Is Watermelon Good for You?

Watermelon is easily one of the most fun fruits to eat with its built in slices and bowls. Its perfectly spitable seeds make it a favorite at the local county fair, too. But just how good is watermelon for you? Some concern has been raised regarding the amount of natural sugar found in watermelon. In this article we will discuss nutritional facts about watermelon as well as look at watermelon benefits for diabetics and pregnant women.

Nutritional facts about watermelon.

You may never have thought to wonder about the calories in watermelon. On average, one cup of watermelon contains 46 calories.  Not bad considering you can burn those 46 calories by walking for 13 minutes, jogging for 5 minutes, swimming for 4 minutes, or cycling for 7 minutes.

Any concern regarding the amount of calories in watermelon can easily be off set by the plethora of vitamins and antioxidants available in this amazing fruit. Here is just a sample of what you can find in watermelon:

  1. Citrulline is an amino-acid used in the nitric oxide system to fight fatigue and stress.
  2. Lycopene helps reduce the risk of prostate and oral cancers. Often found in red fruits and vegetables, the watermelon contains the highest content of lycopene.
  3. Vitamin B6 boosts metabolism, improves the skin, and strengthens the immune system.
  4. Vitamin C also boosts the immune system, protects cells from damage, and prevents cataracts. Watermelon can be a welcome alternative source of vitamin C from citric fruits.
  5. Vitamin A fights infections and contributes to the immune system. It also helps the skin retain moisture and cleans out toxins.

    Is watermelon good for diabetics?

    The rate at which the carbohydrates of a particular food turns into sugar is referred to as the glycemic index. Watermelon contains a glycemic index of 70 or more, making it a “high” glycemic food. However, the glycemic load of watermelon is only a 4, which is considered to be low. The glycemic load is the sum of the carbohydrate food multiplied by the glycemic index. This measures how fast the blood sugar levels are affected.

    What this means for diabetics, is that watermelon should be eaten with intentional moderation. It is best to try small portions at a time, and monitor blood sugar levels. Over an extended period, a diabetic can measure how watermelon will affect them personally.

    Is watermelon good for pregnant women?

    Watermelon has been found to be a great benefit to pregnant women. Not only is it a cool, refreshing, healthy snack, but watermelon also eases heartburn and reduces swelling. Morning sickness can be eased by watermelon’s high water and fruit sugar content, too. As if that wasn’t enough, minerals found in watermelon can help prevent muscle cramping in the third trimester, and its abundance  of lycopene can lower the occurrence of preeclampsia.  Preeclampsia is  characterized by high blood pressure and fluid retention.

    Watermelon has been a favorite among fruits throughout history all over the world, and for good reason. The health tips in this article are just the beginning. So don’t hesitate to participate in that watermelon eating contest, or seed spitting contest. Not only is it fun, it’s healthy for us all.

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    5. Are Protein Shakes Good For You?


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