It is summertime, so you know what that means? A fruit favorite is back in stores and comes with a lot of benefits of consuming it. What is this fruit you might ask? If you guessed right, it is watermelon!

Watermelon is a large fruit that is mainly composed of water. This outwardly green and inwardly red fruit is great for your health as watermelon is low in calories and fat, which makes it an ideal snack for those seeking to keep their weight down. Watermelon also contains some vitamins and minerals, the amino acid citrulline that the body converts to L-arginine, which is another important amino acid, and nitric oxide. Nitric oxide promotes blood flow throughout the body, leading to many other health benefits.

Here are 5 benefits of eating watermelon:

Increase Hydration

Many people don’t take in as much water as their body needs. This can have negative effects on body functions including digestion. Fortunately, watermelon is not only delicious but is 92 percent water. This means that you can improve your body’s hydration by eating more watermelon. Like other fruits, the water in watermelon makes you feel full even when you haven’t eaten a lot of food. The fullness is enhanced by the fiber in watermelon. Watermelon also replenishes electrolytes, which are lost when you sweat. Proper electrolyte balance is necessary for various functions including energy production and muscle function.

Reduces Inflammation

Chronic diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis usually develop as a result of excess inflammation. Watermelon is rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds like lycopene, which reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.

Lowers Blood Pressure

Nitric oxide is a compound that improves blood flow by aiding in the expansion of blood vessels. By helping blood to flow more easily, nitric oxide eases blood pressure. Regular consumption of watermelon lowers your blood pressure and prevents hypertension.

Improves Heart Health

Eating fruits such as watermelon regularly and reducing your intake of unhealthy foods can lower your cholesterol levels. Studies indicate that lycopene, a pigment that gives fruits and vegetables the red color, aids in lowering cholesterol levels. This helps to lower blood pressure, which is especially important in obese people, and thereby reduce the buildup of plaque in blood vessels.

Improves Digestion

Watermelon contains a significant amount of fiber and a large amount of water. These two are important in the digestion process. Fiber helps to move food and waste along the digestive system while water is involved in the actual digestion process. The two are also necessary for maintaining a healthy consistence of the waste material so that it can move effectively until exit. Proper consistency of fecal material means that bowel movement is not strained, which would otherwise lead to constipation. If you regularly suffer from constipation, consider including a regular helping of watermelon. You can eat the fruit or blend it with some mint for a soothing feel. Click here to read the rest of the beneifts of watermelon.  

If you have any further questions, you are welcome to reach out to any of our Fitness Representatives or Personal Trainers.

Thanks to Jenna Amazzalorso-Kwasek Franciscan Health Fitness Centers Chicago Heights Program Leader for writing this blog.