Watermelon is a flowering plant species of the Cucurbitaceae family and the name of its edible fruit. A scrambling and trailing vine-like plant, it is a highly cultivated fruit worldwide.

Watermelon is also a potential diuretic, which often is prescribed for people with high blood pressure. Try freezing whole watermelon slices for a nice treat on a summer’s day.

Watermelon is an excellent source of beta-carotene. It also has a combination of vitamin A, vitamin C, and other essential nutrients that can keep our eyes healthy.

Watermelon is good for our heart health as they contain antioxidants and relevant compounds such as lycopene that protect our cardiovascular system from free radical damage.

Slicing up seed or seedless watermelon and put it in an aluminum foil layered tupperware can keep it crisp and lasting longer in the hottest summer months.

Now this is interesting? Have you ever eaten the rine? Should you? What benefits are there?

Don’t throw them away!

Rinds of the watermelon ae also a big benefit plus and here is how…

1. Weight Loss

Both the rind (and its flesh with 6 g of sugar/100 g), the white part of watermelon has very low sugar content. Watermelon flesh is low calorie with only 30 kcal/100 g, but the white part of is even lower in calories than the flesh due to having a significantly lower sugar content.  A good source of both dietary fiber and water (but a lot lower in sugar than the flesh), the white part of watermelon helps maintain satiation and curb hunger.

2. Blood Sugar

Because it’s even lower in sugar than the sweet flesh, the white part of watermelon has a lower glycemic value and less of an effect on blood sugar levels in diabetics and non-diabetics alike.

3. Source of Citrulline

All the parts of the watermelon are considered one of the best natural sources of the amino acid citrulline.  Studies show yellow watermelon is highest in citrulline, followed by orange watermelon and lastly the red watermelon.

4. Anti-Cancer and Antioxidant Benefits

It contains citrulline and colorless antioxidants, trace amounts of vitamin C and various polyphenols which scavenge free radicals that cause oxidative stress and help prevent, reduce and even repair cell damage. It is also a source of lycopene, an antioxidant that has shown to reduce cancer risk up to 34%. This antioxidant may also help ward off different types of cancer, such as those of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, colon, and cervix.

5. Cardiovascular Health

Citrulline has scientifically proven circulatory benefits, notably vasodilating and vasoprotective benefits. The white part of watermelon further contributes to cardiovascular health by helping maintain blood volume and supplying small amounts of electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium.

6. High-blood Pressure 

Citrulline ups production of the amino acid arginine, increasing levels in the blood. Arginine is required for the production of nitric oxide, a cell messenger that circulates in the blood and signals to blood vessel muscles to relax. This improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure numbers. Trace amounts of potassium and magnesium contribute to the antihypertensive benefits.

7. Poor blood flow and Angina 

Nitric oxide synthesized from arginine via citrulline functions as a biological messenger, signaling to blood vessel muscles to relax. This dilates blood vessels and improves blood flow, resulting in benefits for high blood pressure and benefits for angina or chest pain.

8. Muscle and Athletic Performance

Citrulline contributes to a better oxygenation of muscles which supports exercise performance.

9. Benefits for men

The circulatory benefits of citrulline can also help boost stamina.

10. Hydration

The white part of watermelon rind along with the sweet flesh are both over 90% water which aid with dehydration-related tiredness, fatigue, dizziness, lethargy and headaches.

11. Constipation

A good source of fiber and high in water, the white part of watermelon has mild laxative properties, stimulating peristalsis and softening stools which results in more regular bowel movements that are easy to pass.

12. Skincare

1. The rinds can soothe angry areas. For generations in Korea, watermelon rind has been used to comfort aggravated skin.
2. Seeds curb irritation and boost collagen. While the rind and flesh of watermelon calm and comfort our complexions,…