The Heart Health Benefits of Watermelon

Watermelon is still in season. The health benefits of watermelon should not be underestimated, since it contains a number of important nutrients, including:

1. Carotenoids lycopene and beta carotene that neutralize free radicals to prevent heart disease, cancer, and other diseases.

2. Vitamins A and C which bolster your immune system.

3. Vitamin K that helps blood to clot, controls blood pressure, regulates heart rate and possibly prevents strokes.

4. B vitamins: B1 and B6, important for energy production.

5. Magnesium, which works to lower blood pressure, arrhythmia and more.

6. Potassium, which is an important mineral for the cardiovascular system.

Watermelon reduces inflammation, which is an underlying factor in heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, arthritis, asthma and more.

The Downside of Watermelon:

1. It has a high glycemic index, so be aware of this if you are a diabetic and if you are not, still try not to overindulge.

2. If you are on blood thinners, you should talk to your doctor about watermelon’s vitamin K content.

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