Watermelon

Scientific Name: Citrullus Vulgaris

Biological Background: The fruit of an annual vine belonging to the squash and melon family. Watermelon originated in Africa and has been cultivated since ancient times in the Mediterranean region, Egypt and India.



Nutritional Information: 

• Vitamin A – 1627 IU
• Vitamin B1 (thiamine) – 0.094 mg
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) – 0.06 mg
• Niacin – 0.509 mg
• Folate – 9 mcg
• Pantothenic Acid – 0.632 mg
• Vitamin B6 – 0.129 mg
• Vitamin C – 23.2 mg
• Vitamin E – 0.14 mg
• Vitamin K – 0.3 mcg

Minerals

• Potassium – 320 mg
• Phosphorus – 31 mg
• Magnesium – 29 m
• Calcium – 20 mg
• Sodium – 3 mg
• Iron – 0.69 mg
• Selenium - 1.1 mcg
• Manganese – 0.109 mg
• Copper – 0.12 mg
• Zinc – 0.29 mg

Pharmacological Activity:

Watermelon is rich in lycopene, glutathione and vitamin C. It has great activity against cancers and some antibacterial, anticoagulant activity.

Eating Tips: Choose watermelon with a deep red color.

about amazing health benefits of watermelon!

• Antioxidant firepower. Watermelon contains some of the most powerful antioxidants so far discovered. This is where most of the health benefits of watermelon are derived from.
• Vitamin warehouse. Loaded with Vitamin C and packed with Vitamin A (due to its concentration of beta-carotene).
• Stop getting the cold. Vitamin C is something most people associate to oranges. But watermelon has a lot of it, and it contributes to a strong immune system as well as slower aging.
• Lycopene. A potent antioxidant that gives watermelon its bright red color. Up until recently, it was thought to be only in tomatoes. But recent studies have shown watermelon to have the highest lycopene content out of any fruit or vegetable.
• Prevents prostate cancer. This is due to the antioxidants, especially lycopene. Watermelon is great when juicing for cancer prevention.
• Rehydration. Rich in electrolytes and 90% water so it’s a healthy alternative to Gatorade, as well as tasting downright amazing.
• Increased energy. Truckloads of Vitamin B contribute to increased energy production. Some food experts recommend watermelon for Vitamin B1, B6 and magnesium deficiencies.
• Cope with anxiety and panic. Vitamin B6 increases the brains ability to cope with anxiety and panic.
• Cooling effect. Scientists have found that the health benefits of watermelon include a special cooling effect.
• Lose weight. Watermelon is completely, 100% fat free.
• Cholesterol free. No need to worry if you have cholesterol problems.
• Prevents macular degeneration. Another word for loss of vision, macular degeneration can be prevented by eating or drinking watermelon. The benefits of carrot juice are similar.
• Prevent heart disease. Another benefit of the antioxidants, and something you will find with most fruits and vegetables.
• Prevent erectile dysfunction. Scientists are even saying it works similar to Viagra by relaxing the blood vessels.

A good way to look at a watermelon is just like a multivitamin, only with an amazing taste.
On a side note, green tea has been found to work synergistically with foods rich in lycopene (such as watermelon). When green tea is consumed alongside these foods, the beneficial effects are more pronounced.

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Posted in: Healthy Foods