Besides being packed with vitamin C, potassium and vitamin B-6, watermelon also contains antioxidant compounds that help fight free radicals that cause cell damage. In addition, it is a rich source of the amino acids citrulline and arginine, both of which have positive effects on the body. Research suggests that watermelon can provide an abundance of benefits, especially for men.
Reduces Prostate Cancer Risk
Watermelon contains the antioxidant lycopene, which might protect against prostate cancer, according to a study conducted by lead author Le Jian and researchers from Curtin University of Technology in Australia. They investigated the relationship between tea and lycopene consumption and prostate cancer risk. The report, which was published in the October 2007 issue of the "Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition," revealed that increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables rich in lycopene reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Treats Type-2 Diabetes
Watermelon's high arginine content might help treat type 2 diabetes. Pietro Lucotti led a team of scientists from the Endocrinology and Metabolic Disease Unit in Milan, Italy, examined the effects of arginine on type 2 diabetics. At the end of the study, which was reported in the November 2006 issue of the "American Journal of Physiology, Endocrinology, and Metabolism," researchers discovered that subjects taking arginine experienced increases in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, both of which help lower high glucose levels associated with diabetes.
Improves Blood Vessel Function
Citrulline found in watermelon may help improve blood vessel function, according to a study conducted by lead author Dr. Bhimu Patil and researchers from Texas A&M University. They discovered that consuming citrulline increases the blood concentration of arginine, which in turn boosts the production of nitric oxide, a gas molecule that helps widen and relax blood vessels. Researchers stated that watermelon might have Viagra-like effects, according to the Science Daily website.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Lead investigator Arturo Figueroa and colleagues from Florida State University investigated the impact of watermelon extract on patients with pre-hypertension. For six weeks, subjects randomly received watermelon extract or a placebo. At the end of the study, researchers found that the watermelon extract group lowered their blood pressure compared to the placebo group. Scientists reported their findings in the October 2010 issue of the "American Journal of Hypertension."
References
- PubMed: Tea and lycopene protect against prostate cancer
- PubMed: Beneficial effects of a long-term oral L-arginine treatment added to a hypocaloric diet and exercise training program in obese, insulin-resistant type 2 diabetic patients
- Science Daily: Watermelon May Have Viagra-Effect
- Science Daily: Watermelon Lowers Blood Pressure, Study Finds
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