The Skinny
Watermelons are sweet and colorful. They also have the ability to stir up lots of happy memories that help connect us to summer holidays, barbecues and even our childhoods. That’s where most people stop thinking about melons and that’s a mistake. Watermelons hold a lot more, especially when it comes to health-supporting capabilities. Thankfully, WellWell is here to help lay out exactly what these treasures can do. Read on.
The Slate
Reduce Muscle Soreness
The amino acid in watermelon called citrulline is believed to help reduce muscle soreness. But melons actually do more than just deliver a muscle-easing amino acid. Watermelon juice actually helps the body absorb citrulline more quickly, bringing relief faster.
Disease Defense
Watermelon offers a load of lycopene, an antioxidant that combats oxidative stress. This stress occurs when there is an imbalance between harmful free radicals and the body’s ability to counteract them.
Ultimately, lycopene in melons helps reduce the risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, cancer and even neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Note: WellWell reported another interesting source of this antioxidant. Click here to learn how pizza delivers lycopene.
Skin and Hair Support
Vitamin A is a boom for skin and amazingly just one cup of watermelon contains nearly one-quarter of the recommended daily intake. Vitamin A helps moisturize skin and hair, while also promoting the growth of new collagen and elastin cells.
Digestive Aid
Watermelon not only contains lots of water, it also has a decent amount of fiber. Both are essential to healthy digestion. Fiber increases regular and healthy bowel movements, while water moves food along the digestive tract so that nutrients can be absorbed. It’s always a good idea to eat lots of fruits and vegetables of a similar makeup.
Keeps You Hydrated
The whole water connection is important for another reason. It helps hydrate the body and since watermelon is 90 percent water it does a great job at it. It is also better than alcohol or caffeine as a diuretic.
Ocular Health
Munching on watermelons is a great way to help support ocular health and keep macular degeneration at bay. This is because watermelons contain beta-carotene, vitamin C, lutein, and zeaxanthin. They add defense against age-related blindness and degeneration, drying up of eyes and glaucoma.
Eyes Up
What’s your favorite reason to eat watermelons other than taste? Let us know at info@wellwellusa.com
