The Protective Benefits Of Watermelon

Watermelons are a cool and delicious fruit often associated with summertime picnics. They also provide healthy doses of important nutrients such as lycopene, vitamin A, vitamin B-6 and vitamin C. Consuming watermelon can help keep you cool and hydrated and may contribute to heart health. And because they're versatile, you can include them in cocktails, salsas and desserts.

Hydration

Water and fluids are the best way to keep hydrated, but foods composed of 85 to 95 percent provide fluids as well. Watermelons are made up of 92 percent water, so it's one food that can help prevent dehydration, particularly during the hot summertime months when you sweat to cool down. On hot days, slice watermelon and bag it for a healthy, easy-to-eat snack.

Cardiovascular Benefits

Watermelons are rich in lycopene, a pigment that helps give them their red color, and considered an antioxidant, a class of substances that help fight free-radical damage to cells. Watermelons contain about 20 mg of lycopene in a 2-cup serving. According to the American Dietetic Association, studies have shown a link between lycopene content and cardiovascular health. And the National Watermelon Promotion Board notes that consuming 6 cups of watermelon helps increase the amount of free arginine, an amino acid, in your system, which can help with cardiovascular function.

Normal Body Function

Rich in vitamins A, C, B-6 and E, watermelons help maintain normal body function. Vitamins C and E are considered antioxidants that, like lycopene, help protect cells and prevent free-radical damage. Vitamin A helps promote vision health and normal cell growth, while vitamin C helps form collagen important in muscle, blood vessels and bone maintenance. Vitamin B-6 plays a role in antibody production, helping maintain immunity, and also helps break down protein in the body.

Watermelon Options

Add watermelon to salads and incorporate it into smoothies. You can also freeze watermelon into Popsicles or cubes and use them in drinks or add them to yogurt. You can use watermelon unconventionally, too, such as adding watermelon cubes with walnuts and cinnamon to cream cheese to use as a bagel spread.