Health Tip # 21, Eating Watermelon,                      lowers heart disease.

Eating Watermelon, lowers heart disease  is the   topic of our today’s article. It is summer season now a days and Watermelon is available every where through out the country. Eating watermelon is a cheap way to lower risk of heart  disease. . The researchers believe that watermelon is more nutritious than previously thought .  Watermelon has a pleasing red colour and delicious taste. It has huge amount of water , fiber , potassium and vitamin C. Beside lowering the heart disease, watermelon will help improve hydration. If you are interested to know the benefits of Beets, then read our article “Health Tip # 20, benefits of Beets “.

contents :

• Watermelon, a treasure of nutrients.
• Health benefits of watermelon.
• Nutrients in watermelon.
• Healthy diet.

Watermelon, a treasure of nutrients.

A new study published in Nutrients shows that people who consume more watermelon, will have increased total nutrient intake and diet quality. Such people will have a greater intake of essential nutrients including dietary fiber, magnesium, potassium, vitamin A and C and lycopene and other carotenoids  . ( Lycopene is a natural compound found in many foods, from pizza sauce and ketchup to watermelons and grapefruits. It’s a chemical called a carotenoid, which are natural pigments that give color to plants, fruits, and vegetables. As a red carotenoid, lycopene is widely found in red and pink fruits and vegetables ).  The study reveal that people consuming watermelon had lower intakes of added sugars and total saturated fatty acids. Watermelon is high in an amino acid known as ” Citrulline ” .  ( L-citrulline is a substance called a non-essential amino acid. Your kidneys change L-citrulline into another amino acid called L-arginine and a chemical called nitric oxide. These compounds are important to your heart and blood vessel health. They may also boost your immune system ) . Citrulline is well known as an exercise supplement . The Citrulline can dilate blood vessels and promote muscle growth. Food with a strong red colour are thought to be high in Lycopene.

Health benefits of watermelon.

Watermelon has a huge quantity of  fat free water including essential vitamins and minerals .We can have the following benefits by eating watermelon:

• Lower blood pressure.
• Reduced insulin resistance.
• Reduced muscle soreness.
• Better digestion.
• Improved skin health.
• Lower levels of inflammation.
• Helps us stay hydrated.

The nutrients found  in 100 grams of raw watermelon are as under:

• Calories                      30
• Water                           91 %
• Carbs                             7.6  grams
• Protein                          0.6     “
• Fiber                              0.4       “
• Sugar                            6.2        “
• Fat                                  0.2        “

Healthy diet:

A regular consumption of watermelon with other foods make a healthy diet. Here are some tips to consume more watermelon;

• Replace very high – sugar desserts with watermelon. A cup of watermelon instead of ice cream will provide more nutrient density.
• Eat watermelon as a snake during activities.
• You can freeze watermelon to make slushies .
• Add watermelon to salads . Cold watermelon  salad is a great summer side dish.
• Watermelon and mango together make an ultra fine dish.

source: healthline.com

Watermelon is being sold these days  at very cheap rates . Since in our country Pakistan , it is a seasonal fruit, available for more or less 3 months only. Some people freeze the watermelon in cold houses . Such frozen  watermelons have a different taste and smell. It is strongly advised to eat fresh watermelon. Do not eat overripe watermelon. Eating  Overripe watermelon will cause stomach trouble.

Last words ; I always pray to All-Mighty Allah to bless every person with good health and success. Take care.