What Is Watermelon Juice?
Watermelon juice, made from watermelon and a couple of other ingredients, is rich in water and loads of other nutrients. It has many health benefits; let`s take a look at them.
11 Health Benefits of Watermelon Juice
Manages Blood Pressure
Watermelon juice contains amino acid L citrulline, a vasodilator which increases blood vessel diameter and enhances blood circulation. Its potassium and sodium contents also have some effects on blood pressure.
Rich in Fiber
Watermelon contains soluble and insoluble fiber, however, the juice contains only soluble fiber which is an important source of nutrition for the probiotic bacteria that are in the intestines. It also aids the maintenance of healthy cholesterol levels because it eliminates bile acids from circulating, hence increases the utilization of cholesterol.
Reduces Asthma Symptoms
Asthma is a respiratory disease which is characterized by an intense immune response to allergens. Watermelon juice contains vitamin C and various bioflavonoids which manage asthma symptoms and reduce the severity and frequency of attacks.
Improves Eyesight
Watermelon juice contains vitamin A and lycopene which benefit eye health and prevent age-related macular degeneration which occurs as a result of the rate of oxidative and inflammatory processes. Vitamin A and lycopene are antioxidants that slow down the rate of oxidative damage.
Improves Male Sexual Health
Watermelon juice enhances erections due to its citrulline content. Men who drink this juice regularly enjoy its benefits in their sexual health. It serves as a healthy natural alternative to sexual enhancement medications.
Reduces Cancer Risk
Watermelon juice reduces the risk of certain cancers due to its Cucurbitacin E and lycopene contents. Combining the juice with some other colored fruits and veggies makes it more effective at cancer prevention
Improves Hair and Skin
Watermelon juice enriches you with vitamins A and C. The former is a potent antioxidant which reduces the impact of free radicals on the skin, while the latter is essential for the synthesis of collagen, a structural protein that is required for the health of the hair and skin. Also, because watermelon juice is hydrating, it does the skin some great benefits.
Reduces Risk of Diabetes
Inasmuch as watermelon contains a lot of sugar, note that it has lower calories than many other fruits, hence reduces the risk of diabetes. What`s more? L-citrulline is converted into L-arginine, an amino acid that regulates insulin sensitivity.
Reduces Post Workout Pain
The discomfort after workouts, popularly called Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, is unavoidable, however, with watermelon juice, you can reduce it. The juice contains citrulline which enhances the removal of lactic acid and other metabolites that build up in muscles and cause inflammatory pain.
Improves Heart Health
Watermelon juice reduces cholesterol levels, regulates blood pressure, and reduces the risk of stroke. Its antioxidant content also reduces the risk of atherosclerotic blockages that develop inside the blood vessel walls. All of these are reasons watermelon juice is great for the heart. For a healthy heart, drink watermelon juice regularly.
Improves Digestive Health
Watermelon juice contains soluble fiber, which is a rich source of nutrition for the probiotic bacteria that live in the intestines. This enhances the health of the digestive system in many ways and particularly reduces constipation.
How to Make Watermelon Juice
Ingredients
- 5 cups of large watermelon chunks
- 8 fresh mint leaves
- 2 cups natural coconut juice
- some ice
Method
- Blend all ingredients until you achieve the desired texture.
- Add some ice to the juice to drink immediately, or refrigerate to drink later.
- You may store watermelon juice in an airtight container and keep in a refrigerator.
10 Side Effects of Watermelon Juice
May Cause Intestinal Disturbance
Due to the lycopene content in watermelon, excessive consumption may cause bloating, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, gas, and indigestion. It`s worse with older people, as their digestive systems usually aren`t strong enough to contain it. Ensure you consume watermelon juice in moderation to avoid such issues.
Pregnancy Risk
Excessive consumption of watermelon juice may cause gestational diabetes. Pregnant women are advised to consume this juice in moderation or avoid it entirely in order to be safe.
Risk of Fatigue
Watermelon contains a lot of water, so does its juice. Excess consumption increases the body`s water levels, and this may be a problem if the kidneys aren`t functioning properly to expel excess water from the body. This may cause swelling of the legs and fatigue.
Risk of Erectile Dysfunction
Inasmuch as watermelon juice improves male fertility, consuming it excessively may cause impotence, particularly erectile dysfunction.
Sorbitol Intolerance
Sorbitol is a type of sugar in watermelon juice. People who are intolerant to it may experience loose stools and gas. If you`re sorbitol intolerant, you might want to avoid consuming watermelon juice.
Risk of Cardiovascular Disorders
Watermelon is rich in potassium which may cause cardiovascular disorders in cases of excessive consumption. Some of the symptoms are a weak pulse, irregular heartbeats, and cardiac arrest. The symptoms may also extend to affecting motor control and the nervous system.
Risk of Excess Sugar
Watermelon contains natural sugars that may cause a spike in sugar levels. Even though its low-calorie content makes it safe for diabetics, excessive consumption may be unhealthy due to its sugar content. So whether you`re diabetic or not, you might want to consider consuming watermelon juice in moderation.
Risk of Low Blood Pressure
Excessive consumption of watermelon juice may cause low blood pressure. People who already suffer low blood pressure are advised to avoid watermelon in all forms.
Allergic Reactions
Some people have allergic reactions when they consume watermelon juice. The common reactions are rashes, facial swelling, and anaphylaxis. People who are allergic to carrots and cucumber have higher chances of being allergic to watermelon.
Nerve and Muscle Issues
Consuming watermelon juice in excess may cause nerve and muscle problems.
15 Watermelon Facts
- Some watermelons are “seedless” ― they`re a hybrid watermelon created by crossing a 22-chromosome watermelon with a 44-chromosome watermelon. The products of this crossing are watermelon fruit that produces white seeds that are safe for consumption.
- Egyptians cultivated watermelons over 5,000 years ago.
- Egyptians buried their dead with watermelons in the grave, believing that it nourishes them. They also depicted watermelons in drawings on the wall of tombs.
- Watermelons are native to Africa and require sunny conditions to thrive.
- It takes 85 to 100 days for watermelon fruit to mature.
- In 2005, Lloyd Bright grew the largest watermelon in Arkansas and it weighed 268.8 pounds.
- There are over 300 types of watermelon grown in the United States, however, there are only about 50 available at grocery stores.
- Watermelons can have red, yellow, white, green, or orange flesh. Red is the most common.
- Watermelons got to China in the 10th century, and now, China grows more watermelon than Africa where it came from.
- America ranks fourth for watermelon production, globally.
- Top watermelon producing states in the United States are California, Arizona, Texas, Florida, and Georgia.
- It`s okay to chew watermelon seeds; they are rich in protein, magnesium, and zinc.
- Watermelon is a vegetable; it belongs to the cucurbit family, just as cucumbers, pumpkins, and squash.
- Back in the day, people sprinkled salt on watermelon to enhance its flavor. Some even had watermelon with salty feta cheese.
- The Japanese grow square watermelon by placing square boxes around a growing fruit for it to take a square shape as it grows.
