Top 9 Watermelon Benefits That Will Hydrate and Amaze You!

Did you know that watermelons are not only a delicious treat but also a hydrating hero? With a composition that’s over 92% water, they are nature’s way of helping us stay cool and hydrated, even during the scorching months. 

Imagine biting into a slice of sweet, juicy watermelon on a hot summer day – the burst of flavour, the refreshing sensation, and the satisfying dribble down your chin. 

A sheer delight to the senses. 

But not many of us know the brilliance this fruit serves our health with.  

But hydration is just the tip of the watermelon iceberg. Beneath that vibrant green rind and beneath those countless black seeds (or not – for those who prefer the seedless varieties), lies a plethora of nutrients and health-boosting compounds. 

Body needs hydration? Muscles need some silent healing? Heart craving some healthy love affair? Worry not, this big ball has got it all. 

Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a backyard barbecue, or simply seeking a delectable way to enhance your well-being, watermelons have got you covered.

So, grab a slice, take a seat, and explore the many watermelon benefits

Know Your Watermelon – History, Names, and Nutrition

They say, the older the sweeter. And watermelon proves it well.

The roots of watermelon can be traced back over 5,000 years to the deserts of southern Africa. There, it originally grew wild. 

Early watermelons were not sweeter in taste. They were bitter with yellowish-white flesh.

The wild-growing watermelons were much harder to open. All hail their breeding that we now have a sweeter affair with them.

However, it was not until the 7^th century that they were introduced to India. 

As civilizations spread and trade routes developed, watermelon found its way to different parts of the world. 

Ancient Egyptians even left watermelons in the tombs of their pharaohs. ^[1]

Their belief? That it would accompany and nourish them in the afterlife.

Indeed, if something is believed to give you an afterlife, it must hold magic within itself. It must be nutritious. So, let’s look at how nutritious this almost-watery fruit is. 

Watermelon Nutritional Value (per 100 grams)^[2]

Surely, the very sight of watermelon does not seem promising enough. But it surely is nutritious. This is why it is cherished throughout the world. 

Here is what watermelon is known by in different Indian languages –

Watermelon name in different Indian languages

Most of my watermelon memories come from childhood. Back then, I used to cherish fruits as they should be. And then, the fast-food culture kicked in badly. But when I read about how nourishing and enriching fruits are, especially watermelon, I feel like swimming into these fruity juices once again. 

And I am sure that you too will, once you read about these many watermelon benefits.

Watermelon Benefits – A heavenly promise of health and happiness

Let’s break this myth first – watermelon doesn’t make you diabetic (as much as sleeping doesn’t make you sick). It is all about how much you eat. We’ll discuss this later in the precaution section. Now, it is time to slice our watermelon and suck out its benefits – 

1. Good for digestion and gut health

Guts are the gateway to our being – the better they are, the better our life. 

In other words, Happy Tummy, Happy Healthy Us.

It provides essential hydration that bolsters the gut’s health. While not a fibre heavyweight, the fruit’s dietary fibre content serves as a friendly meal for beneficial gut bacteria, fostering the production of gut-nourishing short-chain fatty acids. Laden with lycopene, a potent antioxidant, watermelon holds the potential to reduce inflammation and safeguard gut cells from harm. As you savour each succulent bite of watermelon, you’re not only indulging in a summer delight but also nurturing your gut health in a refreshingly sweet way. ^[3]

However, there is another side to this too. 

While watermelon relieves constipation and adds to good digestion, it does the opposite if consumed over the limit. Diarrhoea can take place. Discomfort can happen. Bloating. Gas. Ugh! 

So, eat less, eat with ease, and eat in peace. 

2. Helps to loose weight

Apart from bad traffic, if there is anything that has frustrated this world, it is weight loss. We just do not see those fatty layers fading away. Know why? Because of our disastrous diet. 

Diet plays a role much bigger than exercise in losing weight. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables such as watermelon is something that you must embrace. Here is how watermelon helps in weight loss –

• It pushes very few calories into your body
• Keeping the body hydrated helps in weight loss ^[4]
• Its nutrient density improves immunity, which makes the body good at weight management.

