Watermelon is by far one of the healthiest fruits there is!

The amazing health benefits of watermelon include not only your brain but even the cells in your feet.

Watermelon is, however, also one of the tastiest fruits.

And although most watermelons we buy in the supermarket no longer have seeds, the tastiest varieties are the ones with seeds.

And if you can afford it, choose an organic watermelon.

The difference in taste is incredible.

Moreover, watermelon not only tastes delicious eaten by hand, but you can also use it in a summer salad with, for example, cucumber.

The best time to enjoy this fresh, hydrating fruit is in the summer, when watermelon is bursting with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

Watermelon is incredibly hydrating (it contains up to 92% water!) and is naturally low in fat.

In the summer, it is best to enjoy watermelon daily to reap all the health benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health and a stronger immune system.

Below, I have listed several benefits of watermelon for you.

Let's get started...

1. Cardiovascular health

Watermelon contains lycopene, a phytonutrient; this nutrient is important for cardiovascular health and also promotes healthy bones. Additionally, a higher consumption of watermelon has been linked to lower blood pressure and can even help improve circulation, which stimulates the health of every cell in your body.

Lycopene is not only found in watermelon but also in, for example, tomatoes. Studies have shown that the activity of the bone cells that cause osteoporosis is reduced by lycopene. This way, you get stronger bones when you regularly consume these foods.

Besides lycopene, watermelon also contains a good amount of potassium. This mineral is important for retaining calcium in the body, which in turn leads to stronger bones and also stronger joints.

2. Watermelon burns fat

In watermelon, there is a substance called citrulline. Studies have shown that this substance can reduce fat deposits.

Citrulline is an amino acid that is converted into arginine with the help of the kidneys. So when our body absorbs citrulline, it is provided with the right foundations to produce arginine.

Citrulline also ensures that the activities of certain enzymen blocked. These specific enzymes promote fat storage. By blocking them, citrulline also helps to reduce our fat storage.

3. Anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants

Watermelon is rich in phenols such as flavonoids and carotenoids. Lycopene, a carotenoid in watermelon, is particularly effective in reducing inflammation and neutralizing free radicals.

Watermelon also contains phenols that block certain enzyme activity and thus reduce the body's inflammatory response. Always choose a ripe watermelon, as it is much richer in these beneficial phenols.

A ripe melon can be recognized by its dark green color. Avoid yellow and light green watermelons, as these are often not yet ripe.

4. Watermelon supports kidney function

Watermelon acts as a natural diuretic and causes you to urinate more frequently, but does not overload the kidneys.

If you often retain fluid, watermelon is an ideal natural remedy to combat this. The fruit supports the liver in its process of removing ammonia from the body (ammonia is a waste product of protein digestion). This way, your kidneys are spared while you release fluid.

5. Support for your nerves and muscles

Watermelon is rich in potassium, a natural electrolyte. Potassium is important for the proper functioning of nerves and muscles.

Potassium determines, among other things, how often and to what extent our muscles contract and also promotes nerve impulses in our body.

6. Watermelon is alkaline

Watermelons have an alkalizing effect on the body when they are fully ripe.

Eating a lot of alkaline foods (fresh, ripe fruits and vegetables) can help reduce your risk of developing diseases caused by a diet high in acid-forming foods (such as meat, dairy, and refined sugars).

7. Good for your eyes

Watermelon is a great source of beta-carotene (that rich red hue of watermelon is the beta-carotene) which is converted into vitamin A in the body.

This vitamin supports the production of pigments in the retina of the eye and protects against degeneration and night blindness. Vitamin A also maintains healthy skin, teeth, bones, and mucous membranes.

8. Watermelon strengthens your immune system and prevents cell damage

The vitamin C-content in watermelon is surprisingly high. Vitamin C is a great vitamin for supporting your immune system.

Also, this vitamin is very effective in combating free radicals that cause cell damage (and even damage to your DNA!). The role of vitamin C can also be seen in wound healing, as it speeds up regeneration time and promotes the formation of new tissue.

The enzymes involved in the production of collagen (one of the main components for wound healing) cannot do their work without vitamin C. So if you notice that your wounds heal more slowly, be sure to eat fruit rich in vitamin C. And of course, watermelon is the perfect choice for this!

Calories in watermelon

Do you want to lose a few pounds and want to know if watermelon fits into your diet?

Watermelon mainly consists of fruit sugars and natural water, with fibers.

Per 100 grams, this fruit contains only 30 calories!

And precisely because it is so watery, it is also very filling and you will therefore not be inclined to eat too much.

But for 30 calories per 100 grams, you can eat a reasonable portion.

Moreover, watermelon fits into virtually any diet.

Watermelon, for example, fits perfectly into a low-carb diet because it contains only 7 grams of carbohydrates per serving. Additionally, it has virtually no fat and very little protein.

The fruit is perfectly suitable for a detox diet due to its hydrating and diuretic properties.

Although watermelon has a relatively high glycemic index, it will not raise your blood sugar levels too much.

The fruit has a low glycemic load.

That means there are so few carbohydrates that despite the higher glycemic index, there is only a minimal impact on blood sugar levels. Diabetics can therefore also eat watermelon with peace of mind, but of course, in moderation.

Watermelon smoothie

The summer is coming again and there is nothing better than a refreshing smoothie!

The ideal way to enjoy all the health benefits of watermelon is in the form of a watermelon smoothie.

Naturally, you can simply choose to blend some watermelon in your blender into a delicious juice, but if you want even more flavor, health, and hydration, try the following recipe.

Add the following to your blender:

• 1 half cucumber (approximately 150 grams)
• 3 cups watermelon (approximately 500 grams)
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
• a few leaves of fresh mint

Mix everything into a smooth smoothie and pour into two large glasses.

Enjoy your delicious watermelon smoothie!

Finally...

Personally, watermelon is one of my favorite fruits and I can hardly get enough of it.

The benefits of this fruit speak volumes, and if you want to become or stay healthy and slim, then enjoy as much watermelon as you want!

Because the fruit is often only available in the summer, you can freeze it in cubes so you can still enjoy a smoothie in the winter.

Another option is to puree the watermelon and then freeze it in ice cube trays.