The Functions, Effects and Nutritional Value of Watermelon
In the hot summer days, there is always a touch of emerald green that dominates the fruit stand. What are the health secrets hidden in this fruit king with a water content of up to 92%? This article will analyze the unique value of watermelon from a scientific perspective.
The Four Core Health Values of Watermelon
1. Natural Cooling System
Every 500 grams of watermelon is equivalent to drinking 400 ml of mineral water. The unique amino acid component in watermelon, citrulline, can promote血管 dilation, cooperating with the electrolyte balance system to lower the body's perceived temperature by 3-5℃. Research by the Brazilian Nutrition Society found that the rehydration efficiency of eating watermelon after exercise is 36% higher than that of pure water.
2. Skin Protection Barrier
The zinc content in watermelon seed extract is 1.7 times that of almonds, forming an antioxidant matrix with the lycopene in the flesh. Experiments show that consuming 200 ml of watermelon juice daily can increase skin's resistance to UV rays by 22% and reduce tyrosinase activity by 18%.
3. Metabolism Acceleration Engine
The unique cucurbitacin compound in watermelon can activate renal adenosine receptors, increasing urine output by 40%. A study by Seoul National University in South Korea confirmed that the average waist circumference of participants who ate watermelon after meals for two weeks decreased by 2.3 cm.
4. Nutritional Supply Station
Every 100 grams of fruit contains 8.1 mg of vitamin C, 112 mg of potassium, and 10 mg of magnesium, with an electrolyte ratio that closely matches human cell fluid. The L-citrulline it contains can be converted to arginine in the body, promoting the synthesis rate of muscle glycogen after exercise.
In-depth Decoding of Watermelon Nutritional Components
Modern nutritional analysis shows that the red color of the watermelon flesh comes from lycopene (4.1 mg/100g), a fat-soluble antioxidant with a bioavailability 2.3 times higher than that of tomatoes. The abundant citrulline in the rind has been confirmed by Israeli scholars to increase vascular elasticity by 28%.
Even more surprising is that watermelon seeds contain 19% high-quality protein and 51% unsaturated fatty acids. The latest research and development by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has resulted in watermelon seed powder, which is used as a dietary supplement for people with hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia.
From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, watermelon rind (watermelon green wrapper) has the unique effect of clearing heat and relieving summer heat. The "Compendium of Materia Medica" records that its decoction can counteract alcohol poisoning. Modern technology has increased the utilization rate of the entire watermelon to 98%, truly achieving zero waste from red flesh to green rind for health maintenance.