Watermelon contains lycopene, a molecule of great interest for health.
As an idea to beat the heat, we present this article where we will talk about the surprising benefits of eating watermelon .
Origin of the watermelon
The watermelon is the fruit of the plant known in Latin as Citrullus lanatus lanatus , native to Africa, near the Kalahari desert, where there is evidence of its cultivation from the year 2000 BC In fact, even watermelon seeds were found inside the tomb of pharaoh Tutankhamun .
It was introduced to Europe through Spain, thanks to the Arab colonization, around the 10th century AD, a period of time in which it also reached China, which currently dominates about 70% of its world production.
Benefits of eating watermelon
Watermelon is part of the cucurbitaceae family, which makes it related to melon, pumpkin or zucchini. In today’s article we are going to explain what benefits watermelon has for your health .
1. It is 90% water
Being hydration a constant need, especially with the arrival of heat, consuming watermelon gives us more hydration than many other foods.
In addition, its low caloric content (30 kcal per 100 g of fruit) ensures a healthy dessert , low in sugar, which will not contribute to weight gain and will help with our digestion.
2. It has a large number of vitamins
Although its concentration is not the highest of all fruits, watermelon has a wide variety of vitamins and other essential compounds for our diet , such as vitamin C (antioxidant and necessary for the formation of collagen) or Beta-carotene, which our body uses to generate vitamin A, which is related to the prevention of acne and vision problems.
It is also rich in vitamin B1 and B6, potassium and magnesium, all elements necessary for the proper functioning of our metabolism.
- Another fruit that may interest you: “Blueberries: 12 properties and benefits of these very healthy berries”
3. It can help protect us from the sun
Carotenoids, such as Beta carotene or lycopene (both present in watermelon and other fruits and vegetables) have a protective effect against burns caused by ultraviolet rays in people who consume them.
Be careful, this effect will never be greater than that of applying sunscreen, but an improvement in our base resistance to the sun can avoid problems in the long run, reducing the severity of sunburn or avoiding skin cancer.
4. Relieves muscle aches
Recent scientific studies found that L-Citrulline, an amino acid found in high amounts in watermelon, could help reduce muscle soreness from vigorous exercise.
Far from being limited to statistical analysis, scientists experimentally demonstrated that half a liter of watermelon juice after exercising helped athletes improve their muscle pain and lower their heart rate.
5. May Have Anti-Cancer Effects
Although today it is the subject of debate, there is increasing evidence that lycopene , a component that gives food a red color and is found especially in both tomatoes and watermelons, can have anti-cancer effects.
For now, it is known thanks to several different studies that this pigment can help reduce the risk of various types of cancer, especially those related to the digestive system, such as:
- Prostate cancer
- Bladder cancer
- gastric tract cancer
- Lung cancer
- Cervical cancer
- breast cancer
6. It is rich in antioxidants
The effect of antioxidants is also a contentious issue in certain scientific circles, as their effects are sometimes exaggerated.
But the general consensus is that they hinder the appearance of cancers (although there are also researchers who warn of excessively high doses of antioxidants that could have the opposite effect) as well as protect against cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases in general , which affect a large part of the population.
7. It can help with cardiovascular diseases
Lycopene, one of the antioxidants found in watermelon, not content with its possible anti-cancer properties, has also been shown to be effective in protecting against cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the Western world.
Lycopene appears to be effective in reducing the amount of cholesterol and low-density fatty acids, which contribute to atherosclerosis.
8. It can help with diabetes
Lastly, lycopene appears to be related, in high dietary doses, to lowering blood sugar levels, which may have beneficial effects in diabetics. There are studies that proclaim drops of up to 13% of hyperglycemia levels in those people who consume large amounts of lycopene, through tomatoes or watermelons.
- You may be interested: “Diabetes: what is it, types, symptoms and causes”
Who would have thought that a food made up of 90% water had so many peculiar properties? Years of research will tell what the real impact of watermelon and lycopene is on our health, but for now… Don’t fancy a slice of watermelon?
Bibliographic references
- Bramley, Peter M. (2000). Is lycopene beneficial to human health? Phytochemistry.
- Stahl, Wilhelm. (2012). Photoprotection by dietary carotenoids: Concept, mechanisms, evidence and future development. Molecular nutrition & food research.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.