Facts about watermelon
Watermelon is related to the cantaloupe, squash, pumpkin, and other plants that grow on vines on the ground, and is actually a vegetable, not a fruit. It contains 92% water and 8% sugar.
The lycopene (an antioxidant) content of watermelon is similar to that of raw tomatoes. A one-cup serving of watermelon contains roughly the same about of lycopene as two medium-sized tomatoes. Watermelons are also a good source of Beta-carotene. watermelon rind is a natural source of citrulline, an amino acid that promotes nitric oxide production, improving blood flow through the arteries.
Studies have found that consumption of watermelon can reduce the risk of certain cancers. Research carried out in Korea found that men with a high intake of watermelon, along with other fruit, had a lower risk of colorectal cancer. Another study found that those who consumed watermelon, along with other foods high in carotenoids, had a lower risk of prostate cancer.
Tips on Using Watermelon
Every part of the watermelon is edible, even the seeds and rind.
Whole melons will keep for 7 to 10 days at room temperature.
When cut, cover the cut surface of the watermelon with plastic wrap and keep refrigerated.
Unripe watermelons should be avoided as they can be slightly acidic.
Watermelon Lowers Blood Pressure, Study Finds
The watermelon is a deliciously sweet and refreshing fruit that is packed with nutrients. Regularly eating watermelon is an excellent way to replenish and hydrate the body - and now there's more. Evidence from a pilot study suggests that watermelon can be an effective natural weapon that lowers blood pressure and is linked to protecting against pre hypertension, a precursor to cardiovascular disease.
Researchers reported that amino acids found in the fruit improved the performance of arteries and lowered blood pressure in each of nine subjects with pre hypertension.
Study Details
In the first investigation of its kind in humans, scientists found that when six grams of the amino acid L-citrulline / L-arginine from watermelon extract was administered daily for six weeks, there was improved arterial function and consequently lowered aortic blood pressure in all nine of their pre hypertensive subjects.
"We are the first to document improved aortic hemodynamics in pre hypertensive but otherwise healthy middle-aged men and women receiving therapeutic doses of watermelon," one of the authors said.
"These findings suggest that this 'functional food' has a vasodilatory effect, and one that may prevent pre hypertension from progressing to full-blown hypertension, a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.
"Given the encouraging evidence generated by this preliminary study, we hope to continue the research and include a much larger group of participants in the next round," he said.
Why watermelon?
The amino acid L-arginine is essential to maintaining healthy blood pressure, and as one of the study authors explained:
"Watermelon is the richest edible natural source of L-citrulline, which is closely related to L-arginine, the amino acid required for the formation of nitric oxide essential to the regulation of vascular tone and healthy blood pressure."
Once in the body, the L-citrulline is converted into L-arginine. Simply consuming L-arginine as a dietary supplement isn't an option for many hypertensive adults, because it can cause nausea, gastrointestinal tract discomfort, and diarrhea.
In contrast, the study revealed no adverse effects from subjects eating watermelon, which is rich in a compound that is converted to L-arginine once inside the body. And, in addition to the benefits of citrulline, watermelon provides abundant amounts of vitamins A, B6, C, and is one of the richest sources of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
Watermelon Is Replenishing and Rich in Antioxidants
Deliciously sweet and refreshing, the watermelon is a tasty thirst-quenching summer fruit that is also packed with the antioxidants Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Eating this juicy fruit is an excellent way to replenish and rehydrate the body, and watermelon contains minerals that help the body to use its fluid most effectively. The scholar Ibn al-Qayyim mentioned the cleansing properties of watermelon, especially when eaten before food, in his Prophetic Medicine.
Watermelon has also been associated with reducing the inflammation that contributes to conditions like asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer, and arthritis.
Watermelon is related to the cantaloupe, squash and pumpkin, other plants that also grow on vines on the ground. Watermelons can be round, oblong or spherical in shape and have thick green rinds that are often spotted or striped. They range in size from a few pounds to upward of ninety pounds.
Although watermelon contains about 92% water, it is also an excellent source of Vitamin C and a very good source of Vitamin A, through its concentration of Beta-carotene. The lycopene content of watermelon is comparable to what is found in raw tomatoes. A one-cup serving of watermelon contains about the same amount of lycopene as two medium-sized tomatoes. Studies also suggest that the body's ability to absorb lycopene in fresh watermelon may be comparable to that in tomato juice, which is considered the optimal source of lycopene. Lycopene is a potent carotenoid that has been found to protect against certain cancers, heart disease, age-related macular degeneration and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Another key nutrient found in water melon is vitamin B, especially B1 (thiamine) and B6 (pyridoxine). The B-vitamins provide energy, and thiamine in particular is important for a healthy nervous system. Pyridoxine, or vitamin B6 is essential for aiding enzymes that convert food into energy.
Health Benefits
Colorectal Cancer
A human case-control study conducted in Korea found that men with a high intake of watermelon, along with other fruit, had a lower risk of colorectal cancer.
Prostate cancer
Another human study involving 130 patients with prostate cancer found that those who consumed watermelon, along with other foods high in carotenoids, had a lower risk of prostate cancer.
Tips for Using Watermelon
Every part of a watermelon is edible, even the seeds and rind.
Unlike many fruits, watermelon loses little of its nutritional value when its cut, so slices can be kept in the fridge for a few days.
Whole melons will keep for 7 to 10 days at room temperature.
The sweetness of watermelon works well with the salty taste of feta cheese. Try combining cubes of watermelon with feta cheese, olives, basil and mint for a tasty, refreshing salad.
From : Ibn al-Qayyim Source: Healthy Muslim