And it is not me saying this but science. The studies done showed that watermelon helped in reducing overall body weight, BMI, and waist-to-hip ratio. My love for science is increasing day by day. ^[5]

3. Soothing source of hydration

Summer and hydration have an unbreakable bond. And if you try to break it, you invite some serious health consequences. When we keep our bodies hydrated, our immune system stays elated. Pure strength that keeps us avoid any storm of sickness. You might even relate this to your doctor asking you something like – “Please increase your oral intake and stay hydrated.” 

Watermelon, as we saw above, is nearly 92% water. When you consume water-rich fruits like watermelon, your skin receives a direct supply of moisture. This means soft and supple skin. Is this all? Of course not!

Hydration also serves some other brilliant functions like temperature regulation, nutrition delivery, metabolism, digestion, and whatnot. All this happens gracefully when the body is wonderfully hydrated. 

While we’re most familiar with the classic red-fleshed watermelon, there are actually over 1,200 different varieties.

4. A warm hug to your heart health

So, the first thing that this red jewel does is bring down the cholesterol levels. It has been long known how high cholesterol hates to see the human heart smiling. It must be maintained. And watermelon helps well in keeping it low. In fact, according to studies, when cherished for 4 weeks, it increased the good fat (HDL) and decreased the bad one (LDL). ^[6]

Another way watermelon blesses your heart with good health is the presence of lycopene and citrulline within its juices. Both these compounds help your heart smile in peace. ^{[7] [8]}

5. Promotes eye health 

Most of us do not care about our eyesight unless we no longer can see the person standing before us. But eyes must be well cared for. And what if we tell you that the juice of watermelon can help?

No, you don’t have to pour it as an eye dropper. 

Here is the thing – Watermelon contains lycopene (as we just saw). This carotenoid is what gives our fruit its beautiful and tempting red colour. It possesses antioxidative powers. Studies have found that it may help preserve your eyes as you age. ^[9]

Also, it contains vitamin A and improves your immunity. Both these things provide you with a healthy vision. Equally, we hope that this vision lets you see your healthy future and embrace fruits and vegetables.

6. Your good pal in muscle recovery

Watermelon and muscles? Doesn’t sound very harmonious! But science says that these two do harmonise well. It is one of those watermelon benefits that will tempt athletes. 

Watermelon is a delicious and nutritious fruit that has a number of benefits for muscle recovery. There are two reasons behind this – 

• It is super hydrating nature
• And amino acid l-citrulline

So, this one study showed that athletes, after a workout, experienced less muscle soreness and fatigue due to citrulline. Another study showed the same with the help of watermelon juice. Furthermore, it also seemed to improve the aerobic performance. ^[10][11][12]

Athletes out there, just keep drinking. 

In 2007, the watermelon was declared the official state vegetable of Oklahoma, even though it’s clearly a fruit.

7. Soaks your body with antioxidants

Nobody puts a watermelon in a corner when it comes to antioxidants. But hey! What is this buzz with antioxidants?

Just know that antioxidants are helpful for our bodies. They fight off unstable atoms (free radicals) that damage cells, enhance skin health, and do many other wonders. 

Watermelon is a good source of antioxidants such as 

• lycopene, 
• vitamin C, 
• and vitamin A.

Now, the intake of antioxidants, as our dear scientists have said, helps us age gracefully and makes our brain function sanely as it ages. In fact, it slows down the ageing process. Not sheer mortality but not any lesser too. ^[13]

And know what? Antioxidants also preserve our DNA from unnecessary damage. One good reason to eat watermelons. Your generations will thank you for eating this fruit.

Watermelon seeds can be roasted and seasoned for a tasty snack.

8. A cornucopia of nutrition

Watermelon might not look nutritious, but it surely is. This nutritious greenish orb is basically a giant water balloon! But it’s not just water that makes it a tempting take. It’s also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 

Watermelon is a good source of vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as potassium, magnesium, and copper. These vitamins and minerals are essential for many bodily functions. You get boosted immunity, better skin, heart, and other organs, and a better life indeed.

9. Boons you with a beautiful brain

They say that the brain is a muscle that can move the world. Surely. But we want the world to be moved in a good and healthy fashion. And for this, we need a brain that fires goodness and imagines helpful voyages.

