Watermelon, low calories, rich in nutrition and saves so many health benefits. Red color in watermelon, indicates that fruit that has binomial name Citrullus lanatus is rich in vitamins, minerals, potassium, beta-carotene, vitamin C and fiber needed by the body. The most amazing benefits is, researchers said, watermelon has effects like viagra. It is based on a study led by Dr. Bhimu Patil of Texas A & M University, said that the compound citruline found in watermelon can help improve blood vessel function.
In the one eighth section of watermelon contains 15 to 20 mg of lycopene. Lycopene not only as an antidote to cancer substances, but also increases the sperm count of up to 67% and improve the structure of the sperm up to 63%. In addition, the presence of lycopene in the body will increase the agility of a man sperm up to 73%. Not only increase the number of sperm, but also capable of storing compound of passion, namely citrulline. These compounds can trigger the production of nitric oxide which plays an important role in improving male sexual performance.
Watermelon Nutrition Facts & Calories Content
Like what we have mentioned above, watermelon is low calorie fruit. Because in every 100 gr of it, contained only 30 calories. Another compunds in watermelon such as 6% sugar and 91% water by weight. As with many other fruits, it is a source of vitamin C. The amino-acid citrulline was first extracted from watermelon and analyzed. Watermelons contain a significant amount of citrulline and after consumption of several kilograms, an elevated concentration is measured in the blood plasma; this could be mistaken for citrullinaemia or other urea cycle disorders.
Watermelon rinds, usually a light green or white color, are also edible and contain many hidden nutrients, but most people avoid eating them due to their unappealing flavor. They are sometimes used as a vegetable. In China, they are stir-fried, stewed or more often pickled. When stir-fried, the skin and fruit is removed, and the rind is cooked with olive oil, garlic, chili peppers, scallions, sugar and rum. Pickled watermelon rind is also commonly consumed in the Southern US. Watermelon juice can be made into wine. Watermelon is mildly diuretic and contains large amounts of carotenoids. Watermelon with red flesh is a significant source of lycopene. Preliminary research indicates the consumption of watermelon may have antihypertensive effects.
Fresh watermelon nutritional value per 100 gr
Based on USDA Nutrient data base
| Energy | 127 kJ (30 kcal) |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 7.55 g |
| - Sugars | 6.2 g |
| - Dietary fiber | 0.4 g |
| Fat | 0.15 g |
| Protein | 0.61 g |
| Water | 91.45 g |
| Vitamin A equiv. | 28 μg (4%) |
| - beta-carotene | 303 μg (3%) |
| Thiamine (vit. B1) | 0.033 mg (3%) |
| Riboflavin (vit. B2) | 0.021 mg (2%) |
| Niacin (vit. B3) | 0.178 mg (1%) |
| Pantothenic acid (B5) | 0.221 mg (4%) |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.045 mg (3%) |
| Choline | 4.1 mg (1%) |
| Vitamin C | 8.1 mg (10%) |
| Calcium | 7 mg (1%) |
| Iron | 0.24 mg (2%) |
| Magnesium | 10 mg (3%) |
| Manganese | 0.038 mg (2%) |
| Phosphorus | 11 mg (2%) |
| Potassium | 112 mg (2%) |
| Sodium | 1 mg (0%) |
| Zinc | 0.1 mg (1%) |
| Lycopene | 4532 µg |
7 Watermelon Benefits For Health
- Preventing cancer: Although there is no research that shows that watermelon may prevent cancer, experts still recommend to eat watermelon as much as possible because this fruit contains beneficial antioxidants to fight free radicals. Watermelon juice is believed to prevent certain cancers such as prostate and colon cancer.
- Watermelon benefits to boost energy: Some experts recommend to consume watermelon juice in the morning for an energy boost. Natural sugar and high water content found in watermelon is very necessary for the body to undergo a day of activity. If you are in a hurry and no time for breakfast, drink a glass of watermelon juice can meet your energy needs.
- Strengthening bones: Watermelon is believed to prevent several bone diseases including arthritis because this fruit contains calcium that strengthens the basic structure of your bones.
- Relieves muscle pain and fatigue: A study suggests that watermelon juice can relieve pain after exercise. Watermelon juice is also believed to normalize heart rate after exercise and reduce muscle fatigue. If consumed before exercising, the juice is claimed to facilitate the circulation of the blood vessels as it contains the amino acid L-cittruline. L-cittruline on watermelon, can be absorbed faster by the body than the L-cittruline from supplements.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals: Same as the other fruits, watermelon is also rich in vitamins and minerals. Watermelon contains vitamins A, B, C, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, antioxidants and other nutrients. Drink a glass of watermelon juice at breakfast can meet your nutritional needs.
- Good for people with heart disease: If you have heart disease or want your cardiovascular system healthy, eat more watermelon juice. Watermelon contains an antioxidant called lycopene, which reduces the inflammation of the blood vessels causes strokes. Lycopene is also able to reduce high blood pressure and diabetes, which is often the cause of heart attacks.
- Improving male fertility: Experiments conducted by All India Institute of Sciencces New Delhi on 30 infertile men by the age of about 23-45. The men were given 20 mg of lycopene twice daily for 3 months. As a result, they have increased sperm count, improved sperm motility, and also an improvement in the structure of the sperm. And of those 30 men, there are 6 of them which then managed to impregnate their wife.
