Watermelon is a climbing plant, belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, originating from West Africa.

Watermelon has a thin, herbaceous stem that grows on its own but produces large fruit, an average watermelon can weigh from 1.5 to 4 kg. Watermelon has a green skin, red or yellow flesh, contains a lot of water and has a sweet and cool taste. Currently, watermelon is one of the most popular and widely used fruits in the world.

How many calories are in watermelon?

On average, each piece of watermelon (about 154g) provides only about 46 calories. With a low calorie content, watermelon is often added to the diet to control weight and maintain an ideal figure.

Although providing low calories, a piece of watermelon can supplement the body with many essential vitamins and minerals such as:

Vitamin B

Magnesium

Potassium

vitamin A

Vitamin C

Water (more than 92% of watermelon is water)

Carotenoid

Lycopene

Beta-carotene

Citrulline

10 Health and Beauty Benefits of Watermelon

       What are the benefits of eating watermelon?

1. Supplementing watermelon helps to retain

water for the body Water is the component that accounts for 92% of watermelon.

Therefore, supplementing this fruit has the effect of retaining water for the body and maintaining electrolyte levels. Eating watermelon regularly can reduce symptoms of dehydration after strenuous exercise and sports such as cramps, fatigue, dizziness, etc.

In addition, with its abundant water content, watermelon also creates a feeling of fullness for a long time and prevents overeating. This can help you reduce the amount of food in each meal and limit uncontrolled weight gain.

2. Antioxidant and body protection

Watermelon is a fruit that contains a variety of antioxidants. These ingredients have the ability to prevent the effects of free radicals, slow down the degeneration process and protect organs in the body.

Some antioxidants found in watermelon include:

Vitamin C: Has the effect of enhancing immunity and preventing cell damage caused by free radicals.

Lycopene: Is a type of carotene found in many other foods such as tomatoes, papaya, sweet potatoes, etc. Lycopene helps protect retinal and nerve cells from the effects of free radicals.

Carotenoids: Are plant compounds including beta-carotene and alpha-carotene. These components, after being absorbed into the body, will be converted into vitamin A.

Cucurbitacin E: This compound not only has antioxidant effects but also has the effect of controlling inflammatory responses in the body.

3. Supplementing watermelon helps prevent cancer

Lycopene in watermelon not only has antioxidant effects but can also prevent cancer – especially gastrointestinal cancer.

This compound reduces the risk of developing cancer cells by reducing the growth factor IGF. In which, increased IGF is one of the causes of stimulating abnormal cell growth and the risk of transforming into cancer cells.

In addition, watermelon also contains Cucurbitacin E – a plant compound that inhibits tumor growth and prevents the metastasis of cancer cells.

4. Preventing cardiovascular diseases

In addition to cancer prevention, watermelon also has the ability to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease – one of the leading causes of death.

High cholesterol is a factor that increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, myocardial ischemia, heart failure, etc. Supplementing foods rich in fiber, water, vitamins and antioxidants can reduce the amount of cholesterol accumulated in the body and prevent cardiovascular problems.

Regular consumption of watermelon can prevent cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, heart failure, etc.

In addition, many experts believe that Lycopene in watermelon can reduce the thickness and stiffness of the arterial wall. Thereby helping to reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis and blood clots.

Moreover, citrulline in watermelon can also stimulate increased nitric oxide levels in the body. Nitric oxide is a component that helps dilate blood vessels and regulate blood pressure.

With high fiber and water content, watermelon has the ability to increase the peristalsis of the digestive system.

3 Best Ways to Use Watermelon

You can supplement watermelon by eating it directly, processing it into watermelon smoothie, watermelon jam, etc.

 

1. Eat directly

Ripe watermelon can be eaten directly like other fruits. You should add watermelon on hot days to rehydrate and cool down your body.

2. Process into delicious drinks and dishes

In addition, you can also process watermelon into delicious dishes and drinks such as:

Watermelon juice: Squeeze the watermelon to get the juice, then squeeze ½ lemon to get the juice. Let the juice cool and drink to help rehydrate, balance electrolytes and supplement vitamins and minerals for the body.

Watermelon smoothie: You can cut the watermelon into small pieces, then put it in the freezer for 1 hour. Use a watermelon blender and add a little condensed milk. Watermelon smoothie is not only nutritious but also has a delicious flavor.

Watermelon rind jam: Wash the watermelon rind, then peel off the outer layer and let it dry. Add sugar to the pan, then add the watermelon rind, simmer until the sugar is completely absorbed and dry. Watermelon rind jam has a light sweet taste and moderate crunchiness.

3. Use watermelon as a skin care mask

Watermelon contains a lot of water and vitamin C, which has the effect of moisturizing, evening out skin tone and helping to improve dark spots, freckles, etc. Therefore, you can use watermelon as a mask to nourish and overcome facial skin defects.

Preparation:

¼ piece of watermelon 2 tablespoons of yogurt Implementation:

Remove watermelon seeds, then mash Drain excess water and mix well with unsweetened yogurt Apply the mixture to the skin and rinse after 20 minutes

Taboos and Notes when eating watermelon

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Eating too much watermelon can cause bloating, flatulence, nausea, indigestion, excessive hypotension, etc.