Watermelon is a sweet fruit usually consumed in the summer. The watermelon originated from West Africa where it can be found growing in the wild. It is cultivated globally and there are more than 1,000 varieties. Here Leslie Locklear, Food.news, reflects on suggestions that watermelons have curative properties:

“A crisp, sweet slice of watermelon is more than just a refreshing treat: several studies suggest it may actually have healing benefits beyond quenching one’s thirst.

According to several studies, this is mainly because watermelons (Citrullus lanatus), aside from being packed with certain vitamins and amino acids, are exceptionally rich in carotenoids like lycopene, lutein and beta carotene.

Carotenoids, according to experts, are a class of plant pigments responsible for the bright red, yellow and orange hues in certain fruits and vegetables. These fat-soluble phytonutrients, or plant chemicals, are also known for being incredibly potent antioxidants — which means they can help defend the body against oxidative damage caused by free radicals.

As detailed in the Journal of Chemistry, carotenoids are capable of certain feats, such as strengthening the immune system and helping reduce the risk of serious conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and chronic inflammation.

Carotenoids, in addition, are converted by the body to vitamin A, which is essential to normal growth and development.

With that said, here are some of the health benefits of watermelons:

Watermelons can help optimize cardiovascular health

According to a study from Purdue University, the high levels of lycopene found in watermelons are very effective at protecting cells from damage and may in fact, help lower the risk of heart disease.

A study published in the American Journal of Hypertension, meanwhile, found that watermelon extracts helped reduce hypertension and lower blood pressure in obese adults.

In addition to lycopene, two other compounds found in watermelons, citrulline and arginine, were seen to improve cardiovascular health in subjects during testing.

As detailed in the journal Menopause, postmenopausal women who took watermelon extract for six weeks experienced a significant reduction in their blood pressure and arterial stiffness compared to those who did not take watermelon extract. This, the authors of the study said, could be due to citrulline and arginine, as they are known to improve blood flow and may help reduce the accumulation of excess fat.

Watermelons help with proper hydration

Watermelons are 92 percent water, making them some of the healthiest and most hydrating fruits you can eat.

Aside from water, watermelons are also packed with electrolytes, such as potassium and magnesium. This means that besides ensuring that your body is properly hydrated, watermelons can also ensure that it remains in a state of balance.”

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