A whole watermelon is about 90 percent water. The combination of its water content and its sweet flavor make watermelon a delicious fruit to juice. One wedge of watermelon contains just 86 calories, 1.7 g of protein, 21 g of carbs and nearly no fat. Antioxidants, vitamins and minerals abound in watermelon. In fact, watermelon may even help to reduce your blood pressure.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants work to protect your body against free radical cells. Pollution, metabolism and digestion all produce free radical cells, which can cause conditions like heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants combat free radicals, neutralizing them and keeping them from harming your body. Watermelon contains all of the different antioxidant vitamins, including beta-carotene, vitamins A, C and E, lutein, lycopene and selenium.
Blood Pressure
An amino acid inside watermelon can help lower blood pressure, according to a study conducted at Florida State University in 2010. Watermelon contains the amino acid citruline which is almost like the amino acid arginine that helps form nitric oxide inside your body. Nitric oxide is crucial in controlling blood pressure because it influences the dilation and constriction of your vessels. In the study, nine hypertensive subjects received watermelon extract for six weeks. At the end of the study, all nine participants had a lower blood pressure.
Vitamins and Minerals
The juice of a watermelon contains an abundance of nutrients. Minerals include calcium, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, fluoride and selenium. A watermelon also has vitamins C, B6, E and K as well as beta-carotene, choline, folate, lycopene and lutein.
Choosing Your Watermelon
Choose a heavy watermelon to juice; the heavier it is, the more juice it has. Your watermelon should be firm and symmetrical in its round shape. Choose a melon that is a rich green color but has a whitish yellow spot from sitting on the ground, ripening in the sun. The watermelon should be free from bruises, cuts or scrapes.
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