HEALTH BENETIFS OF WATER MELON

What is Watermelon?

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.), family Cucurbitaceae) is a vine-like (scrambler and trailer) flowering plant originally from southern Africa. Its fruit, which is also called watermelon, is a special kind referred to by botanists as a pepo, a berry which has a thick rind (exocarp) and fleshy center (mesocarp and endocarp “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watermelon”

Health Benefits of Water Melon

Watermelon is not only delicious, but extremely healthy, as well.

·    In fact, most melons are rich in potassium, a nutrient that may help

o  control blood pressure,

o  Possibly prevent strokes and

o  regulate heart beat

·    Melons are also rich in vitamin C, one arm of the now-famous disease-fighting antioxidant trio. Another arm that’s well represented is beta-carotene. Beta-carotene and vitamin C are capable of

o  preventing heart disease,

o  cancer, and

o  Other chronic conditions. No matter which way you cut them, when it comes to nutrition, melons are superb and number one.

·    Watermelon is a valuable source of lycopene, one of the carotenoids that have actually been studied in humans. Lycopene is helpful in reducing the

o  risk of prostate, breast, and endometrial cancers and

o  as well as lung and colon cancer.

·    Do you know that melons are rich in Vitamin A, B and C.?

·    It is an ideal health drink because it is 92 per cent water, and does not contain any fat or cholesterol. It also fills you up fast because of its water content. So have it along with your barbeque or grills as watermelons will prevent you from overeating.

·    What’s more, they are low in calories and very nutritious.

The beautiful pink color of watermelon, due to beta-carotene, is a powerful ally against many types of cancer, particularly colon cancer. Lycopene, a carotenoid found in abundance in watermelon provides additional cancer fighting health benefits.

The high water content of watermelon is part of what gives it fat burning benefits, helping to make your metabolism work more efficiently. With a healthy amount of fiber and protein, your body will still work harder simply processing watermelon.

One of the main health benefits of watermelon is its status as a powerful antioxidant, found in vitamins A and C, which helps to neutralize free radicals than can lead to inflammation, general sickness and chronic illnesses such as stroke and heart attack.

Whether you coose watermelons for their good and rich health benefits or simply for their good rich flavor, they can be an excellent snack.Watermelon is not only delicious, but extremely healthy, as well.