Why is watermelon useful and when it can be harmful - Lifehacker
Educational Program Health / / December 30, 2020
At first glance, a watermelon is solid water with sugar. And it's partly trueWatermelon, Raw: liquid makes up 92% of the watermelon pulp, and the nutritional value of almost 90% is represented by sweet carbohydrates.
But besides this, watermelon contains a lot of vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, B vitamins, and there are even more carotenoids (precursors of vitamin A) in itThe Health Benefits of Watermelonthan in other berries and fruits. And that is not all.
Why is watermelon useful?
This is what the striped berry is capable of.
1. Watermelon will provide you with the moisture you need
Adults must daily drink 2.7 to 3.7 l of liquidWater Requirements, Impinging Factors, and Recommended Intakes: it is necessary for the normal functioning of the body. And an event called "eat a watermelon" is a great alternative to drinking water. So, 3-5 slices of watermelon will give you up to 1 liter of liquid, and this is an effective prevention of dehydration.
2. You can effortlessly lose weight
Watermelon is an extremely low-calorie berry: only 30Watermelon, Raw kcal per 100 g. This is about the same as in fat-free kefir. However, with such a ridiculous calorie content, watermelon is easy to eat.
There are two reasons: high water content, and cellulose, which is found in all herbal products. These dietary fibers are not digested in the intestines, but, while absorbing liquid, they increase in volume and create a feeling of satiety for a long time.
3. You will get a lot of antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that help the body overcome oxidative stress, the process of damage and destruction of cells by free radicals. It affects the cells of the skin, brain, heart, and other internal organs. Scientists directly linkOxidative Stress: Harms and Benefits for Human Health it with accelerated aging, early dementia and other brain disorders, an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, as well as the development of autoimmune and oncological diseases.
In general, oxidative stress is bad, and watermelon is the berry that helps curb it. It contains a lotTop 9 Health Benefits of Eating Watermelon antioxidants: vitamin C, carotenoids (alpha and beta carotene, which are converted to vitamin A in the body), cucurbitacin E, and lycopene (a type of carotenoid that does not convert to vitamin A).
Lycopene deserves special attentionWatermelon lycopene and allied health claims Is a powerful antioxidant that gives fruits and berries a red color. There is more of it in watermelonThe Health Benefits of Watermelonthan any other red herbal product. Even tomatoes are losing to him.
Study the question🍫
- Why our bodies need antioxidants and how to get them
4. Watermelon boosts heart health
This bonus is provided by the same lycopene: it reducesWatermelon lycopene and allied health claims the level of "bad" cholesterol and reduces the thickness of the walls of blood vessels. And this is an effective prevention of heart attack.
Other vitamins and minerals found in watermelon are also beneficial for cardiovascular health. Such cardioprotectors include vitamins A, B6, C, magnesium and potassium.
5. And will improve the condition of the skin and hair
Two vitamins contained in watermelon are responsible for this. Vitamin C helpsThe Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health the body to produce collagen - a protein that helps the skin maintain elasticity and hair strength. Thanks to vitamin A, the skin is more actively renewedVitamin A and Skin Health and recovers faster from damage.
In addition, drinking watermelon reducesPhotoprotection by dietary carotenoids: concept, mechanisms, evidence and future development risk of sunburn.
Sun protection is provided by carotenoids such as beta-carotene and lycopene. Be warned, though: this doesn't make watermelon a complete replacement for sunscreen. Carotenoids only prolong the time your skin will be able to withstand UV light.
Find out more☀️
- How to sunbathe
6. It will protect joints from arthritis
The natural pigment beta-cryptoxanthin found in watermelon protectsThe Health Benefits of Watermelon joints from inflammation. Some researchDietary beta ‑ cryptoxanthin and inflammatory polyarthritis: results from a population ‑ based prospective study show that beta-cryptoxanthin use is associated with a reduced risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
7. And Possibly Relieve Muscle Pain After Exercise
This effect providesWatermelon juice: potential functional drink for sore muscle relief in athletes Citrulline is one of the amino acids found in watermelon. She also helps to return faster pulse to normal after physical exertion.
8. Watermelon can help maintain healthy vision
Just one sliceThe Health Benefits of Watermelon watermelon provides over 10% of the daily value of vitamin A, which is critical for eye health.
Lycopene also plays a role: an antioxidant protectsWatermelon lycopene and allied health claims eyes from damage and, according to some reports, slows down or even prevents age-related macular degeneration, a common vision problem that can cause blindness in old people.
Take note🥕
- 8 foods that have more vitamin A than carrots
9. It will improve digestion
The water and fiber in watermelon can help prevent constipation and diarrhea. In addition, watermelon is easily digested and due to this it is considered a dietary product - it can beThe Health Benefits of Watermelon there are even people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, colitis or other diseases of the digestive system.
What consequences can the abuse of watermelon cause?
If you eat watermelon in reasonable quantities - no more than 3-5 slices at a time, then you will not face unpleasant side effects. But if you overeat, there may be some problems. They are not found in everyone, but it is worth knowing about them.
1. Nausea, bloating, diarrhea
Safe dose of lycopene - up to 75 mgRisk assessment for the carotenoids lutein and lycopene in a day. Or, in terms ofWatermelon lycopene and allied health claims by weight of watermelon pulp, about 1 kg. However, according to some reportsWatermelon: Health Benefits, Risks & Nutrition Facts and 30 mg of lycopene cause symptoms of indigestion - nausea, diarrhea, and a bursting feeling in the stomach.
Add to notes🤢
- 7 unexpected and even dangerous causes of nausea
2. Hyperkalemia
There is a lot of potassium in watermelon - 112 mg for every 100 g of pulp. This mineral is beneficial for healthy people. But if you suffer from hyperkalemia or your body is unable to regulate potassium levels in your blood, you will have to be careful with watermelon. An excess of potassium can leadWatermelon: Health Benefits, Risks & Nutrition Facts to nausea, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat and muscle cramps.
3. Lack of nutrients
This problem threatens those who decide to sit down on a watermelon diet. Watermelon is rich in nutrients. However, for example, it contains very little protein and fat. Just as few are some of the most important vitamins and minerals - sodium, vitamins B12, K, folates, without which the normal functioning of the body is impossible.
Therefore, doctors recommend not to abuse the "watermelon" fasting days and insist: the diet should be balanced and varied.
Read also🍉🍏🍌
- 12 health benefits of pomegranate
- Why is coconut milk useful and what to make from it
- The benefits and harms of persimmons: how to get a charge of vitamins, not problems
- What happens if there are almonds every day
- Can ginseng work wonders