The feeling of eating a cold and red watermelon (Tarbuj or tarbooja) on a harsh hot day can’t be expressed in words! There are so many summer favorites like mango, cucumber, musk melon, lemon water, and watermelon, which can be enjoyed during the year’s hottest months. Watermelon is one of the top contenders on that list and is a tasty fruit with many health benefits.
The top benefits of watermelon include helping keep the body cool and preventing heat and sunstroke incidences. Additionally, watermelon contains only 46 calories which makes it great for weight loss. Apart from these, there are many more benefits of eating watermelon, and in the article ahead, you will get to know all of them. We also tell you about dishes with watermelon as an important ingredient.
Table of Contents
Nutrition Value In Watermelon
Calories – 46
Vitamin C – 21% Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
Vitamin A – 18% (RDI)
Potassium – 5% (RDI)
Magnesium – 10% (RDI)
Vitamin B1, B5 and B6 – 3% (RDI)
Benefits of Watermelon for Overall Health
There are so many things which should be eaten in summer and watermelon is one of them. Watermelon is a juicy fruit that hydrates our body and it keeps us safe from sunstroke (loo lagana). It must be interesting to know the benefits of eating watermelon. Let’s read on!
1. Keeps Our Body Hydrated
The ‘water’ in Watermelon is well-justified! Watermelon is made up of loads of water and this is one reason why watermelon is so good to keep the body hydrated in the summer months. Watermelon contains 94% water and 6% sugar. Consuming watermelon regularly prevents dehydration that further saves us from sunstroke. Watermelon is a good fruit to bear the scorching heat. You can get several watermelon benefits while eating this amazing fruit.
2. Good Source Of Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps in fighting with free radicals. Free radicals are molecules or ions that can damage the healthy cells of the body. Vitamin C is antioxidant in nature and does its job efficiently, by battling with free radicals and protecting the healthy cells in the body.
3. Helps In Maintaining Heart Health
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Heart diseases are increasing at an alarming rate nowadays so it’s very crucial to take care of your diet. Watermelon contains an acid called citrulline that helps in increasing nitric oxide levels. This component is beneficial in increasing the blood vessels as well as lowering the blood pressure of the body. Vitamin A, B, and C are also found in watermelon which is considered good for heart health.
4. Watermelons Aids In Digestion
Are you suffering from gas, bloating, or constipation? Watermelon can be the solution for you! It has plenty of water which helps boost digestion. Additionally, watermelon also contains fiber which is necessary for the smooth functioning of the digestive system.
5. Can Prevent Asthma
There are many reasons for asthma in different individuals. Studies show that a lack of Vitamin C in our body can be responsible for an asthma attack. Watermelon can be one way to achieve the lack of Vitamin C in the system and can be helpful to prevent asthma.
6. May Regulate Blood Pressure
A study held in 2012 says that the essence of watermelon can be helpful in lowering the blood pressure of the body. L-citrullin and L- arginine antioxidants are found in watermelon that helps in the proper functioning of blood vessels. Apart from this, watermelon contains another antioxidant called Lycopene that can minimize the risk of heart diseases.
7. Watermelons Are Beneficial In Weight Loss
As we have discussed before, watermelon has only 46 calories; thus, it is a great fruit to help you feel full without the overload of calories. Watermelon is the best fruit to add to your weight-loss diet in summers. Additionally, due to the fiber present in it, watermelon helps in weight loss.
8. Melons Are Rich In Antioxidants
Being rich in antioxidants, it’s a must-have fruit for everyone. Antioxidants help in fighting several diseases. Watermelon fulfills the need of essential components such as Vitamin C, Lycopene, lutein, and beta carotene. The good amount of antioxidants in our body can protect us from chronic diseases like heart attack and many more.
9. Promotes Skin Health – Hydrate and Glow
Watermelon benefits for skin include hydrated and nourished skin. Vitamin A and C are present in watermelon that improves skin health. Additionally, it has a lot of water that maintains the skin’s hydration level and prevents skin dryness.
Watermelon can also be applied to the skin. Peel a watermelon, take few deseeded pieces, and add curd in it. Apply this mask on your face and wash your face after a while.
