While no single food can guarantee stroke prevention, watermelon can be a valuable part of a heart-healthy diet that helps reduce stroke risk factors. Its beneficial effects are mainly attributed to its high content of lycopene, L-citrulline, vitamins, and minerals.
Watermelon — the disease fighter
Lycopene is an antioxidant linked to decreased risk of cancer, heart disease and age-related eye disorders.
This mouth-watering treat is full of antioxidants and vitamins. The vitamin B6 in watermelon boosts our brain power and function. It's also hydrating which keeps the brain and nerves functioning properly.
“The water and vitamins A, B6, and C in watermelon help your skin stay soft, smooth, and supple,” Derocha says. Vitamin C boosts collagen production, which improves skin elasticity and blood flow to the skin. And vitamin A helps repair skin cells, preventing dry, flaky skin, while vitamin B6 helps with skin breakouts.
What are some strategies for a healthier lifestyle?
Studies show that regular consumption of fruits and vegetables can lower the risk of stroke by 11%. Some examples of vegetables and fruits that can be consumed include asparagus, potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, apples, bananas, oranges, and melons.
About 80% of all strokes are ischemic strokes, which are caused by a blood clot that blocks a blood vessel or artery in the brain. About 20% are hemorrhagic strokes, which are caused by a blood vessel in the brain that breaks and bleeds into the brain.
While there's no single "number 1" healthiest fruit, blueberries are consistently ranked at the top for their exceptional antioxidant power (anthocyanins), supporting brain health, heart function, and potentially reducing inflammation and risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Other top contenders include avocados for healthy fats and fiber, raspberries for fiber, and pomegranates for antioxidants, but blueberries often stand out as a top choice.
Watermelon is rich in an amino acid called citrulline that may help move blood through your body and can lower your blood pressure. Your heart also enjoys the perks of all the lycopene watermelon contains. Studies show that it may lower your risk of heart attacks.
Watermelon helps the liver process ammonia (waste from protein digestion) which eases strain on the kidneys while getting rid of excess fluids. Rich in potassium, watermelon is a great natural electrolyte and helps regulate the action of nerves and muscles in the body.
Dr. Tanzi specifically recommends berries, oranges, avocado, black currants, and strawberries. You can also reap benefits from unsweetened fruit juices such as pomegranate juice. Nuts: All nuts have benefits for the brain, but walnuts contain omega-3 and alpha-linolenic acid.
The "two-finger rule" for picking a ripe watermelon involves checking the dark green stripes on the rind: hold two fingers (index and middle) together lengthwise and place them on a dark green stripe; if the stripe is about the width of your two fingers, it's a good sign of ripeness, indicating the melon had enough time to mature, but also check for a large yellow "field spot" and a dull (not shiny) rind for best results.
And it has an added benefit – it's cancer-protective. Watermelon is one of the foods rich in lycopene – a potent antioxidant – and AICR's expert report list these as foods that probably protect against prostate cancer.
Watermelon contains antioxidants. These substances can help remove molecules known as free radicals from the body. The body produces free radicals during natural processes, such as metabolism.
Taste: Even if the exterior looks okay, there's a chance that the fruit could have gone bad. If you bit into a piece of watermelon that looked and smelled fine but its tastes sour or has a fizzy sensation on your tongue, throw it out. Feel: A slimy or slippery feel is another indication that something is amiss.
Powerful Fruits That Support Healing and Reduce Inflammation
1. Almonds. There you have it — the humble almond can be considered the most nutrient-dense food on the planet. Used to the spotlight by now, almonds have been at the center of multiple studies on heart health and diabetes-related benefits.
1. Berries. Berries include blueberries, strawberries, cranberries, raspberries, and blackberries. These fruits are associated with an impressive amount of health benefits, including their ability to reduce inflammation and improve heart health.
Including water-rich foods such as cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, and watermelon in your diet can ensure good blood flow and reduce the burden on your veins.
Watermelon Side Effects
To prevent a stroke, control blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes through diet and exercise, quit smoking, limit alcohol, eat healthy (fruits, veggies, whole grains), stay active (30 mins/day), manage stress, and treat conditions like atrial fibrillation, as over 80% of strokes are preventable by managing lifestyle and health.
Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death in the United States, and for most of the nearly 800,000 Americans who suffer a stroke each year, the culprit is hypertension. It is also a significant risk factor for heart disease.
The FAST acronym (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) is a test to quickly identify the three most common signs of stroke.