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Watermelon Benefits

By | May 29th, 2016 | Modified - May 29th, 2016
Watermelon Benefits
Watermelon Benefits

Watermelon benefits the body in numerous ways because it is loaded with water and health supporting nutrients.

Anti-Cancer

Watermelons contain an antioxidant substance called lycopene which fights various types of cancer. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant, which means it stops damage free-radicals cause to cells by stealing their electrons.

This causes the aging of cells and damage in various ways the can result in the formation of cancer cells. Scientific studies have shown that lycopene reduces the risk of many cancers including stomach, prostate, and lung cancer, and also breast, cervix, mouth, pancreas, and colon cancer to a lesser extent.[1][2][3][4]

More: Watermelons join a long list of alkaline foods on the Dr. Sebi Nutritional Guide »

Relieve Muscle Soreness

Watermelons contain an amino aid called citrulline (l-citrulline) that the body turns into another amino acid called arginine. The body uses an enzyme called nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and arginine to produce nitric oxide (NO).

Nitric oxide relaxes the smooth muscles in the blood vessels which increases oxygen and nutrient delivery to muscles, allowing them to heal faster.

Increase Blood Circulation

The increase in nitric oxide through the increased consumption citrulline relaxes and widens blood vessels, which increases blood circulation and oxygen and nutrient delivery to cells.

Reduce Blood Pressure

The consumption of watermelon’s citrulline amino acid leads to the relaxation of blood vessels which helps to reduce and normalize blood pressure.

Penis Erection Support

Erectile dysfunction stems from poor delivery of blood to the penis, commonly due to the development of hardened arteries caused by plaque buildup in the artery walls.

The arteries become less flexible and the diameter of the opening of the arteries become smaller. Citrulline stimulation of nitric oxide production helps to relax the walls of arteries to increase circulation to the penis, which is what causes and sustains an erection.

Supports Proper Hydration

One of the major causes of disease is the lack of water consumption. The body is made up of roughly 70% water, and all of the cells of the body need water to support metabolic function.

Most people are dehydrated on some level because of the lack of consumption of water or foods that contain a lot of water like fruits and vegetables.

Watermelons are made up of around 90% water and numerous electrolytes to support proper hydration.

Natural Diuretic

Watermelons are a natural diuretic, which means they promote increased urination and removal of water and waste from the body, which helps to support kidney health.

The important thing to remember when consuming diuretics is to consume the daily recommended value for water, which is around one gallon a day.

Keeping the body hydrated will replace water that is removed and needed by the body. Watermelons are a natural diuretic and they also add water to the body at the same time to promote a continuous cycle of hydration and cleaning.

Rind and Seeds

The whole whole melon is edible which means you can eat the rind and seeds. The rind is concentrated with lycopene, citrulline, and other nutrients.

In general nutrients are concentrated in the skin of fruits because that is how the fruit protects the meat of the fruit from environmental damage.

Watermelon seeds are good sources of nutrients including protein, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, copper, and folate.

More: How To Choose A Watermelon »

Sources:
[1] 3. Giovannuccci E. Tomatoes, tomato-based products, lycopene, and cancer: review of the epidemiologic literature. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1999;91:317-331.
[2] AICR HealthTalk
[3] Prostate Cancer, Nutrition, and Dietary Supplements (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version
[4] Lycopene, and Cancer: Review of the Epidemiologic Literature

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Alklaine Plant Based Diet
Alklaine Plant Based Diet

About Author:

Aqiyl Aniys is the author of the book Alkaline Herbal Medicine, the Alkaline Plant Based Diet book, and the children's book, Faith and Justice eat an Alkaline Plant Based Diet." He received a certificate in plant-based nutrition from Cornell University, a BA in Organizational Behavior and Communications from NYU, worked as an elementary school teacher, and studied social work. He enjoys boxing, kick boxing, cycling, power walking, and basically anything challenging, and his alkaline plant-based diet supports all that he does. Learn more about transitioning to avegan diet using the Dr. Sebi nutritional guide.

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