Besides the warmer days, vacation time and opportunities to hit the beach or pool that summer brings, most of us also look forward to the bounty of sweet fruits that are ready and ripe for the picking.
From peaches and pineapples to mangos and strawberries, summer is fruit season.
And no fruit may be more anticipated than watermelon.
Whether you eat it alone, turn it into a refreshing drink — like a cool watermelon agua fresca — or toss it into a cucumber watermelon salad, the sweet and juicy summer treat is always something to look forward to.
What you may not know however is that watermelon isn’t just tasty, it’s also great for your body.
In fact, scientists have now confirmed eating watermelon could be one of the best things you do for your health.
From heart health to better blood sugar
The research, published in the journal Current Atherosclerosis Reports, took into account mounds and mounds of data on the health effects of watermelon gathered in trials for over two decades.
Specifically, they took into account clinical evidence on how eating watermelon or supplementing with one of the fruit’s signature compounds, citrulline, affects cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes.
And they found that one of the most impressive benefits of both is the way they support the heart and blood pressure while reducing the risk of diabetes.
According to the researchers, the data showed that the citrulline found in watermelon, along with another amino acid, arginine, acts as a precursor to nitric oxide, a molecule that plays a role in blood pressure regulation, lipid reduction and glucose control.
They also were able to determine that the rich levels of polyphenols and carotenoids, particularly lycopene, in watermelon provide additional support to help you maintain normal cardio-metabolic health.
“Research is unveiling the health-promoting potential of watermelon. The current literature review provides evidence that watermelon intake and citrulline supplementation lower blood pressure in human trials. Although more research is needed, favorable effects on lipids/lipoprotein metabolism are emerging based on the data we reviewed and reported in preclinical models,” said lead author Britt Burton-Freeman.
And if watermelon’s ability to lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels and keep blood sugar in check isn’t enough, the researchers say there’s even more…
Additional potential benefits of watermelon include:
- Better body weight control to battle obesity
- Improved brain health to keep your memory sharp
- Gut health support for a strong immune system
You love watermelon, and it loves you right back
Clearly, eating this all-time summer fruit fave is a great choice for your health.
You might also be interested to know that while this research into watermelon homed in on some extremely important benefits eating the fruit brings, there is even more the scientists didn’t mention…
For men, watermelon can help with issues of sexual dysfunction and support strong erections.
Eating the fruit can also give you a super energy boost.
And it offers six more health benefits, including better eye health and happier, healthier joints that will have you loving the fruit more than ever.
Sources:
Scientific literature review confirms watermelon’s health potential – EurekAlert!