Watermelon is a tropical fruit characterized by its sweet taste and high water content. For some, it is terrific refreshment for a hot day; for others, it is a great selection for a low-calorie diet; for some others, it is just another fruit.

Watermelon is full of healthy vitamins and minerals, so whichever category you belong to, there are several reasons to add this excellent fruit to your diet. Here are some health benefits to motivate you. It Keeps You Hydrated Watermelon consists of over 90 percent water.

Combined with its great taste, it makes a delicious, yet healthy, substitute for water. Consider eating more watermelon as part of your daily water intake. It Keeps Your Skin Healthy Fun fact: watermelon seeds contain a high concentration of vitamin C and a good dose of zinc, a micronutrient with anti-aging benefits.

Vitamins A and C are essential for maintaining healthy skin and preventing tissue damage. You can make a smoothie from your watermelon if you don’t like chewing the seeds. It’s Great for Your Nervous System Watermelon is a great source of potassium, zinc, and magnesium. All three are necessary for maintaining a healthy nervous system, and they are present in abundance in this superfruit, especially in the seeds.

It Helps Regulate Weight Each cup contains only 40 calories. So, adding watermelon to your diet is a good idea if you’re trying to lose weight. The abundance of magnesium in watermelon also helps as magnesium is essential for maintaining healthy metabolism. It Helps Keep the Heart Healthy Watermelon contains the antioxidant lycopene, a compound that research has linked to improved cardiovascular health and lower cholesterol levels.

It also contains the amino acid citrulline, which increases the level of nitric oxide in the body, thus helping the blood vessels relax and reducing blood pressure. One cup a day will provide you with sufficient amounts of both lycopene and citrulline. It Prevents Inflammation Inflammation is a major cause of several chronic diseases but watermelon has several compounds that can help prevent this. Lycopene inhibits various inflammatory processes and also works as an antioxidant to counteract free radicals, thus reducing oxidative stress.

It Helps with Sore Muscles Athletes who consume watermelon, especially as a juice, feel less sore and recover quickly after a race or an intense workout session. Citrulline boosts nitric oxide production and leads to better blood circulation, thus improving performance during exercise.

It Improves Digestion Watermelon is mostly water and fiber, both of which are essential for digestion. Sufficient water intake ensures efficient movement of waste through your digestive system and out of the body, while fiber helps keep bowel movements regular and prevents constipation.

A cautionary note: moderation. As fantastic as watermelons are, don’t consume too much. Also, eat it in the day time, to avoid delayed digestion at night due to the watermelon’s slightly acidic content.