National Watermelon Day Part 2

Health benefits of watermelons continued! The only thing we love more than all of the positive healthy aspects of watermelon, is eating it in creative ways! Check out this fun tutorial for how to make a watermelon basket at home!

Contains Compounds that May Help Prevent Cancer:

There is evidence that the lycopene found in watermelon is associated with lower risk of cancer of the digestive system. Studies indicate that lycopene can reduce cancer risk by lowering insulin-like growth factor (IGF), a protein involved in cell division. High IGF levels are linked to cancer. Also, cucurbitacin E is being studied for its ability to inhibit tumor growth.

Improve Heart Health:

The antioxidant lycopene that is found in watermelon may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and helps to prevent oxidative damage to cholesterol.

Choose Watermelon to Prevent Heart Attacks:

According to studies, lycopene may help reduce stiffness and thickness of artery walls. Watermelon also contains citrulline, an amino acid that may increase nitric oxide levels in the body. Nitric oxide helps your blood vessels expand, which lowers blood pressure. Both of these antioxidants found in watermelon working together helps promote heart health!

Lowers Inflammation and Oxidative Stress:

As we know, inflammation is a key driver of many chronic diseases. Watermelon may help lower inflammation and oxidative damage, as it’s rich in the anti-inflammatory antioxidants lycopene and vitamin C. In addition, the antioxidant lycopene may also benefit brain health. For example, it may help delay the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Important for Eye Health:

Lycopene is found in several parts of the eye where it helps protect against oxidative damage and inflammation. It may also prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is a common eye problem that can cause blindness in older adults. Lycopene’s role as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound may help prevent AMD from developing and getting worse.

Helps Relieve Muscle Soreness:

Watermelon juice has some potential as a recovery beverage after exercise. Citrulline may be partially responsible for its effect of easing muscle soreness.

Good for Skin and Hair:

Two vitamins in watermelon — A and C — are important for skin and hair health. Vitamin C helps your body make collagen, a protein that keeps your skin supple and your hair strong. Vitamin A is also important for healthy skin since it helps create and repair skin cells. Without enough vitamin A, your skin can look dry and flaky. Both lycopene and beta-carotene may also help protect your skin from sunburn. We KNEW there was a special reason behind eating watermelon during the summer!