The Immune-Boosting Effects of Watermelon

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You might think of watermelon as only a summertime treat, but this fruit is packed with immune-boosting benefits that could help keep you healthy all year long. Like many fruits, watermelon is loaded with the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your body craves – but it gets even better. Watermelon is considered a super food due to its high levels of lycopene.1

 

Lycopene is the pigment that gives red and pink fruits their distinct color, like tomatoes, watermelons, and pink grapefruit. It’s also a powerful antioxidant that provides several health-building benefits, like reducing respiratory inflammation, promoting heart health, and protecting against certain cancers, according to recent studies.2

But watermelon doesn’t stop there. It supports several areas of the body you might not expect:

EYE HEALTH

Watermelon is a great source of beta-carotene. This helps protect against age-related macular degeneration and prevents night blindness.3

 

IMMUNE SUPPORT

The vitamin C content in watermelon is surprisingly high. Vitamin C improves our immune system, helps heal wounds, and is essential to the formation of new connective tissue.3

 

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Watermelon also contains the powerful amino acid, L-citrulline, which has been shown to reduce the accumulation of fat in our fat cells.3

 

Who knew that something that tastes so good could be so good for you? All the more reason to make watermelon part of your healthy diet all year long.

SOURCES:
1 “The Building Blocks of a Healthy Diet,” Everyday Health, 2015
2 “Lycopene: Health Benefits and Top Food Sources,” Healthline, 2018
3 “8 Health Benefits of Watermelon,” Grey Bears, 2013

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