10. Makes Hair Healthy
Uses of watermelon are not limited to body and skin. It’s also advantageous for our hair due to the presence of Vitamin C in it. Apart from eating it, watermelon juice benefits can be reaped by washing your hair with it. It’s a wonderful remedy for dry hair.
Dishes To Make With Watermelon – Delicacies
After knowing the health benefits of watermelon, it’s necessary to understand how to add it to your diet. You can make different kinds of dishes with this versatile fruit.
1. Watermelon Salad
Watermelon can be eaten as a salad on a regular basis. You can also add other fruits of your choice with it. Squeezing a lemon over your salad can enhance the taste of the salad.
Also Read: Mishry Reviews: What Kind Of Lemon Squeezer Should You Buy?
2. Watermelon Juice
Peel the watermelon and cut it into pieces. Put the pieces in a juicer. Mint can be added while making juice of it. Put the juice in the glass and serve chilled!
Also Read: Best juicers In India 2022 By Mishry Reviews
3. Watermelon Ice-cream
If you want to make a dessert with watermelon, then you may find this recipe very easy. Cut the Watermelon into square pieces and freeze them in the freezer.
Now put the watermelon cubes in a food processor and add milk and mix it to make it smooth. Ice cream can be eaten just after removing it from the food processor or you can keep it in the freezer for 2-3 hours before eating.
4. Watermelon Milkshake
Watermelon milkshake can be liked by kids, and it’s very easy to prepare. First, cut the watermelon, de-seed it, and keep it in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours. Put the watermelon in a food processor and add milk and sugar. Blend it properly to make a smooth paste. Pour it in the glass and enjoy!
5. Watermelon Lime Juice
If you are looking for some changes in your regular lemon water, then watermelon is a good option. Peel and cut the watermelon and keep the de-seeded pieces of it in the freezer. Take them out after 2-3 hours and blend them in the blender. You can also add sugar while blending. Now strain the mixture in a glass, add lemon juice and your watermelon lime juice is ready!
Side-effects Of Eating Watermelon
After gaining a lot of information on watermelon benefits, it’s also necessary to know about the side-effects of watermelon. An excess of watermelon can be harmful to your health, so the right amount of watermelon must be consumed to avoid its side-effects.
- Disproportionate consumption of watermelon can cause a burning sensation in the abdomen area. It increases the amount of water in the liver more than normal levels because of 94% water content in it.
- Watermelon is known for preventing heart diseases, but the high consumption of it can also have the opposite effect.
- Watermelon can increase the blood sugar levels of the body if eaten in excess.
- A high quantity of watermelon can lead to stomach issues such as diarrhea, gas, stomach ache.
- Diabetic people must consult the doctor before adding watermelon to their diet.
- An excess amount of watermelon can drastically lower the body’s blood pressure, one of the leading causes of heart-related ailments.
- If you are allergic to any fruit, you must go for an allergy test before consuming watermelon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here we have answered a few most asked question about watermelons.
1. What happens when you eat too much watermelon?
Excess intake of watermelon can cause a burning sensation in the liver, which may increase the blood sugar level and blood pressure and can lead to digestion issues.
2. Is it ok to eat watermelon every day?
There is no problem with eating a watermelon every day if the right amount of watermelon is consumed. It fulfills the body’s water requirement and keeps us hydrated for bearing the scorching heat, so moderation is the key. A bowl of watermelon every day can be a great way to keep the body cool.
3. Is watermelon good for weight loss?
154 grams of watermelon has only 46 calories. Additionally, it has fiber that helps in weight loss. However, do consume it in moderation as it contains sugar also.
4. When should you not eat watermelon?
It’s always advised to consult the doctor before adding watermelon to the diet in case of pregnancy and diabetes because watermelon is acidic, which can cause problems with digestion.
Final Words
Eating juicy fruits like watermelon in summer can make this season worth bearing. Watermelon can be eaten every day but keep in mind the right amount of it so that you can reap the benefits of eating watermelon. You can eat a watermelon in various ways. If you are willing to make a new dish with this juicy fruit, then it’s a must-try for enjoying the benefits of watermelon!