Sweet, juicy, and refreshing, watermelon is one of summer’s favorite treats, but did you know that watermelon can help prevent cancer?
Watermelon is a great hydrating snack and has shockingly little natural sugar compared to other fruits. It is also jam-packed with antioxidants.
When looking for a healthy snack, the variety of antioxidants found in different foods is often mentioned. Everyone seems to understand that antioxidants are beneficial for the body, but before moving on – let’s discuss why they are so good.
What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants are molecules that fight free radicals in the human body. [1] If the levels of free radicals are too high, they can cause harm to the body. The more antioxidant-packed foods that go into the body, the better it can control these free radicals and prevent illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and, of course, cancer. When there is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants, the body experiences oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can cause tissue damage and is the source of blame for the previously mentioned diseases.
So, which types of antioxidants are found in watermelon?
Perhaps the most important antioxidant in watermelon is lycopene. Lycopene gives watermelon its playful pink hues and is both an antioxidant and an anti-cancer nutrient. Studies have shown that while lycopene is present throughout the body, its presence in the skin help protect against damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Researchers have also found that, among all naturally occurring carotenoids lycopene ranked as the best in doing so.
Can watermelon help people already diagnosed with cancer?
Believe it or not, it can! In addition to helping the body manage free radicals, it can also help with dehydration and restricted fiber diets. [2] Since watermelon is 90% water, chowing down on this snack is a great choice for patients with diarrhea.
Enjoying Watermelon as Part of a Healthy Lifestyle
Whether enjoyed on its own, blended into smoothies, or added to fruit salads, watermelon can be a delicious way to stay hydrated and increase your intake of antioxidant-rich foods. Combined with a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and other healthy lifestyle habits, watermelon can be part of an overall approach to supporting long-term health and wellness.
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Source:
[1] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/antioxidants-explained
[2] https://blog.dana-farber.org/insight/2012/08/nine-foods-for-cancer-patients/
[3] https://www.nfcr.org/blog/cancer-fighting-food-watermelon/
