#SandiaFashionLovers, today we’re going to talk about more benefits of your favourite fruit: watermelon! This juicy and sweet fruit that we all crave when the sun is beating down, but have you ever wondered what the nutritional value of watermelon is? Well, if your answer is yes (or even if it’s no), read on, because I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about this green and red wonder.
Nutritional values watermelon
Watermelon: a hydration bomb
First, let’s get to the point. Watermelon is basically water. That’s right, approximately 92% of its content is water. And what does that mean for you? It’s the perfect fruit to keep you hydrated on those hot days. Plus, it’s low in calories. One cup of chopped watermelon, about 150 grams, has only about 46 calories, so you can eat as much as you want without remorse!
Vitamins and minerals to the rescue
Watermelon is not just about water. This fruit is an incredible source of vitamins and minerals that are essential for our bodies. Here is a breakdown of the nutritional value of watermelon:
- Vitamin C: One cup of watermelon gives you about 21% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C. This vitamin is an antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage and strengthens your immune system.
- Vitamin A: Watermelon also contains beta-carotene, which our body converts into vitamin A. This vitamin is crucial for eye and skin health.
- Potassium: With approximately 170 mg per cup, watermelon is a good source of potassium, which is vital for nerve and muscle function.
- Magnesium: Although in smaller amounts, you also get some magnesium, which is important for muscle and nerve function, and for keeping blood sugar levels under control.
Powerful antioxidants
Watermelon is not only rich in vitamins and minerals, it is also a source of antioxidants. Most notable is lycopene, the pigment that gives watermelon its characteristic red colour. Lycopene has been studied for its potential health benefits, including reducing the risk of certain cancers and heart disease. In fact, watermelon has more lycopene than tomatoes, another famous source of this antioxidant.
Fibre: the key to good digestion
Although watermelon is not as rich in fibre as other fruits, it still provides a small amount that can help keep your digestive system running smoothly. One cup of watermelon contains about 0.6 grams of fibre. It may not seem like much, but every little bit counts to keep you regular and happy.
Low in sugars and carbohydrates
For those of you watching your sugar intake, here comes some good news. Although watermelon is sweet, one cup only contains about 9 grams of natural sugar and about 11 grams of total carbohydrates. This makes it a sweet and refreshing option that won’t overload you with sugar.
Additional health benefits
Watermelon’s nutritional information would not be complete without mentioning some of the additional health benefits. Did you know that watermelon can help you recover after an intense workout? Thanks to its citrulline content, an amino acid that can reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery.
In addition, its high water and electrolyte content such as potassium makes it an excellent choice for rehydrating after a workout or simply on a hot day.
Watermelon is a superstar, so now you know, the next time you enjoy a slice of watermelon, you’ll not only be indulging in its sweet and refreshing taste, but you’ll also be fueling your body with a whole host of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and more. Watermelon is more than just a summer fruit; it’s a complete package of hydration and nutrients, so go ahead and enjoy this jewel of nature and take advantage of all its benefits!
And now that you know the nutritional value of watermelon, what is your favourite way to eat it: sliced, in a salad, or perhaps in a cold juice during the hottest hours of the day? Tell us about it on our social networks!
