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7 Health Benefits of Watermelon

Updated: May 25


pitcher of green tea with watermelon

While July is National Watermelon Month, we celebrate this delicious fruit all summer long! Made up of over 90% water, watermelons are packed with nutrients. This refreshing fruit has significant levels of vitamins A, B6 and C, lots of lycopene, antioxidants, amino acids and helps with muscle soreness! All in all, watermelons are scrumptious, loaded with health benefits and the perfect post workout food.

7 Health Benefits of Watermelon from livescience.com


a slice of watermelon with a heart cut out of it

1. Heart Health Watermelon’s high levels of lycopene are very effective at protecting cells from damage and may help lower the risk of heart disease, according to a study at Purdue University. Also, the fruit’s concentrations of citrulline and arginine are good for your heart. Arginine can help improve blood flow and may help reduce the accumulation of excess fat. A study published in the American Journal of Hypertension found that watermelon extracts helped reduce hypertension and lower blood pressure in obese adults.


slices of red watermelon

2. Anti-inflammatory Properties

Lycopene is an inhibitor for various inflammatory processes and also works as an antioxidant to neutralize free radicals. Additionally, the watermelon contains choline, which helps keep chronic inflammation down, according to a 2006 article published in Shock medical journal.





a red watermelon smoothie in glass cup and red straw

3. Hydration

Watermelons can help you stay hydrated. Their water content can help keep you hydrated, and their juice is full of good electrolytes. This can even help prevent heat stroke.









lime green image that says watermelon recipes

slices of watermelon in bowl

4. Digestion

The watermelon contains fiber, which encourages a healthy digestive tract and helps keep you regular.










perfectly round cuts of red watermelon

5. Skin and Hair Benefits

Vitamin A is stellar for your skin, and just a cup of watermelon contains nearly one-quarter of your daily recommended intake of it. Vitamin A helps keep skin and hair moisturized, and it also encourages healthy growth of new collagen and elastin cells, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Vitamin C is also beneficial in this regard, as it promotes healthy collagen growth.



bowl of cubed watermelon with mint

6. Muscle Soreness

Watermelon-loving athletes are in luck: drinking watermelon juice before an intense workout helps reduce next-day muscle soreness and heart rate, according to a 2013 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. This can be attributed to watermelon’s amino acids citrulline and arginine, which help improve circulation.


plate of sliced watermelon

7. Cancer prevention

Like other fruits and vegetables, watermelons may be helpful in reducing the risk of cancer through their antioxidant properties. Lycopene in particular has been linked to reducing prostate cancer cell proliferation, according to the National Cancer Institute.





Watermelon is a tasty after dinner sweet treat and is also great in salads, soups, drinks, smoothies, frozen treats and more. Remember all the reasons why watermelon is wonderful and pack it for your next picnic or include it in your summertime meals!


image of women working out and having fun

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