Watermelons are a fruit. We all know that. Some people don't exactly know what they're eating, but just eating it because they're told it is healthy for you.
Not surprisingly, watermelon contains a hefty amount of vitamin C-21% of the daily recommended value that helps our immune system produce antibodies to fight disease.
There's also a 17% daily value of vitamin A, boosting eye health and preventing such diseases as macular degeneration and cataracts. The vitamin B6 content helps form red blood cells and assure our nerves will function as they should. Our body uses vitamin B6 to help breakdown proteins, so the more protein is consumed, the more vitamin B6 is needed. Although potassium is relatively small amount in watermelon, it helps balance fluids in our cells.
One of the natural chemical in watermelon is citrulline, which converts in the kidney into arginine, an amino acid that works hard for heart health and maintain a good immune system. The more this conversion takes place, the less fat is apt to accumulate in the cells, helping to keep obesity and type2 diabetes from becoming issues.
The antioxidant lycopene is the star player in the watermelon, a compound now known to have more in tomatoes, pink grapefruit and guavas. But in watermelon lycopene gives it more reddish color as well as antioxidant properties. Besides, lycopene discourages inflammation and important for maintaining strong health bones.
Another anti-inflammatory phytonutrient in watermelon is cucurbitacin E or tripterpinoid, which blocks the activity of pain, fever and inflammation causing enzyme cyclooxynase. Cucurbitacin E also neutralize nitrogen-containing molecules in the body.
The nutrients are very similar throughout the entire watermelon and not concentrated in the darker red center as some people believe. In fact, the white rind, which isn't normally eaten has some of the highest nutrient concentrations. However, consume watermelon in moderation because it contains fructose, which may be harmful to our health in excessive amounts.
