Watermelon is a refreshing fruit, tasty and properties that are essential to keep our body healthy. It is composed of approximately 93% water and has low calorie. A slice is roughly equivalent to 33 calories, which classifies it as light, but complete. Learn more benefits of watermelon and know why it is so important to consume the fruit.
Rich in nutrients very important for our body, in watermelon fibers are found, carbohydrates, vitamins A, C and B6, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron. The reddish color of the flesh has a high concentration of a powerful antioxidant called lycopene, which neutralizes free radicals (harmful substances to the body and largely responsible for skin aging).
It also helps in improving insulin sensitivity and helps prevent diseases such as hypertension, prostate cancer, endometrium, lung and breast.
Add watermelon in food also helps keep the body hydrated always due to its large amount of water and collaborates with lowering cholesterol, rheumatoid arthritis and ortoartrite.
Besides the benefits of watermelon, the fruit seeds also should not be overlooked, since they have nutritional properties that are good for health. They are rich in zinc, a mineral that helps increase the body’s immunity and fatty acids, which contribute to the proper functioning of metabolism regulating hormones.
The sweet taste of watermelon comes from fructose, natural sugar source of carbohydrate that works in the body as a store of energy, helping the optimal functioning of the brain, nerves, bone marrow and red blood cells. For being free of fat and cholesterol, watermelon helps regulate blood pressure by preventing the body from arrhythmias and being essential for muscle contraction. It is also responsible for bringing water molecules into the cells helping to lower body temperature.
Watermelon can also influence the sex life. It contains citrulline, the amino acid to be consumed is converted to arginine which has the function of improving circulation, increase
nitric oxide production, effective in relaxation of blood vessels by promoting the improvement in libido and helping to prevent male sexual impotence.
And it does not end here. It is rich in water and natural sugars, the fruit also contributes to make body fluids such as saliva, vaginal secretions and semen sweeter and fragrant.
No resist a slice of watermelon ice, especially on days when the temperature is high. But according to studies of lycopene and beta-carotene properties when consumed present in the fruit at room temperature are even better. So the ideal is to let the watermelon few minutes outside the refrigerator before consuming it. To save after opening and prevent the loss of vitamins due to the exposure to light and oxygen, as well pack watermelon and place in refrigerator.
Watermelon can be consumed in various ways, whether natural, in juice form, added in fruit salad or even as a tasty mousse for dessert, will the creativity and taste of each. Just do not forget to consume the seed, which is rich in vitamins.