.

Here are the top health benefits of eating watermelon.

Watermelon is super hydrating

Our body is 70% water and to keep it hydrated is a prime requirement. Even a slight shortage of liquid in the body can make you feel sluggish. Drinking water is a great way to keep our body hydrated but when we combine plain water with natural minerals and vitamin C it serves as double nutrition. Watermelon is 92% water and is a wonderful combination of water with fiber. It makes us full and satiated.

The high water content in fruits and veggies makes you full and without consuming a lot of calories aids weight loss.

Healthy Heart

Watermelon has a lot of healthy heart components as it is rich in vitamins like A, B6, C, magnesium and potassium, and minerals. It is rich in amino acids called citrulline which helps the movement of blood through the body and helps lower blood pressure. The lycopene in it lowers the risk of heart attack as it lowers blood pressure also. Of course, it is your whole lifestyle that affects your heart health but Watermelon can certainly give a boost to it.

Joint Health 

A natural pigment called cryptoxanthin present in watermelon protects joints from inflammation. Some studies show that it can make you less vulnerable to rheumatoid arthritis. 

Healthy Eyes

Watermelon is rich in vitamin A. Just one medium slice of it gives 9-11% of vitamin A that one needs each day. Vitamin A is a key ingredient for healthy eyes. Foods are the best source of vitamins and mineral needs of the body.

Other Benefits of Watermelon

• Amongst other benefits, it soothes your skin and also serves as a good face pack.
• Being low in calories, it does not spike your sugar levels, even diabetic people can safely have it.
• If you have any digestion issues like colitis, you will have an endless list of ‘don’t haves’, of what not to eat, you can safely put watermelon in your list of “safe to have”. It’s soft juicy, fleshy fruit is easy even on inflamed guts.

How to choose a good Watermelon

• Look for one with smooth skin without dents and bruises
• Should be heavy for its size as it’s loaded with water.
• The bottom should be yellow and not white.
• It should sound hollow when you tap.

Disclaimer: Always go by your Doctor’s advice.