It’s that time of the year when watermelons are in season again and the market is flooded with them.

Benefits:

• Watermelon is about 90% water and so it keeps you well hydrated when you have it.

• It acts as a good diuretic flushing the kidneys well thus helping in prevention of kidney stones.

• Watermelon helps the skin by keeping it well hydrated. It also has Vit C which is necessary for the formation of collagen. Collagen helps in maintaining the elasticity of the skin.

• The Vit C also increases immunity and keeps the gums healthy.

• The luscious red colour of the watermelon (as also the tomatoes) is due to lycopene. Lycopene is an antioxidant which decreases the risk of developing diabetes ans some forms of cancer. Lycopene also protects from sunburn.

• The citrulline present in watermelons (the white flesh just below the rind has more citrulline) reduces BP and the risk of heart attacks. It also helps post menopausal women by reducing arterial stiffness.

• The presence of potassium in watermelon (a cup has about 4% of daily requirements) prevents post workout muscle soreness and cramps.

• The abundant amount of vit A in watermelons keeps eyes healthy. Go ahead and enjoy this fruit.