Top 10 Health Benefits of Watermelon

Watermelon definitely tops the list of foods that people love to eat in the summer. It is a refreshing, delicious and thirst-quenching fruit. Its rich nutritional profile means it is also immensely good for your health.

Watermelon is an excellent source of carbohydrates, protein, fiber and vitamins C, A and B. Plus, it has potassium along with other important minerals, such as iron, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous. It also contains enzymes, organic acids and natural sugars.

The water content in watermelon is also extremely helpful in keeping the body hydrated during the hot summer months. 
The fruit is equally great for what it doesn’t have—no fat or cholesterol and very little sodium.

Here are the top 10 health benefits of watermelon.

1. Controls High Blood Pressure

Watermelon can help control high blood pressure. The potassium, magnesium and amino acids in watermelon work together to maintain the health of blood vessels and ward off sclerosis, in turn ensuring smooth blood flow.

Watermelon also helps maintain proper electrolyte and acid-base balances in the body that helps lower the risk of high blood pressure. 
Watermelon can significantly reduce blood pressure in overweight individuals, both at rest and while under stress, according to a study by Florida State University faculty published in the American Journal of Hypertension.

If you suffer from high blood pressure, drink one glass of watermelon juice daily to keep your blood pressure under control.

2. Reduces Body Fat

Watermelon is low in calories and contains no fat or cholesterol, all of which aid weight loss. One important component in watermelon that helps with weight loss is a compound called citrulline.

This compound metabolizes into the essential amino acid arginine that helps reduce the rate at which the body stores fat and improves cardiovascular functioning, according to a 2007 study published in the Journal of Nutrition.

Containing more than 90 percent water, watermelon also fills you up quickly and helps control over eating.
This summer, replace high-calorie snacks or desserts with watermelon.

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