Watermelon, juicy and delicious, is one of the most consumed fruits in Morocco, especially during the summer season. This iconic fruit is known for its hydration benefits but also several other high nutritional values. Here are a few.
Watermelon, being composed of 92% water, allows you to refresh yourself with relish when it is hot. Several researchers and specialists have found that this fruit has a lot of benefits and health benefits, consumed as it is or in the form of juice.
According to studies published on the specialized site Nutrients, children and adults who consume watermelon had an intake of dietary fiber, potassium, magnesium, vitamin A 5% higher than others.
Their levels of added sugars and total saturated fatty acids were also 5% lower, while their levels of lycopene and other carotenoids were higher. Additionally, the researchers noted that their findings show that watermelon consumption may also be linked to meeting general dietary recommendations.
It seems that researchers have found the cardiometabolic health benefits of watermelon in particular. That is, heart health and the fight against metabolic diseases.
Scientists have speculated that autonomic dysfunction, which occurs when nerves in the autonomic nervous system are damaged, is linked to the development of cardiometabolic diseases. Heart rate variability (HRV), i.e. the variation of two consecutive heartbeats, is a simple and reliable method to assess autonomic dysfunction.
Prior to this new research, studies had shown that nitrates and beet juice could improve HRV. Since watermelons are rich in citrulline and arginine, researchers decided to study the effect of drinking watermelon juice on HRV after a large ingestion of glucose, and found that drinking this juice protects against deterioration. HRV after high sugar intake.
Some people do not consider watermelon as part of a heart-healthy diet due to its high sugar content. However, fruit sugars have a low glycemic index, which means they affect blood sugar less than sugars from other sources. Additionally, the high fiber and water content of the fruit may also lessen the effects on blood sugar when eaten in moderation.
In addition, watermelon contains several heart-healthy bioactive compounds. Lycopene, for example, has antioxidant properties and has been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease and stroke.
On the other hand, the high potassium content of watermelon can help regulate blood pressure. Its high water content ensures adequate hydration, which is essential to indirectly maintain blood viscosity and reduce thrombosis.
Finally, the vitamin C present in watermelon promotes endothelial health, thus preserving the integrity of blood vessels. It also contains many other vitamins and minerals that can have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, such as beta-carotene, vitamin B6, magnesium and folic acid.