The Skinny:
Summer brings lots of good things—warm weather, baseball, barbecues, outdoor adventures and trips to the beach. It also brings delicious watermelons that are sweet, colorful and refreshing treats. Of course, they can also add to salads, made into soups, turned into juices and even grilled. Most people don’t realize that watermelons are incredibly healthy thanks to the vitamins, antioxidants or other nutrients they hold. This fruit is such a winner that WellWell has decided to slice up its health assets for all to see. Read on.
The Slate:
Reduce Muscle Soreness
The amino acid in watermelon called citrulline can help reduce muscle soreness. But melons do more than deliver a muscle-easing amino acid. Watermelon juice 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.
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 source of this antioxidant. Click here to learn how pizza delivers lycopene.
Skin and Hair Support
Vitamin A is a boom for skin, and just one cup of watermelon contains nearly one-quarter of the recommended daily intake. Vitamin A helps moisturize skin and hair while promoting the growth of new collagen and elastin cells.
Digestive Aid
Watermelon not only contains lots of water, but 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 absorb. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables of 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. 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. 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.
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