Watermelon Fruit Health Benefits

There is nothing more refreshing and thirst quenching like a juicy slice of watermelon fruit in summer. Watermelon is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family and related to the cantaloupe, squash and pumpkin that also grow on vines on the ground. The scientific name of this fruit is Citrultus Lanatus. It is found almost everywhere in the world and available throughout the year. It can be found in round, oblong or spherical in shape and feature thick green rinds that are often spotted or striped. It has a smooth exterior rind and a juicy interior flesh. Though the deep red-pink color fresh is the most common one can also find watermelons with orange or yellow inner flesh. It can be found with seeds and also seedless. Watermelon flesh is used in fruit salad, Jam, sorbet and juice to mention a few. Every part of the fruit is edible, even the seeds and the rind. Watermelon contains approximately 6% of sugar and 92 % water by weight making it an ideal fruit to consume during the hot summer.  These fruit is said to have originated in Kalahari Desert of Africa. Since watermelon grows on vines it is considered by horticulturists as a vegetable. China is the world’s single largest watermelon producer. The leading commercial growers of watermelon include China, Russia, Turkey, Iran and the United States.

1. Watermelon is a natural source of most antioxidant vitamins C and A to protect us from many diseases.
2. It is low in calories and an excellent fruit for those who are calorie conscious.
3. Watermelon is a fruit that is rich in electrolytes sodium and potassium that we lose through our perspiration. It also reduces the risk of dehydration.
4. Watermelon is rich in the B vitamins like Vitamin B1 and B6 necessary for energy production.
5. Watermelon is a good source of thiamin, potassium and magnesium which protect our body from so many diseases.
6. According to a research published by the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition eating lycopene-rich fruits like watermelon can reduce a man's risk of developing prostate cancer and lowering inflammation that may cause hypertension and heart disease.
7. According to a latest study done by Indian Association of Urologists, because of the lycopene content in this fruit it is helpful in increasing male fertility by improving both sperm concentration and motility.
8. Consuming Watermelon or applying externally can do wonders for the skin by making it healthy and glowing. Cold watermelon also can be used as a compress on sore skin.

As you see there are numerous health benefits of consuming water melon fruit or juice. So why not say bye to the harmful colas and start having this sweet and refreshing fruit instead?