Watermelon is not only a popular thirst-quenching fruit on a hot summer day; research shows that watermelon can also help in staying health, especially for men.
Nutritional Content of WatermelonWatermelon is made up of 92% water and loaded with potassium, and vitamins A and C. The remaining 8% of watermelon is lycopene, which is the highest concentration found in any vegetable or fruit.
Benefits of Watermelon for Men
Watermelon rind is loaded with L-citrulline, an amino acid that helps increase blood flow when converted to L-arginine and then to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide increases dilation of blood vessels, with low levels of nitric oxide associated with sexual dysfunction. Nitric oxide helps lower blood pressure to reduce risk of heart disease, which is the number one killer of men.
The high water content along with electrolytes (choline, magnesium, and potassium), makes watermelon a great post-workout snack for men wanting to prevent dehydration and replenish nutrients. The magnesium and L-citrulline may help reduce muscle aches and increase exercise performance and recovery.
Researchers once believed that tomatoes held first place in lycopene content, but watermelon holds the highest concentration of lycopene in any vegetable or fruit. Lycopene is a carotenoid that has been shown to encourage a healthy prostate. In a study, researchers noticed that men who ate 5 or more servings of foods rich in lycopene each week had a significantly lower risk of developing prostate cancer than men who consumed less than one serving a week.
Improve Digestion
The high dietary fiber and water-content found in watermelon is useful in promoting regularity for healthy digestion to prevent constipation.
Creative Ways to Eating WatermelonFrom watermelon fruit salads to popsicles, there are fun and easy recipes to enjoy to reaping the benefits of watermelon for men’s health.
Charles Weller
Author