Watermelon is a fruit that most people overlook. It's mostly a summer fruit, and people don't think to eat it during the winter.
Watermelon has several health benefits. One of these is that watermelon can help protect your joints because watermelon contains a compound called citrulline, which turns into arginine in the body. Arginine is an amino acid that helps build protein and maintain healthy tissue. In addition, arginine has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce swelling and pain in the joints. In addition arginine is a vasodilator - it releases nitrous oxide which dilates blood vessels.
It is also a good source of lycopene, an antioxidant that can help lower heart disease rates. Lycopene helps to reduce inflammation and keep cholesterol from building up in the arteries. Additionally, watermelon is a good source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. I use lycopene to reduce the size of the prostate in benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)
Just one cup of watermelon provides 10% of the recommended daily intake for potassium
So reach for watermelon in the grocery store even during the winter.
Until tomorrow…