The 8 Health Benefits of Watermelon

1. Watermelon is by far one of the healthiest fruits out there! The amazing health benefits of watermelon include not only your brain, but even the cells in your feet.

1. Watermelon is also one of the tastiest fruits. And although most watermelons we buy in the supermarket no longer have seeds, the tastiest varieties are the ones with seeds. And if you can afford it, opt for an organic watermelon. The difference in taste is unbelievable. Moreover, watermelon not only tastes delicious on the go, you can also use it in a summer salad with cucumber, for example.

2. Watermelon is also one of the tastiest fruits. And although most watermelons we buy in the supermarket no longer have seeds, the tastiest varieties are the ones with seeds. And if you can afford it, opt for an organic watermelon. The difference in taste is unbelievable. Moreover, watermelon not only tastes delicious on the go, you can also use it in a summer salad with, for example, cucumber.

1. The best time to enjoy this fresh, hydrating fruit is in summer, when watermelon is bursting with nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

1. Watermelon is incredibly hydrating (it contains up to 92% water!) And is naturally low in fat. In the summer, watermelon is best enjoyed daily to reap all of the health benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health and a stronger immune system. Below I have listed several benefits of watermelon for you.

2. Watermelon is incredibly hydrating (it contains up to 92% water!) And is naturally low in fat. In the summer, watermelon is best enjoyed daily to reap all the health benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health and a stronger immune system. Below I have listed several benefits of watermelon for you.

1. Let's get started ...

1. Cardiovascular Health

1. Watermelon contains lycopene, a phytonutrient, this nutrient is important for cardiovascular health and also promotes bone health. In addition, higher consumption of watermelon has been linked to lowered blood pressure and may even help improve blood flow, boosting the health of every cell in your body. Lycopene is not only found in watermelon, but also in tomatoes, for example. Studies have shown that the activity of the bone cells that cause osteoporosis is reduced by means of lycopene. So you get stronger bones when you consume these foods regularly. In addition to lycopene, watermelon also contains a good amount of potassium. This mineral is important for keeping calcium in the body, which in turn makes for stronger bones and stronger joints.

2. Watermelon burns fat

1. Watermelon contains a substance called citrulline. This substance has been shown in studies to reduce fat deposits. Citrulline is an amino acid that is converted into arginine with the help of the kidneys. So if our body absorbs citrulline, it is provided with the right foundations to produce arginine. Citrulline also ensures that the activities of certain enzymes are blocked. These specific enzymes promote fat storage. Because of this blockage, citrulline also helps to reduce our fat storage.

3. Anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants

1. Watermelon is rich in phenols such as flavonoids and carotenoids. Lycopene, a carotenoid, in watermelon is particularly effective at reducing inflammation and neutralizing free radicals. Watermelon also contains phenols that block certain enzyme activity and thus reduce the body's inflammatory response. Always choose a ripe watermelon, because it is much richer in these beneficial phenols. You can recognize a ripe melon by its dark green color. Avoid yellow and light green watermelons, as they are often not yet ripe.

2. Watermelon is rich in phenols such as flavonoids and carotenoids. Lycopene, a carotenoid, in watermelon is particularly effective in reducing inflammation and neutralizing free radicals. Watermelon also contains phenols that block certain enzyme activity and thus reduce the body's inflammatory response. Always choose a ripe watermelon, because it is much richer in these beneficial phenols. You can recognize a ripe melon by its dark green color. Avoid yellow and light green watermelons, as they are often not yet ripe.

4. Watermelon supports kidney function

1. Watermelon acts as a natural diuretic and makes you urinate more often, but does not overload the kidneys. If you retain moisture more often, then watermelon is an ideal natural means to combat this. The fruit supports the liver in its process of removing ammonia from the body (ammonia is a waste product of the digestion of proteins). Your kidneys are thus spared, while you release moisture.

5. Support for your nerves and muscles

1. Watermelon is rich in potassium, a natural electrolyte. Potassium is important for the proper function of the nerves and muscles. Potassium determines, among other things, how often and to what extent our muscles contract and also stimulates nerve impulses in our body.

6. Watermelon is alkaline

1. Watermelons have an alkaline forming effect in the body when they are fully ripe. Eating plenty of alkaline foods (fresh, ripe fruits and vegetables) can help reduce your risk of developing diseases caused by a diet rich in acid-forming foods (such as meat, dairy, and refined sugars).

7. Good for your eyes

1. Watermelon is a great source of beta-carotene (that rich red hue of watermelon is the beta-carotene) which is converted in the body into vitamin A. This vitamin supports the production of pigments in it also retains the net and protects against degeneration and night blindness. Vitamin A also maintains healthy skin, teeth, bones and mucous membranes.

8. Watermelon strengthens your immune system and prevents cell damage

1. The vitamin C content in watermelon is astonishingly high. Vitamin C is a great vitamin for supporting your immune system. This vitamin is also very effective in fighting free radicals that cause cell damage (and even damage your DNA!). The role of vitamin C can also be seen in wound healing, as it accelerates regeneration time and promotes the formation of new tissue. The enzymes involved in the production of collagen (one of the most important components for wound healing) cannot do their job without vitamin C. So if you notice that your wounds heal less quickly, eat fruit rich in vitamin C. And of course watermelon is the perfect choice!

Calories in watermelon

1. Would you like to lose some pounds and would you like to know if watermelon fits in your diet? Watermelon consists largely of fruit sugars and natural water, with fiber. This fruit contains only 30 calories per 100 grams! And precisely because it is so rich in water, it is also very filling and you will therefore not be inclined to eat too much. But for 30 calories per 100 grams you can eat a reasonable portion.

1. Moreover, watermelon fits in almost any diet. For example, watermelon fits perfectly in a low-carbohydrate diet because it contains only 7 grams of carbohydrates per serving. It also contains virtually no fat and very little protein. The fruit is perfect for a detox diet because of its moisturizing and diuretic properties.

1. While watermelon has a relatively high glycemic index, it won't push your blood sugar up too much. The fruit has a low glycemic load. This means that it contains so few carbohydrates that, despite the higher glycemic index, there is only a minimal impact on the blood sugar level. So even diabetics can eat watermelon with confidence, but of course in moderation.

Watermelon smoothie

1. Summer is coming and there is nothing better than a refreshing smoothie! The ideal way to enjoy all the health benefits of watermelon is in the form of a watermelon smoothie. Of course you can choose to simply mix some watermelon in your blender into a nice juice, but do you want even more flavor, health and hydration? Then try the following recipe.

1. Add the following to your blender:

1. Mix everything into a smooth smoothie and pour into two large glasses. Enjoy your delicious watermelon smoothie!

Finally ...

1. Personally, watermelon is one of my favorite fruits and I can't get enough of it either. The benefits of this fruit speak volumes and if you want to get or stay healthy and slim, enjoy watermelon as much as you want!

1. Because the fruit is often only available in the summer, you can freeze it in cubes so that you can enjoy a smoothie in the winter as well. Another option is to mash the watermelon and then freeze it in ice cubes.

1. How do you prefer to eat watermelon? Off the sleeve or rather in a refreshing smoothie? Let me know in the comments!