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Wonders of watermelon

By Z. K
Tue, 04, 21

This fruit is said to be loaded with health benefits that can do good to your health…

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The refreshing, sweet taste of watermelon on a hot day is something everyone can enjoy. A low calorie summer snack, it provides hydration and also essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It contains only 46 calories per cup. It also contains potassium and magnesium, and lots of lycopene and protein. Other than being sweet and juicy, this fruit is said to be loaded with health benefits that can do good to your health…

Keeps you hydrated during Ramazan: This healthy fruit consists of 92% water and this means that you are consuming fewer calories. This fruit has the capability to curb your from dehydration. During Ramazan it becomes a challenge to drink plenty of water in short periods. Not consuming enough fluids can leave you dehydrated. So the best way to top up your water shortage in the holy month is to incorporate watermelons during sehar and iftar. Consuming watermelon during Ramazan will keep you hydrated specially in the hot sunny days. Staying hydrated most often can prevent you from mouth dryness. This watery fruit is the favourite go-to drink to break the fast in the holy month of Ramazan.

A natural weight loss enhancer: In case you are wondering how to reduce weight naturally, then don’t miss out on adding watermelon to your weight loss diet. Since this fruit consists of mostly water, this will help you curb your appetite and give you a feeling of fullness. A 100-gram serving contains only 30 calories. It’s also a great source of an amino acid called arginine, which helps burn fat quickly.

Controls diabetes: This juicy fruit helps your kidneys convert L-citrulline (amino acid) into L-arginine (amino acid). In fact, these two amino acids have a tendency to protect you from diabetes. Medically speaking, the L-arginine supplement that watermelon has is crucial for regulating glucose metabolism. Moreover, the vitamins and minerals such as potassium and magnesium may help in the proper functioning of insulin in the body, thus can lower the blood sugar level.

Good for your heart: Lycopene is a substance that is found in watermelon and this gives the fruit its reddish colour. Well, lycopene can reduce cholesterol and thereby reduce your risk of developing heart-related diseases. The roughage in watermelon, along with vitamin C, carotenoids, and potassium (potassium cuts the risk of a heart attack), can help reduce cholesterol and keep your heart safe.

Keeps your kidneys intact: The human body is exposed to a sum load of toxins from food, however, these toxins are flushed out by your kidneys. In order to keep your kidneys healthy and functioning well, you need to drink 1 glass of watermelon juice every day. The main nutrients in watermelons are calcium and potassium that help in fighting toxins and flushes them away from your body. Also, the antioxidants present in watermelon can ensure good health of the kidneys for a long time.

Helps in digestion: A wedge of watermelon (286 g) contains 1.14 grams of dietary fiber, which can encourage a healthy dietary tract. The fruit also contains 90 percent water, which can also be important for promoting regular bowel movements.

Excellent for your hair and skin: Vitamins C and A, present in watermelon, are known to boost skin and hair health. Vitamin C can play an essential role in connective tissue healing and in the production of collagen. Vitamin A, on other hand, can help repair skin cells and keep it young and supple. Watermelon seeds are full of magnesium which helps to improve your overall skin appearance.

A treat for women during pregnancy: Eating watermelon during pregnancy is extremely safe, provided you take it in moderation. It offers plenty of health benefits, stretching from soothing heart burns, to curing nausea and muscle cramps…

Boosts immunity: Having watermelon regularly can help strengthen your immunity. This fruit contains lycopene which helps reduce the chances of pre-eclampsia by 50 per cent. It also plays an important part in building up your immunity which might see a drop during pregnancy.

Reduces muscle cramps: During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through a wide array of changes. The extra weight and hormones cause the muscles and bones to ache. Consuming watermelon in any of its forms helps the body cope better with these changes and ease the muscle cramps.

Alleviates morning sickness: Drinking a glass of fresh watermelon juice early in the morning is a superb idea during pregnancy. Watermelon provides a soothing and refreshing experience all through the day. The energizing and nutritional properties of watermelon also help alleviate morning sickness.

Prevents pigmentation: Pigmentation is a common skin problem during pregnancy. It takes away the joy of pregnancy. Watermelon plays a key role in preventing the condition. Watermelon promotes easy digestion and keeps bowel movements smooth. This in turn affects the texture of the skin. It glows and appears beautiful.

Ways to enjoy this delicious fruit Once considered just a juicy treat with limited culinary range and nutritional value, watermelon actually is a versatile and healthy. On a salad plate, it's a succulent stand-in for tomatoes. It adds crunch and colour to entrees. It makes a sweet background for smoothies and sorbets. And it freshens up a tangy barbecue sauce.

Fresh watermelon is amazing as is, but it can also be incorporated into both sweet and savoury recipes. Combine cubes or watermelon balls with other fresh fruit in a simple fruit salad, garnished with fresh mint or a sprinkle of fresh grated ginger or shredded coconut. Make a batch of watermelon salsa by combining the chopped fruit with cucumber, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime juice. Combine seedless watermelon with fresh lemon juice and freeze for a refreshing slushy drink. For a simple dessert, dip fresh watermelon cubes in melted dark chocolate - the two treats pair surprisingly well.