Summer is one of everyone's favorite seasons. There are many reasons to love it but among these is, undoubtedly, juicy watermelon. Slices of it are an invariable part of the summer dining table. Perfect for eating in the summer heat, it also provides our bodies a number of benefits. Here are 5 good reasons to eat watermelon:
1. Watermelon is good for the heart
Arturo Figueroa, a physiologist at Florida State University, conducted a test in which he gave post-menopausal women watermelon extract in the form of food supplements, containing citrulline and arginine, for a period of 6 weeks. In nearly all of them, there was a noticeable improvement of cardiovascular health. Other research by Figueroa clearly demonstrates how those same supplements relieve high blood pressure in middle aged people who are overweight.
2. Watermelon relaxes the muscles
The juice in watermelon relaxes overworked muscles after strenuous exercise. It helps to stabilize heart rate and prevent muscle pain the next day. The reason behind this is the amino acid L-citrulline that the body converts into L-arginine. It, in turn, is an essential amino acid that helps the blood vessels relax and improves blood circulation throughout the entire body.
3. Watermelon is low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals
90% of a watermelon's composition is water. But just 1 1/5 cups (300 ml) of watermelon juice contain about 1/3 of the recommended daily value of vitamin A and C, as well as a little potassium.
4. Watermelon fights cancer
In it we find the crucial antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to prevention and treatment of prostate cancer.
5. Watermelon acts like natural viagra
According to experts, the reason for this is watermelon's vasodilating properties. As such, it can help with erectile problems and decreased libido. But the quantities required to have an effect are enormous. On the flip side, eating excessive amounts of watermelon can lead to numerous unpleasant side effects - it is a known natural diuretic.
