- Watermelon is a delicious fruit that is low in calories and high in water content
- It’s a great source for vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium
- It is also rich in citrulline and lycopene, which have been linked to lower blood pressure, improved metabolic health, and decreased muscle soreness after exercise
BY: GUY JABBAR
Watermelon is one of the healthiest and most refreshing fruits that most of us have ever had the pleasure to experience. It consists of 92% water. No wonder it’s the most common melon eaten in America and is perfect for helping you stay refreshed and hydrated on a hot and leisure day.
You can eat all parts of the watermelon, including the hard white rind and seeds. Each juicy bite has significant levels of vitamin A, C, B6.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW? Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, is essential for the proper functioning of your body. It is involved in the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and helps in the formation of red blood cells and neurotransmitters.
This round or oval-shaped green fruit also consists of antioxidants, amino acids, and lots of lycopene.
Lycopene is a pigment that gives some fruits and vegetables their red color. It has antioxidant properties and may offer various health benefits. Some of the health benefits of lycopene include:
- Cancer prevention, especially for bone, lung, and prostate cancers
- Vision health, by preventing or delaying cataracts and macular degeneration
- Pain reduction, by reducing nerve pain
- Neurological health, by delaying the onset of brain disorders such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and vascular dementia
- Immune system support, by enhancing the body’s defense against infections
NOTE: Watermelons also contain citrulline, a non-essential amino acid that is produced by the body in the liver and intestines. It plays an important role, helping your body to get rid of harmful substances—like ammonia.
Citrulline also helps in widening your blood vessels (vasodilation) and muscle building.
Benefits of Watermelon
According to Times Foodie, watermelons are one of the healthiest and most refreshing fruits that most of us have ever had the pleasure to experience. Here’s 11 Benefits of Eating Watermelon you should know:
1. Supports cardiovascular health
2. Keeps you hydrated
3. Helps relieve muscle soreness
4. Digestion support
5. Good for pregnant women
6. Controls blood sugar (Avoid eating too much!)
7. Improves skin and hair health
8. Supports bone health
9. Strengthens your immune system
10. Promotes healthy gums
11. Weight loss
ALSO READ: Can a cup of tea daily help you lose weight? Tea burn users say it helps you burn fat faster.
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
PET OWNERS: Yes, dogs can eat watermelon!
This hydrating and refreshing fruit are actually good for dogs.
It contains natural sugars and is low in calories, making it a healthy treat for your dog—especially during those scorching summer days.
ALSO KNOW: Can dogs eat watermelon rind? No! You should remove the rind because it may cause gastrointestinal upset, which is a range of digestive symptoms that can cause discomfort or pain in the stomach and intestines.
According to a Cleveland Clinic article, some symptoms of gastrointestinal upset include: Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Constipation, Bloating, and Abdominal pain.
YOU SHOULD ALSO KNOW: Another precaution you should take before feeding your loyal friend watermelon: You should also remove the watermelon seeds as they could cause an intestinal blockage, also known as bowel obstruction.
This condition occurs where the small or large intestine is partially or completely blocked, making it difficult for food, fluids, and gas to pass through.
Some common symptoms of intestinal blockage include: Inability to pass gas or stool, Severe bloating, Abdominal pain, Decreased appetite, Nausea, Vomiting, Constipation, Diarrhea, and Severe abdominal cramps.
If your furry friend experiences any of these symptoms after accidentally ingesting watermelon seeds or rinds, you should seek medical attention from a veterinarian immediately.
If left untreated, intestinal blockage can lead to serious complications such as tissue death, infection, and sepsis.
Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the body’s response to an infection damages its own tissues and organs. It is a serious condition that can lead to septic shock, which is a medical emergency that can cause organ failure and death.
Bottom Line
Watermelons are the perfect thirst-quencher for those hot relaxing days for you and your furry buddy. They’re rich in vitamins, minerals, and can be a healthy and beneficial addition to your daily diet.
However, eating too much of it can lead to high blood sugar levels or gastrointestinal discomfort—which symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, gas, nausea, and diarrhea. So, like anything that’s overconsumed, it must be eaten in moderation.
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