Watermelons can be described as a fruit with a hard ring which has a red interior that fades to a pink colour towards the rind.
Along with cucumbers, they are members of the Cucurbitaceous family and exist in five different varieties which are seeded, seedless, mini, yellow and orange.
Experts have provided a guideline that aids in selecting healthy watermelons, an activity that many people struggle with.
The heaviest fruit is said to be the juiciest. A deeper hollow sound is a symbol of a well ripe watermelon while the site of a yellow spot signifies that the fruit took enough time to mature from the field.
A healthy watermelon is made up of 90 per cent water, six per cent sugar, lycopene, manganese, Vitamin C and 0.15 grams of fat. Citrulline, an amino acid is found in the fruit’s rind.
Lycopene, a carotenoid, is a compound that has antioxidant properties. It is the substance behind the red to pink colour found in watermelons as well as tomatoes among other foods.
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This compound plays a huge role in increasing sperm count, therefore, alleviating infertility amongst the male species. Increased intake of the said compound reduces the odds of erectile dysfunction and prostate cancer.
Consuming a piece of watermelon after a long sunny day cools the body down and reduces the rate of dehydration. This can be attributed to its high water content property.
Vitamin C, which boosts collagen production that improves skin elasticity and blood flow to the skin, in conjunction with the said water content aid in healing and preventing dry skin.
Citrulline helps reduce muscle damage. Athletes who consume enough watermelon juice experience rare cases of muscle soreness.
The compound increases muscle performance by ensuring adequate blood flow and oxygen distribution to the muscles in use while exercising.
Watermelon is a high FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols) fruit meaning it contains short-chain sugars that some people can’t handle.
Those suffering from diabetes are advised to regulate the intake of watermelon since it can introduce some of these sugars into their body.