These watermelon nutrition facts make it clear why this fruit is a summertime staple.
Known for its bright red color and crunchy texture, watermelon is the ultimate summer fruit.
But beyond its role as a warm-weather staple, watermelon happens to be a highly nutritious food.
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Ahead, learn all the need-to-know health benefits of watermelon, plus how to enjoy it at home.
What Is Watermelon?
Believe it or not, the watermelon is technically a berry.
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Watermelon Nutrition Facts
The benefits of eating watermelon stem from the fruit’s variety of nutrients.
Here are the most exciting watermelon benefits, according to dietitians and research.
Chan School of Public Health.
(ICYDK,amino acids arethe building blocks of protein.)
This is great news for your heart, as both nutrients are key for cardiovascular health.
The amino acid is required to make a molecule called nitric oxide,according to an article inIJFP.
Supports Healthy Eyes
To protect your peepers, nosh on some watermelon.
The fruit’s abundance of lycopene can support eye health, according to Ehsani.
May Improve Post-Exercise Muscle Soreness
The advantages of watermelon may even affect your workout recovery.
Citrulline may ease muscle soreness in two ways, according to Doebrich.
First, remember how citrulline helps produce nitric oxide?
Efficient removal of ammonia reduces the buildup oflactate, a substance that temporarily increases during exercise.
This is key because lactate can contribute to muscle soreness when it’s present in excess, says Doebrich.
Needless to say, a homemadewatermelon coolermight be just what you need after your next workout sesh.
Contributes to Hydration
One of the more well-know benefits of watermelon relates to its impressive water content.
In other words, watermelon can absolutely contribute to your overall daily hydration intake.
But that doesn’t mean the summer fruit can’t support healthy digestion.
This can lead to slow-moving stool (i.e.constipation), but staying hydrated can help prevent that.
Potential Risks of Watermelon
For most people, watermelon is safe to consume, says Ehsani.
Translation: The refreshing fruit isn’t usually associated with adverse side effects unless you have a watermelon allergy.
If you do experience any of these symptoms after eating the melon, consider visiting an allergist.
If you’re prone to migraines, you might want to skip watermelon.
The summer fruit may trigger headaches in people with migraines, according toa study inNeurological and Psychiatric Disorders.
“You may even find different colored [varieties], like orange or yellow watermelon.”
Fresh watermelon is usually available whole or pre-cut in chunks.
It should be free of dents, bruises, or other discolored areas, aka signs of potential spoilage.
The underside should also have a creamy yellow color, which indicates the watermelon washarvested at the right time.
Depending on your supermarket, you might also find dried watermelon, notes Ehsani.
Finally, watermelon is also found in packaged products, such as bottled juices or ice pops.
Watermelon Recipe Ideas
Watermelon boasts a sweet, fresh flavor with cucumber notes.
Thus, the fruit works well in a variety of dishes, from cool beverages to delicious entrees.
In smoothies.Like all fruits, watermelon works beautifully inhomemade smoothies.
Try mixing in other summer eats e.g.
mangos, strawberries, and fellow melons such as cantaloupe for an irresistible seasonal drink.
Grilled.If you’re new to grilled watermelon, you’re in for a real treat.
It’s a mouthwatering to stay hydrated while enjoying the best flavors of summer.
