Watermelon is the quintessential summertime fruit. It is a staple at picnics and backyard parties everywhere. You know watermelon is sweet and juicy, but did you know that your favorite warm weather treat is also bursting with healthy benefits as well? Here is a list of watermelons wonderful benefits according to the Mayo Clinic:

Fights Inflammation

Watermelon contains antioxidants like lycopene and Vitamin C, which may help help combat inflammation and oxidative stress that leads to pain, swelling, and chronic conditions.

Increases Hydration

If you struggle to drink enough water each day eating watermelon might help.

Watermelon ia 92 percent water, so eating it can definitely aid your daily hydration. High water content is also the reason you may feel full after eating fruits and veggies like watermelon, cucumber, or pineapple.

Helps Out Your Skin and Hair

Watermelon‘s high levels of vitamins A and C are excellent for healthy hair and skin. Vitamin C helps your body make collagen. This skin care buzzword is actually a protein that strengthens your hair and the dermis layer of the skin. Vitamin A helps create and repair skin cells.

Meanwhile, the lycopene and beta-carotene in watermelon may also help protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays.

Aids in Digestion

Your digestive system need water to help digest foods and push them through. You also need fiber to help with this process. Watermelon contains both, making it a perfect digestive treat. For something extra special, try infusing a cup of water with chunks of watermelon and fresh mint to feel super refreshed while soothing your digestive system.

Helps You Lose Weight

If you are trying to lose weight, you know that we all have those triggers that send us down the road of temptation, longing after something that we know isn’t the healthiest option. For many people, that thing is sweets. It isn’t just about the sweetness of sugary treats, but also about the texture and the mouthfeel. This is one reason why a strawberry might not satisfy you mentally in the same way as cheesecake.

However, watermelon brings something new to the dessert table. The texture of watermelon is almost like that of a dessert that melts in your mouth. It can be sliced and presented on a plate just like a piece of cake or pie. Watermelon satisfies the emotional craving as well as the physical one.

One more reason that watermelon helps you lose weight? Watermelon is mostly water, combined with an honorable fiber content. These combination fills you up and leaves you satisfied longer than any sugary, fat laden dessert.

Protects Nerve Function

Watermelon is rich in potassium, which helps to regulate nerve function by facilitating the passage of electrical impulses and messages. Too little potassium can cause lack of nerve function, numbness and tingling. If you suffer from night time leg cramps, a potassium deficiency might also be the cause. Steer clear from these unpleasant side effects by enjoying a cup of watermelon which has approximately 170 mg of potassium.

Heart Healthy Summertime Treat

Lycopene is responsible for the pinkish red hue of watermelons. It is also responsible for every shade of red tomato from the palest pink to the most garnet like reds. Did you know that there is more lycopene in watermelon than tomatoes? Almost one and half times more.

Lycopene has been proven to reduce cholesterol levels and the occurrence of cardiovascular disease in people who either take supplements or consume lycopene rich foods on a regular basis.

Protects Against Diabetes

When you consume watermelon, your kidneys convert one amino acid, L-citrulline, into another amino acid, L-arginine. The one-two punch of these two amino acids has many health benefits, not the least of which is protection against the development of diabetes.

Studies show that L-arginine supplementation is beneficial in regulating glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. While you might not be able to get as much of the amino acid from watermelon as you might through supplementation, it is noting that foods that contain this compound can be a beneficial part of a diet designed to fight against diabetes.

Eases Achy Muscles

Try reaching for some watermelon after a workout. Watermelon contains citrulline, the restorative amino acid that helps accelerate the rate of lactic acid removal from your muscles, giving you a quicker recovery time after your tough workout. Watermelon also has a high water content, so it will help you rehydrate in one of the most delicious ways possible.

In addition to enjoying a fresh slice, try this delicous Watermelon Feta Salad or the new Watermelon Fizz Sticks.