Fruits of Summer: Watermelon
Nothing says summer like biting into a fresh juicy watermelon. Watermelon can be enjoyed in salads, smoothies, sorbets, and salsas. Have you ever tried watermelon with feta cheese? One of my favorites! Not only does watermelon taste great but it also has a plethora of nutritional value. Here, are just some of the many amazing health benefits of watermelon:
Hydration
The word water appears in watermelon and that is no coincidence. Watermelon contains 90 to 93% water. Drinking watermelon juice or eating it provides you with fluid, vitamins and electrolytes, which help stave off dehydration and prevent harmful fluid imbalances.
Soothes Sore Muscles
A 2013 study from the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, found that drinking watermelon juice before a workout decreases delayed onset muscle soreness; that is due to the amino acid called L-citrulline, which the body converts to L-arginine, an essential amino acid that helps relax blood vessels and improve circulation.
Increase Athletic Performance
A 2015 study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, found that the L-citrulline in watermelon also helps increase athletic performance. Study participants who took L-citrulline supplements saw an improved performance with high-intensity workouts.
Skin Protection
Many studies have shown that watermelon has an ample amount of vitamin A and vitamin C, which both play a vital role in maintaining skin health. Vitamin A is a powerful aid in fighting skin cancer and vitamin C help promote collagen synthesis, offer protection from ultraviolet light damage, lighten skin hyperpigmentation, and improve inflammation that is visible within the skin, says Dr. Axe.
