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Watermelon is believed to have to have originated from the Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa, where the great explorer David Livingstone described it as being abundant.
Watermelons were first cultivated in Egypt, and hieroglyphics depicting watermelon have been found in tombs.
Today China is the world’s biggest producer of watermelon, with Russia, Turkey, Iran and the United States being the other big cultivators.
Japanese farmers invented the idea of forcing their watermelons to grow into a square shape by inserting them into glass boxes while still growing. The square shape makes it easier to pack and transport watermelon.
Health Benefits of Watermelon
- Arginine
Watermelon is a rich source of citrulline, an amino acid that can be metabolized to arginine, an essential amino acid. In a controlled human study, it was demonstrated that plasma concentration of arginine is increased from the citrulline in watermelon. Arginine plays an important part in the healing of wounds and the removal of ammonia from the body. Excess ammonia in the blood can lead to fatigue, kidney and liver disease.
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- Nitric oxide
Arginine is used in the synthesis of nitric oxide, a vasodilator, meaning that it increases blood flow to all areas of the body. The effect it has on blood flow also makes watermelon a good choice for athletes and bodybuilders to juice up on. Nitric oxide also plays an essential role in cardiovascular and immune functions.
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- Weight loss
Watermelon has a low calorie content, and with it's high nutrient and water content, it's an ideal choice of fruit to incorparate into a weight loss program.
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- Cancer
Watermelon is an excellent source of the antioxidant lycopene, a carotenoid that gives watermelon and certain other fruits and vegetables their color. In numerous human studies, it has been suggested that fruits such as watermelon rich in lycopene and other carotenoids might be protective against prostate cancer.
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Nutrient Values of Watermelon per 100mg
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Dietary Fiber
0.4g
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Sugars
6.2g
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Sodium
1mg
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Zinc
0.10mg
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Potassium
112mg
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Niacin
1.178mg
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Magnesium
10mg
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Copper
0.042mg
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Calcium
7mg
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Iron
0.24mg
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Vitamin E
0.05mg
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Vitamin C
8.1mg
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Vitamin B6
0.045mg
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Vit. B1 (Thiamine)
0.033mg
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Vit. B2 (Riboflavin)
0.021mg
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References:
The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray, Joseph Pizzorno, and Lara Pizzorno.
Benders' Dictionary of Nutrition and Food Technology.
USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference
PubMed. PMID: 17352962
PubMed. PMID: 15514967
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