Watermelon is fresh and less sweet unique food. Once you eat watermelon, it permeates your body which has been exhausted by strong sunlight and heat. It’s like an oasis in the desert. In recent years, new research has been announced one after another that watermelon has positive impact on health, and the juice is attracting a lot of attention among celebrities, expecting the effects on swelling, dieting and detoxification. I would like to take a look at what kind of nutrition watermelon has, and what type of benefits are expected for health and beauty from watermelon.
Why is watermelon juice so popular?
It is said that American singer Beyoncé has sparked the popularity of watermelon juice. Beyoncé invested in a watermelon juice brand called “WTRMLN WTR” and became a business partner. WTRMLN WTR uses a process called “cold pressing,” in which watermelon and lemon are squeezed slowly under pressure without adding water or sugar, which locks in nutrients that are easily destroyed by heat.
Watermelon juice, which is expected to be highly effective in terms of beauty and health, is popular with not only Beyonce but also among Hollywood stars and overseas celebrities who are highly conscious of beauty, diet and health. In addition, fashion magazines and business magazines reported on it, and models, celebrities, and young people began to post pictures of themselves with watermelon juice on Twitter and Instagram, which led to an explosive popularity.
Nutrition of watermelon
More than 90% of watermelon is water, but it includes some important nutrition such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Lycopene
The red pigment contained in the red watermelon is called Lycopene. It is known to suppress active oxygen, which is said to cause arteriosclerosis and cancer, to damage beautiful skin. Animal experiments at Kyoto University in Japan also reported that Lycopene has an effect on burning fat. Watermelon contains 1.5 times more Lycopene than tomatoes.
Potassium
Potassium is said to have an effect on diuretic and recovery from fatigue. It is expected to prevent and improve swelling. It is also effective in preventing cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, increases the accumulation of calcium in bones, which means that will be effective in preventing osteoporosis. Potassium contained 240mg in 200g of watermelon.
Citrulline
Citrulline is one of the amino acids. It has a diuretic effect that removes waste products and harmful substances from our body, and is expected to improve swelling in the hands and feet.
Beta-carotene
Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A in the body, promoting metabolism and preventing skin aging. The amount of beta-carotene contained is 1600 μg per 200 g of watermelon.
Vitamin C
Watermelon contains vitamin C, which is involved in the synthesis of collagen fibers and increases skin elasticity.
Benefit of Watermelon: Swelling, Beauty and Diet
One of the most commonly heard benefit of watermelon is swelling. This comes from the thought about the nutrition contained in watermelon (such as Citrulline and Potassium). Excreting waste products prevent excess water from being stored. Excess fluid excretion may lead to weight loss. In recent years, there are research results that Lycopene contained in watermelon has a fat burning effect, so it is also expected to have a diet effect.
It also contains necessary nutrition (Lycopene, β-carotene, Vitamin C) for maintaining youthful skin, therefore it is expected to have beauty effects. This is strong benefit for women, especially. However, it is not enough to eat only watermelon. It is essential to have a well-balanced diet.
In addition, it has been reported that if athletes drink watermelon juice before intense training, it is suppressed to increase heart rate and the muscle pain of the next day is alleviated. This is due to the action of the amino acid L-citrulline, which is abundant in watermelon. L-citrulline turns into an essential amino acid called L-arginine in the body, relaxes blood vessels, and promotes blood flow. This is attractive benefit for athlete people.
Reference: Watermelon Juice: Potential Functional Drink for Sore Muscle Relief in Athletes.
Summary
- Watermelon has positive impact on health and beauty.
- It includes some important nutrition.
- Benefit of watermelon is for swelling, diet, beautiful skin, hear rate and muscle pain.
Spending too much time in an air-conditioned place or lack of exercise cause swelling. Watermelon juice might be a handy remedy. Many people consume protein juices and sports drinks after exercising, however switching to watermelon juice during the hot summer may be effective as physical energy is consumed more than usual.
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