Besides it tastes refreshing and seductive colors, watermelon nutrition also has so many health benefits. Fruit which has the Latin name Citrullus lanatus, contains certain substances that is effective enough in killing cancer cells, a substance that is able to turn the activity of white blood cell function can improve the immune system.
Watermelon is low calories fruit, calories in watermelon every 100 grams only 30 calories, so watermelon could serve as a diuretic. According to a study in the United States, the flesh and skin of the watermelon found citrulline substances, these substances will react with the body's enzymes when consumed in considerable amounts then changed into arginine, acid non-essential amino acids are efficacious for the heart and immune system.
Watermelon skin are also rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and chlorophyll. Vitamins that are found in watermelon skin include vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin E, and vitamin C. The content of vitamin E, vitamin C, and protein in the skin of the watermelon can be used to smooth the skin, hair, and make hair look shiny. While beta-carotene and lycopene found in watermelon skin can be used as an antioxidant to tighten facial skin and prevent wrinkles in the face.
Before discuss watermelon health benefits, below you can read watermelon nutrition facts.
Watermelon nutrition facts
| Principle | Nutrient Value | Percentage of RDA |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 30 Kcal | 1.5% |
| Carbohydrates | 7.6 g | 6% |
| Protein | 0.6 g | 1% |
| Total Fat | 0.15 g | 0.5% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.4 g | 1% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Folates | 3 µg | 1% |
| Niacin | 0.178 mg | 1% |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.221 mg | 4.5% |
| Pyridoxine | 0.045 mg | 3.5% |
| Thiamin | 0.033 mg | 3% |
| Vitamin A | 569 IU | 19% |
| Vitamin C | 8.1 mg | 13.5% |
| Vitamin E | 0.05 mg | 0.5% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Sodium | 1 mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 112 mg | 2.5% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 7 mg | 0.7% |
| Copper | 42 µg | 4.5% |
| Iron | 0.24 mg | 3% |
| Magnesium | 10 mg | 2.5% |
| Manganese | 0.038 mg | 1.5% |
| Zinc | 0.10 mg | 1% |
| Phyto-nutrients | ||
| Carotene-ß | 303 µg | -- |
| Crypto-xanthin-ß | 78 µg | -- |
| Lutein-zeaxanthin | 8 µg | -- |
| Lycopene | 4532 µg | -- |
10+ Watermelon health benefits
1. Good for our heartWatermelon increasing arginine (an amino acid) in the body. Arginine is used in the manufacture of nitrous oxide, which helps relax blood vessels us. Therefore, the watermelon will be very helpful in preventing strokes and heart attacks.
Watermelon has the ability as coconut water. Eating watermelon can cleanse the kidneys and bladder. If your urine is infected, eating watermelon and drinking water to reduce germs in the bladder. And if you suffer from kidney stones, watermelon also helps you.
3. Improve male fertility
An experiment conducted in New Delhi show, watermelon can increase sperm number and motility also improve the structure of sperm.
4. Accelerate the Healing Process
Besides lyopene, watermelon also contains citrulline, an amino acid used in both cell division and wound healing. Citrulline is usually contained in white part of watermelon pieces that are not normally eaten.
5. Against Infection
The number of low beta-carotene in the body highly susceptible to viral infections and vision problems. With quite number beta-carotene in watermelon, you can prevent those problems.
6. Low Calorie and Good for Diet
Watermelon is a fruit that is very low in calories and very filling nature, so do not worry you will gain weight.
7. Avoid dehydration and energy enhancer
Watermelon contains vitamin C, which can be a morale booster for live events in the summertime though. The water content in watermelon is also a viable alternative in supplying water body that can prevent dehydration.
8. Contain many nutrients
Watermelon contains vitamin A and C. Eating 100 grams of watermelon will meet 11% of the body's need for vitamin A and with a slice of watermelon, you will meet nearly half of the daily vitamin C requirements.
9. Reducing Blood Pressure
Because arginine affects our blood vessel relaxation, the watermelon is also capable of regulating blood pressure. Components of potassium and magnesium in watermelon can help to reduce blood pressure.
10. Prevents premature aging
Watermelon is a rich food source of lycopene, vitamin C and vitamin A. All of these nutrients can reduce exposure to free radicals that can cause fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots on the skin. The content of antioxidants in watermelon also reduces deposits of free radicals in the body and prevent all signs of skin aging. You can use the watermelon as a mask and taking his men to get the best results.
The other watermelon health benefits such as refresh the skin, moisturize the skin, reduce the accumulation of oil in the skin, acne medication, increase arousal, good for vision, avoid bad breath, overcome uric acid, a source of energy and much more. With all watermelon nutrition above, it is recommended to include it on our menu.