Watermelon Health Benefits Confirmed by Recent Studies

Watermelons are full of important vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids, according to a recent analysis that was conducted. It also consists of the amino acids citrulline and arginine, which are both precursors to nitric oxide, a chemical that helps regulate blood pressure, lipids, and glucose levels. Watermelon is also high in polyphenols and carotenoids, particularly lycopene. The benefits of citrulline and nitric oxide, found in watermelons, indicate that this fruit may help maintain normal cardio-metabolic health.

According to the recent research, watermelon includes important vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids. It also contains the amino acids citrulline and arginine, which are both precursors to nitric oxide, a chemical that helps regulate blood pressure, lipids, and glucose levels. Watermelon is also high in polyphenols and carotenoids, particularly lycopene. Moreover, Burton-Freeman and his colleagues examined preclinical and clinical trial evidence, published between 2000 and 2020, to assess the effects of watermelon consumption. In addition, citrulline, a signature compound found in watermelon, was also assessed in regards to cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes. All these studies aid to identify important future directions for dietary recommendations.

Watermelon delivers a combination of nutrients and phytochemicals that work across several mechanisms to generate biological responses.  Polyphenols, lycopene, potassium, and magnesium all have a role in these cardio-metabolic effects, as do citrulline and arginine. To ascertain the level of appropriate intake for clinical results, more study is needed, as well as studies in a variety of demographics. To help identify the level of appropriate intake, more research on the whole fruit and its products (such as juice) is required. Additional potential benefits of watermelon eating, such as body weight control (perhaps through satiety pathways), glucose regulation, and brain and gastrointestinal health, were identified in the study and need further investigation.

Low fruit intake is one of three dietary factors associated with death from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM), as are high salt intake and low whole-grain intake. These dietary factors affect people regardless of age, sex and other socio-demographic variables. Recent research also shows that eating a variety of fruit helps reduce the risk of T2DM, while the amount of fruit and the type of fruit selected provide cardiovascular benefits.

Article by: Hari Yellina (Orchard Tech)