Know the Importance and Benefits of Watermelon in Ayurveda
2025-02-08 00:00:00
Everyone eagerly waits for the watermelon season. It is a seasonal fruit, which is most commonly seen in the markets, streets and localities during the summer. Be it children or adults, everyone is always ready to eat watermelon. It is one of the most special fruits of summer, which not only quenches the thirst but also the hunger of a person. It also has many health benefits. Therefore, eating watermelon keeps the body healthy. Along with watermelon, its seeds, leaves and peel are also beneficial. These are used in making many types of medicines and cosmetic products.
Importance of Watermelon in Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, watermelon has a cooling effect. This fruit is a high source of minerals and vitamins. Therefore, it helps in fighting many diseases related to the body. Watermelon mainly contains fiber, carbohydrates, potassium, manganese, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, copper and iron but most importantly, it is an excellent source of lycopene. This element acts as an antioxidant and also causes reddening of watermelon. These powerful antioxidants have the ability to neutralize free radicals. In fact, these free radicals damage cardiovascular diseases causing cells, premature aging, cancer and degenerative diseases.
According to Ayurvedic practitioners, vitamin B present in watermelon is useful for immune health, healthy blood flow and good metabolism plus the mineral and magnesium are helpful for boosting immunity and maintaining strong bones. This fruit is also important for normalizing blood sugar levels and controlling blood pressure. Due to being full of these properties, watermelon holds its important place in Ayurveda.
Benefits of Watermelon
Beneficial for heart health-
Watermelon is very beneficial in keeping the heart healthy. Many types of phytonutrients are found in it among which potassium and vitamin-C protect the cardiovascular system. It prevents the progression of heart diseases by preventing the damage caused by oxidation on the heart. Apart from this, a substance called L-citrulline present in watermelon reduces the amount of bad cholesterol which is very important for a healthy heart.
Helpful in fulfilling water content-
During the summer season, there is often a shortage of water in the body due to which problems like weakness, dizziness, headache, dry mouth and low blood pressure start arising in the body. In such a situation, consuming watermelon juice is a good solution because the water content in this fruit is up to 90% which helps in fulfilling water deficiency in the body.
Helpful in reducing weight-
Consumption of watermelon is very beneficial for reducing weight as it is low in calories and high in fiber which helps in reducing weight. People who are troubled by increasing weight must include watermelon in their daily diet. Apart from this, according to research published on the website of NCBI, consumption of watermelon is beneficial for losing weight because it keeps the stomach full for a long time which makes people feel less hungry. As a result, the weight decreases.
Effective in increasing immunity-
Consumption of watermelon proves to be effective in increasing the immunity of the body because it is rich in Vitamin C and E which act as antioxidant activity. Apart from this, the polyunsaturated fatty acids present in watermelon also protect the body from oxidation and infection.
For high blood pressure-
Watermelon contains high amounts of potassium, magnesium and amino acids which are most important for high blood pressure. Its main function is to relax the nerves. Along with this, it also helps in maintaining normal blood flow in the body due to which the blood pressure in the body remains normal. In such a situation, watermelon must be included in your diet. Apart from this, the carotenoids present in watermelon prevent hardening of artery walls and veins which reduces the chances of blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and atherosclerosis (a problem of plaque build up in the arteries).
For digestive health-
Consumption of watermelon is very beneficial for improving digestion. Watermelon is rich in water which is considered to be the primary element in digesting food. Apart from this, the fiber present in watermelon works to keep the digestive system healthy. It also relieves problems like constipation, diarrhea and gas. Therefore, to avoid these stomach problems, include watermelon in your diet.
Effective in improving kidney function-
Being diuretic in nature, watermelons help in curing and preventing kidney-related problems like kidney disease, frequent urination, high activity of bladder etc. due to which the proper functioning of the kidney is ensured. In this way, the consumption of watermelon juice is helpful in preventing kidney problems.
Effective in preventing cancer-
Watermelon is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C hence it prevents the growth of tumors in the body and destroys cancer cells. According to a study, an element called lycopene found in watermelon exhibits chemo-preventive properties which reduces the risk of prostate cancer. Thus, it helps in preventing cancer from growing in the body.
Beneficial for pregnant women-
Drinking watermelon juice is beneficial for pregnant women because it is rich in folic acid, vitamin-A, calcium and iron which is required during pregnancy. According to research done on this, the lycopene present in watermelon reduces intrauterine growth restriction during pregnancy. It is a condition in which the baby does not grow to a normal weight during pregnancy. Apart from this, regular consumption of watermelon juice reduces labor pain during delivery and also ensures healthy birth.
Helpful in relieving anxiety, stress and depression-
According to scientific opinion, the main cause of anxiety, stress and depression is the decrease in the level of vitamin B6 in the body. Apart from this, vitamin B6 acts as a neurotransmitter by producing serotonin in the body. Watermelon is a rich source of Vitamin B6. For this, a glass of watermelon juice daily provides coolness to the body and mind. Apart from this, the vitamin C present in watermelon has a positive effect on the central nervous system and it increases the mental satisfaction and happy hormones which makes a person feel good. As a result, there is relief in anxiety, tension, fatigue, headache etc.
Beneficial for eyes-
Consuming watermelon is a great remedy for eye health. It is rich in Vitamin A which helps in producing pigments in the retina of the eye due to which it helps in removing the blurred vision of the aging people. Apart from this, vitamin-A is also called retinol, which takes complete care of the eyes. Along with this, it protects from many eye related problems.
Effective in bone and muscle pain-
Antioxidants and various minerals are found in watermelon which are effective in relieving pain in bones and muscles. Apart from this, watermelon is also effective in arthritis. For this, drinking a glass of watermelon juice daily is beneficial.
Effective in increasing energy level-
Regular consumption of watermelon infuses energy, strength and vigor in the body because it is a rich source of vitamin-B, B6, which works to increase the flow of energy in the body. Apart from this, the excess of water present in watermelon, removes physical exhaustion and thirst and transmits new energy.
Beneficial for skin-
Consuming watermelon is very beneficial for the skin. Due to the presence of water in it, it moisturizes the skin by removing dryness of the skin and provides moisture. Apart from this, the antioxidant vitamin C present in watermelon removes many problems related to the skin.
Side effects of Watermelon
- Watermelon should not be consumed in excess as it is rich in lycopene. This can cause problems like abdominal cramps, pain, vomiting and nausea.
- It has a high amount of potassium. Excessive consumption of it can lead to hyperkalemia (increased amount of potassium above normal) leading to heart problems like irregular heartbeat, weakening of pulse, etc.
- Its excessive consumption can cause allergic problems like swelling of the face, mild rashes in some people.
- Asthma patients should avoid its consumption.
- Its excessive consumption during pregnancy can cause gestational diabetes.