Watermelon has been found to be useful in protecting neurons. Neurons are the brain cells that help us with essential functions like breathing and eating, to complex tasks like walking, talking, and even deep contemplation. ^[14]

How? Due to its lycopene content which has shown to possess neuroprotective properties. This also improves our cognitive abilities. In a way, a fruit seeding creativity in the world. 

10. Is anti-inflammatory 

Inflammation is only good when it’s the inflammation of curiosity about watermelon’s benefits! But in the body, only if it is not chronic.

Chronic inflammation makes our lives harder and shorter. And we mean really harder. The way out? Eat well, practice meditation and calmness, stay active, and dream about watermelon.

• Lycopene 
• Vitamin C
• Antioxidants

With each juicy bite, these godlike things keep the inflammation and oxidative stress in check. ^[15][16]

The watermelon is just an extraordinary fruit, standing in front of you, asking you to eat itself.  Would you deny it after these many benefits? If you care even a bit about your health, you won’t. And if you still hold any reservations against it, then hear these extra watermelon benefits that roam around beauty.

Watermelon rind can be pickled or used in stir-fry dishes.

Watermelon and beauty – some secret skin-care tips

Watermelon isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it’s also a delightful addition to your beauty regimen. This juicy wonder fruit is packed with vital nutrients and hydrating properties that can work wonders for your skin and hair. Here’s how to harness its natural goodness for your beauty needs:

Hydrating Face Mask

• Blend fresh watermelon chunks with a tablespoon of yoghurt and a teaspoon of honey.
• Now, apply this cooling mask to your face.
• Relax down and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
• Rinse with lukewarm water. 

There you have it, your soft, hydrated, and glowing skin.

Revitalizing Hair Treatment

• Create a hair mask by mixing watermelon juice with aloe vera gel.
• Apply this mixture to your hair and scalp.
• Cover it with a shower cap.
• Leave it on for 30 minutes before shampooing.

This will let you have luscious and well-nourished locks.

Skin Toner

• Extract fresh watermelon juice.
• Even though watermelon is largely water, you’d want to dilute it with an equal amount of water.
• Use this natural toner to refresh and hydrate your skin after cleansing.

Puffy Eyes Begone

Hate looking at the mirror with those heavy and puffy eyes sagging you down?

• Freeze watermelon juice into ice cubes.
• Gently massage your under-eye area with these ice cubes.

This will reduce puffiness and refresh tired eyes.

Lip Smoother

• Mash a small piece of watermelon and apply it to your lips.
• The natural sugars will gently exfoliate and grace your lips with softness.

Get even skin tone

Uneven skin tone is an obstruction before our beauty dream. The solution?

• Mix watermelon juice with a touch of lemon juice.
• Apply to your skin to help fade dark spots and promote an even complexion.

Why so serious? Smile! You now have a delicious fruit that is a beauty aid too. 

The watermelon milkshake fad must be avoided. Mixing watermelon with milk leads to digestive issues.

Watermelon – How to eat? When to eat? And precautions

Although we do not want to say this, this sweet delicacy can have a few side effects too. There are lines that must not be crossed while eating watermelon. 

• Overeating watermelon can lead to bloating, gas, and diarrhoea due to its high FODMAP content. Simply put, it contains certain carbohydrates that is hard to digest
• Although watermelon doesn’t cause diabetes, people who already have it must be cautious. Know how much you can it and consult your doctor.
• This may lead to skin discolouration. However, the case is rare, very rare, and is reversible. ^[17]

How much is too much when it comes to watermelons?

Although there is no upper limit set to its consumption (mostly because it doesn’t lead to any serious health concerns), USDA recommends having 300 grams of fruit per day. 

Conclusion

From its ancient roots in the deserts of Africa to gracing the tombs of pharaohs, watermelon has seen much. Its journey through history is a blend of taste, belief, and health. From now on, one thing cannot be doubted again – this simple fruit is sure to bless you with health and happiness. Each bite will be a promise of nutrition and delight. 

From weight loss to eye, heart, and skin health, cognitive support, muscle recovery, and digestive support, its benefits are as much as its seeds. Not to mention the many ways you can use it in your beauty routine.

So, the next time you enjoy a juicy slice of watermelon, remember, you’re not just savouring its sweet delight. Instead, you’re indulging in a sweet romance under the moonlight of health and happiness. 

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