Health Benefits of Watermelon

Watermelon (English) or Citrullus edulis, Citrullus lanatus, Citrullus vulgaris (botanical name) family Cucurbitaceae, Kalinda (Sanskrit), Darbuj (Hindi), Darboos (Tamil) is the typical trailing annual creeper. The slender stem and tendrils may spread across around 15 m. You will find the typical cucurbitous yellow flower. The large oblong fruit shows excellent textures of green shades on its outer leathery skin.

This huge sized fruit has the power to quench your thirst and it also supplements your nutritional needs. Its seed is high in fat and protein. It is also found useful as an oilseed. In total it is your treat, thirst quencher and frequent diet in peak summer.

Nutrition Data on Watermelon: To suit its name the fruit has large amount of water (95.8 per cent). The presence protein (0.2 per cent), fat (0.2 per cent) and carbohydrate (3.3 per cent) makes the fruit as your safe diet. It is not largely enriched with minerals but has considerable amounts of Potassium (160 mg), sulphur (42 mg), Sodium 27.3 mg), chlorine (21 mg), Magnesium (13 mg), Phosphorus (12 mg), Calcium (11 mg), iron (7.9 mg) and Copper (0.05 mg).

Vitamins Available in Watermelon: Your Watermelon largely comprises Vitamin A and Vitamin C (1.0 mg). However, small amounts of Thiamin (0.02 mg),

Vitamin B6 and Pantothenic Acid are also present. The fruit also comprises traces of Riboflavin (0.04 mg), Niacin (0.1 mg) and Folate.

Calorie Value of Watermelon: Calorie counting amounts to 16 to 18 calories per 100 gm on your calorie meter. The diet fiber (0.2 per cent)

Health Benefits of Watermelon:

1) Watermelon is enriched with vitamin B and the concentration of Vitamin B supplements with energy.

2) The presence of high amount of potassium will help you in maintaining your blood pressure level. It also reduces the risk of kidney stone formation.

3) Watermelon is a source of re-hydration and you will regain your lost energy within no time.

4) Watermelon is an excellent source of antioxidants. It derives its antioxidants from vitamins A and C. It is vitamin A provides highly powerful antioxidant beta-carotene. Beta carotene is known for its anti-cancer properties. The lycopene is recognized as one of the carotenoids. Lycopene will help you in reducing the risk of cancer at colon and prostrate glands.

5) Watermelon also reduces the risks involved in coronary heart diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, breathing problems, and osteoporosis.

6) Watermelon is also capable of destroying free radicals. If free radicals are eradicated your risks for cancer are reduced.

7) Watermelon will help you to alleviate inflammations arising due to acute and chronic osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Source:

FICCI Agribusiness Information Centre AIC) - Watermelons http://www.ficciagroindia.com/production-guidelines/vegetables/watermelon/area.htm