Kompas.com – Watermelon is a tropical fruit with a sweet and refreshing taste. This fruit is often consumed to release thirst during hot weather.
Besides being rich in water, watermelon contains many important nutrients. Content such as lycopene and citrulline have health benefits.
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Some studies have shown watermelon can help lower blood pressure. Not only that, this fruit is also good for heart health and digestion.
This article will discuss the benefits of regular watermelon eating, reported from the page Healthline And Eatingwell. Check out the scientific explanation behind its benefits for the body.
1. Reducing the risk of cancer and tumor
Watermelons contain lycopene and Cucurbitacin E, two compounds that have anticancer effects.
Studies show that lycopene intake can reduce the risk of prostate and colorectal cancer.
Lycopen works by suppressing levels of growth factors similar to insulin (IGF), which plays a role in uncontrolled cell division.
In addition, Cucurbitacin E helps the body destroy cancer cells naturally. Although promising, further research is still needed to prove its clinical benefits
2. Supports heart health
Some nutrients in watermelons have an important role in maintaining heart health.
Lycopen in this fruit is proven to help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure levels. In addition, watermelons also contain citrulline, amino acids that increase levels of nitrate oxide in the body.
Nitrate oxide helps widen blood vessels, so that blood pressure remains stable. The content of magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A, B6, and C in watermelons also support optimal heart function
3. Reducing inflammation in the body
Antioxidants in watermelons, such as lycopene and vitamin C, can reduce inflammation.
An animal study shows that watermelon consumption decreases c-reactive protein levels, which are inflammatory markers in the body.
In addition, lycopene also has the potential to slow down the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Although the results of this study promise, further studies in humans are still needed.
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