What fruit says summer more than watermelon? I don’t think any picnic is really complete without it! Despite popular belief that watermelon is made up of only water and sugar, it’s actually considered a nutrient-dense food which provides a high level of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. And since it is low in calories, you get a lot of “bang for your buck”! One cup of diced watermelon only has 43 calories. It also has vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, calcium, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folate, magnesium, and potassium. (Nope, you don’t have to only eat bananas for potassium!) What’s another great thing about watermelon? It’s composed of 92% water so it can help with your hydration too!

What can improve with Watermelon?

• Asthma prevention: The risk of developing asthma is lower in people who consume high amounts of certain nutrients like vitamin C… which can be found in watermelon!
• Blood Pressure: A study published by the American Journal of Hypertension found that watermelon extract reduced ankle blood pressure, brachial blood pressure and carotid wave reflection and also improved arterial function.
• Cancer: When it comes to cancer, antioxidants are king and watermelon has some of this “royal supply”!
• Digestion and regularity: With watermelon’s fibre content, as well as its high water percentage, it can help keep your digestive tract humming along and staying regular.
• Hydration: With the high water percentage, this health benefit is a no brainer!
• Inflammation: Choline is a nutrient in watermelon that aids us in sleep, muscle movement, learning and memory. It also helps in maintaining the structure of cellular membranes, nerve impulses, assists in the absorption of fat and reduces chronic inflammation.
• Muscle soreness: Watermelon and watermelon juice have been shown to reduce muscle soreness in athletes. It’s believed that this is due to the amino acids found within.
• Skin: Pump up that skin glow! Thanks to Vitamin A, watermelon can help you keep that fresh face look!

Pick up some watermelon today and snack away!

 

Image by congerdesign from Pixabay

Source Url: http://gobelmont.ca/watermelon-it-up/