Watermelon benefits multiple organs, primarily supporting the heart (blood pressure, blood flow), kidneys (flushing toxins, reducing strain), and liver (processing ammonia), thanks to its hydration, electrolytes (potassium), antioxidants (lycopene, citrulline), and low sodium content, promoting overall cardiovascular and detoxification health.
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.
“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.
Watermelon — the disease fighter
Lycopene is an antioxidant linked to decreased risk of cancer, heart disease and age-related eye disorders.
Watermelons are generally safe for everyone to eat, apart from a few exceptions. While watermelon is a nutritious fruit, eating too much of it may cause blood sugar spikes, which can negatively affect someone who is managing diabetes or insulin resistance.
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.
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.
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.
Studies show that eating watermelon reduces the inflammatory marker CRP. It's also high in the carotenoid beta-cryptoxanthin, which can reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It's also packed with lycopene, an antioxidant that may help protect against certain cancers and lower heart attack risk, says Dulan.
The 🍉 (watermelon) emoji is most commonly used to describe summertime or the fruit itself. While sexting, it can also represent breasts. Separately, the watermelon emoji can also symbolize support for Palestinians.
Improves digestion
Plant compounds (polyphenols) in watermelon fuel good bacteria in your gut. This not only eases digestion, but may also boost your immune system and your gut's production of essential nutrients.
Not only is it low in calories, but it also has an incredibly high water content–each bite is about 92% water! Older adults face a higher risk for dehydration, and this risk only increases in the hot summer months. Snacking on watermelon is a tasty and refreshing way for older adults to stay hydrated and healthy.
Watermelon Side Effects
Digestive upset: eating too much may lead to bloating or diarrhea because of its high water and sugar content. Blood sugar spikes: if you have diabetes or pre-diabetes, monitor your portions, as watermelon can raise blood sugar quickly.
If you're looking to support your gut health, increasing your intake of fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts can help. Per recent research, watermelon, apple, kiwi and citrus fruits specifically can help lower your colon cancer risk.
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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.