Watermelon provides benefits to the body thanks to its low calorie, satiety feature and the vitamins and minerals it contains. Due to its high sugar content, it is necessary to pay attention to the portion amount of watermelon. Although watermelon looks like an innocent fruit, it has fruit sugar in it.
It is a fruit with a high glycemic index due to its low fiber content. Therefore, consuming more than one serving in diabetic people leads to a rapid rise in blood sugar. Consuming a protein source such as a slice of cheese while consuming watermelon makes it easier to control blood sugar balance.
MEETS THE BODY’S LIQUID NEEDS
92 percent of the composition of watermelon consists of water. At the same time, thanks to its electrolyte content, it is considered one of the healthiest snacks we can consume to prevent water loss in our body.
HELPS PREVENT CANCER
Watermelon is a fruit rich in antioxidants. The lycopene antioxidant it contains has a strengthening effect on the immune system. It also reduces the number of insulin-like growth factor (IGF), a protein involved in cell division, in our body. In this way, it is stated that it reduces the risk of cancer. In addition, with the vitamin C it contains, it can prevent the formation of free radicals that cause the development of cancer cells in the body.
PROTECTS HEART HEALTH
Various studies show that lycopene can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Watermelon also helps to minimize the damage that cholesterol can do to the body, especially to the blood vessels. It also contains citrulline, an amino acid that can increase nitric oxide levels in the body. Nitric oxide helps dilate blood vessels and, with this effect, lowers blood pressure.
RELIEVES MUSCLE PAIN
Citrulline, an amino acid found in the nutritional composition of watermelon, can relieve muscle pain. 1 glass of watermelon juice immediately after sports can be useful in reducing muscle pain and recovery after training.
REJUVENATES SKIN
While vitamin C contributes to a younger appearance by increasing the production of collagen, it softens the skin surface and makes it look more lively and prevents the formation of wrinkles. It also helps to lighten dark under-eye circles. Vitamin A also comes to the fore with its feature that rejuvenates the skin, prevents the formation of wrinkles and clears blemishes.
STRENGTHEN HAIR
Vitamins A and C also have a significant effect on hair. Vitamin C strengthens hair by helping collagen to be built in our body. Vitamin A also helps maintain hair health with its antioxidant properties. It is especially useful in reducing the abrasive effects of the sun.
HELP LOSE WEIGHT
Watermelon contains lots of water and little fiber. The combination of fiber and water both makes you feel full and is effective in the functioning of the intestines. It can be used both in main meals and snacks in diets, provided that portion control is provided.
CONTRIBUTES TO REDUCTION OF INFLAMMATION
Watermelon is rich in the anti-inflammatory antioxidants lycopene and vitamin C. These ingredients help reduce inflammation.
ATTENTION WHEN EATING WATERMEON!
If you prefer a snack, consume the watermelon at the earliest 2 hours after meals. This prevents blood sugar from being balanced and prevents overloading the digestive system.
If you are going to consume barber with a meal, reduce the bread at that meal. Because both foods are in the carbohydrate group, their consumption at the same meal increases the carbohydrate load of the meal, and as a result, it makes weight control difficult.
As the watermelon gets too ripe, the middle parts of the watermelon begin to deteriorate and rot. If you feel a bad odor or a sour taste when cut, never eat it.
It is a perishable fruit because of its high water content and low acidity. Therefore, do not store in the refrigerator for more than 3 days after cutting.
Since the seeds of the watermelon cannot be digested, it is beneficial not to consume too much, you can remove the shells of the seeds and eat them.