{"id":3665,"date":"2021-05-25T07:43:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-25T05:43:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flow.bg\/?p=3665"},"modified":"2021-08-26T00:29:39","modified_gmt":"2021-08-25T22:29:39","slug":"9-%d0%bf%d0%be%d0%bb%d0%b7%d0%b8-%d0%b7%d0%b0-%d0%b7%d0%b4%d1%80%d0%b0%d0%b2%d0%b5%d1%82%d0%be-%d0%be%d1%82-%d1%8f%d0%b4%d0%b5%d0%bd%d0%b5%d1%82%d0%be-%d0%bd%d0%b0-%d0%b4%d0%b8%d0%bd%d1%8f","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flow.bg\/en\/9-%d0%bf%d0%be%d0%bb%d0%b7%d0%b8-%d0%b7%d0%b0-%d0%b7%d0%b4%d1%80%d0%b0%d0%b2%d0%b5%d1%82%d0%be-%d0%be%d1%82-%d1%8f%d0%b4%d0%b5%d0%bd%d0%b5%d1%82%d0%be-%d0%bd%d0%b0-%d0%b4%d0%b8%d0%bd%d1%8f\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Health Benefits of Watermelon"},"content":{"rendered":"
Watermelon is a delicious and refreshing fruit that is also good for you.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
It contains only 46 calories per slice, but is high in vitamin C, vitamin A and many healthy plant compounds.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Drinking water is an important way to keep your body hydrated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
However, eating foods with a high water content can also help. Interestingly, watermelon contains 92% of water.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
What's more, the high water content is one of the reasons why fruits and vegetables help you feel full.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The combination of water and fiber gives you a good volume of food without a lot of calories.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
When it comes to fruit, watermelon is one of the lowest in calories \u2013 only 46 calories per piece (154 grams). This is lower than even low-sugar fruit.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
One slice (154 grams) of watermelon also contains many other nutrients, including these vitamins and minerals:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Vitamin C: 21% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Vitamin A: 18% by RDI<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Potassium: 5% from RDI<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Magnesium: 4% from RDI<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Vitamins B1, B5 and B6: 3% from RDI<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Watermelon is also high in carotenoids, including beta-carotene and lycopene. It also has citrulline, an important amino acid.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Here's an overview of the most important antioxidants in watermelon:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Vitamin C<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage from free radicals.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Carotenoids<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Carotenoids are a class of plant compounds that include alpha-carotene and beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Lycopene<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Lycopene is a type of carotenoid that does not turn into vitamin A. This powerful antioxidant gives plant foods like tomatoes and watermelon their red color and is associated with many health benefits.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Cucurbitacin E<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Cucurbitacin E is a plant compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Bitter melon, a relative of watermelon, contains even more cucurbitacin E.<\/p>\r\n
Scientists have studied lycopene and other individual plant compounds in watermelon for their anti-cancer effects.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Although lycopene intake has been linked to a lower risk of some cancers, study results have been mixed. The strongest link to date appears to be between lycopene and cancers of the digestive system.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
So far, it is known to reduce the risk of cancer by reducing insulin-like growth factor (IGF), a protein involved in cell division. High levels of IGF have been linked to cancer (3Trusted Source).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
In addition, cucurbitacin E has been investigated for its ability to inhibit tumor growth.<\/p>\r\n
Heart disease is the number one cause of death worldwide.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Several nutrients in watermelon have specific benefits for heart health.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Studies show that lycopene can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. It may also help prevent oxidative damage to cholesterol.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n According to studies in obese, postmenopausal women, lycopene may also reduce the stiffness and thickness of arterial walls.<\/p>\r\n Watermelon also contains citrulline, an amino acid that can increase nitric oxide levels in the body. Nitric oxide helps your blood vessels dilate, which lowers blood pressure.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Other vitamins and minerals in watermelon are also good for your heart. These include vitamins A, B6, C, magnesium and potassium.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Inflammation is a key driver of many chronic diseases.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Watermelon can help reduce inflammation and oxidative damage because it is rich in the anti-inflammatory antioxidants lycopene and vitamin C.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n As an antioxidant, lycopene may also benefit brain health. For example, it can help slow the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Lycopene is found in several parts of the eye, where it helps protect against oxidative damage and inflammation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n It can also prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is a common eye problem that can cause blindness in adults.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Lycopene's role as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound may help prevent the development and worsening of AMD.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n4. It can improve heart health<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
5. May reduce inflammation and oxidative stress<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n6. May help prevent macular degeneration<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n