Watermelon, also known as patilla or water melon, is a fresh fruit from the Citrullus lanatus plant , which is native to Africa. This fruit is characterized by its attractive color and refreshing flavor, which is why it is widely consumed during hot times.

In addition to this, several studies have shown that watermelon provides great health benefits, since it contains many properties, vitamins and minerals that are ideal for relieving muscle pain, taking care of the heart, strengthening the skin and it is even an ideal fruit for include in the daily diet because it helps to promote digestion and therefore helps to lose weight.

Watermelon benefits

Watermelon is not only characterized by being a refreshing fruit with a very particular flavor, but it also contains nutrients that provide many benefits to the body, among which the following stand out:

Relieves muscle aches

According to several studies, watermelon contains amino acids such as L-citrulline that serve to relieve muscle pain. Therefore, it turns out to be a good ally for those who practice sports, as it helps their muscles relax and obtain energy.

On the other hand, it also helps relax muscles in times of stress.

Ideal for the skin

Watermelon is a fruit that provides many benefits for the skin, as it contains antioxidant properties and vitamins that help keep it radiant and hydrated. In addition, it is ideal to avoid impurities and aging, because it regenerates the cells that are on the surface of the skin.

Rich source of hydration

Another benefit of this great fruit is that it helps replenish fluids. This is because watermelon contains more than 90% water, which makes it ideal for maintaining hydration.

Prevents cancer

Watermelon has an antioxidant effect and contains a substance known as lycopene, all of which makes it very helpful in combating the formation of cancer-causing free radicals.

Helps cleanse the body

Watermelon contains cleansing properties that serve to eliminate toxic waste accumulated in the body, which helps to keep the body cleaner and detoxified. It should be mentioned that this quality is also ideal for weight loss.

Lowers blood pressure

This fruit contains many nutrients that serve to lower blood pressure, which is ideal since it prevents problems such as heart attacks.

Favors digestion

Thanks to the properties that watermelon contains, and its high content of water and fiber, it is an excellent fruit for the digestive system, as it helps to promote digestion; thus avoiding constipation.

Treat erectile diffusion

Due to the properties and amino acids that watermelon contains, it promotes proper blood circulation in the body; which is why it is considered the ” natural viagra “, since it is ideal to combat erectile diffusion.

Watermelon for weight loss is an excellent option

Watermelon contains a large amount of water and is low in calories, in addition, thanks to its properties, it helps to accelerate the metabolism; favoring fat loss. That is why this fruit is ideal for those who want to lose weight.

Watermelon properties

Watermelon is made up mostly of water, so it doesn’t contain many calories. In addition, it is rich in vitamins and minerals as well as a wide variety of properties that make it an ideal fruit for the body, since it offers many benefits to those who consume it.

Among the vitamins and minerals it contains are:

Vitamins:

  • Vitamin A.
  • Vitamin B1, B5 and B6.
  • C vitamin.
  • Vitamin E.

Minerals:

  • Football.
  • Copper.
  • Sodium.
  • Potassium.
  • Iron.
  • Magnesium.
  • Manganese.
  • Zinc.
  • Match.

Likewise, watermelon has many properties that are beneficial for health, among which the following stand out:

  • Antioxidant
  • Diuretics.
  • Anti-inflammatory.
  • Purifying.

Ways to consume watermelon

This delicious tropical fruit can be consumed at any time of the day and in various ways, in order to obtain the benefits it provides. However, it is advisable to do it in a moderate way because an excess of watermelon could cause adverse reactions.

Among the most prominent ways to consume watermelon are:

  • Dessert: the best way to consume watermelon is in its natural form as a dessert, since it turns out to be a good refreshing option to accompany meals. For this, you just have to wash the fruit well and cut it into slices or triangles, it can also be combined with other fruits.
  • Salad: watermelon can be used in small pieces as an ingredient in different salad recipes.
  • Juices: another good option to take advantage of the benefits of watermelon is through Juices. It is ideal to eat it fresh or with crushed ice for hot days, since this fruit is very refreshing.
  • Cold cream: watermelon is being used as an ingredient in different recipes, such as cold creams, since it provides freshness and an ideal flavor.
  • Creamy ice creams: a fairly simple but at the same time very refreshing and nutritious option is to make watermelon ice creams, ideal for those hot days.

Watermlon contraindications: In which cases is it not recommended?

Watermelon is a fruit that, thanks to its properties, provides many benefits, however, its excessive consumption can be harmful for some people. That is why watermelon is contraindicated for the following cases:

Patients with hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia is a condition in which potassium levels in the blood are very high, and it can cause very serious cardiovascular effects. Therefore an excessive consumption of watermelon is not recommended for patients who suffer from this condition, because it is a fruit that contains a lot of potassium.

People with low blood pressure or hypotension

Because watermelon has the effect of lowering blood pressure, it is not recommended that people who have low blood pressure or hypotension consume this fruit a lot, since they could manifest feelings of weakness or fainting.

Diabetics

An excessive consumption of watermelon can be harmful for people who suffer from diabetes, because it favors the increase in blood sugar.

What side effects can watermelon produce?

Watermelon offers great benefits to those who consume it and therefore, it is considered a very safe fruit; however, due to its components, excessive consumption could cause some negative health effects.

Among the adverse effects that it can cause are the following:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea.
  • Indigestion.
  • Abdominal distension.
  • Increased heart rate
  • Allergies

Conclusion: Is it advisable to consume watermelon?

Including the consumption of watermelon in the daily diet is very favorable, because it contains many properties, minerals and vitamins that provide great benefits for the body. However, it is important not to exceed its consumption, since even though it is a very healthy fruit, it can cause negative effects on the health of some people; That is why it is advisable to consume adequate portions of the fruit and in combination with others, in order to avoid possible health complications.

Samantha Robson
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Dr. Samantha Robson ( CRN: 0510146-5) is a nutritionist and website content reviewer related to her area of ​​expertise. With a postgraduate degree in Nutrition from The University of Arizona, she is a specialist in Sports Nutrition from Oxford University and is also a member of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.

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