Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)
Synopsis of watermelon
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a popular, refreshing fruit known for its high water content—approximately 90%—making it an excellent hydrating food. It belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and is native to southern Africa. Watermelon is an excellent source of vitamins (especially vitamin C and vitamin A), minerals (including potassium and magnesium), and antioxidants like lycopene, beta-carotene, and citrulline, an amino acid that supports vascular health.
Watermelon is most commonly consumed fresh, but it is also used in smoothies, juices, salads, and desserts. It has a naturally sweet flavor with a crisp texture, making it a favorite in hot climates. The lycopene in watermelon is a potent antioxidant that has been linked to heart health, cancer prevention, and skin protection. Lycopene is especially concentrated in the red flesh of the watermelon and is known for its role in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
The amino acid citrulline found in watermelon is believed to help dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow, which can enhance exercise performance, reduce muscle soreness, and promote better cardiovascular health. Citrulline has gained popularity as a sports nutrition supplement due to its potential to improve exercise endurance and recovery.
Historical Use:
Watermelon has a long history of use, not only as a food but also for its medicinal properties. Ancient Egyptians were among the first to cultivate watermelon, evidenced by depictions on tombs that date back to around 2000 BCE. The fruit was valued for its high water content, which helped travelers and workers stay hydrated in the desert heat.
In traditional Chinese medicine, watermelon has been used for centuries to cool the body and reduce heat, especially in conditions involving fever or dehydration. The watermelon rind was sometimes used in decoctions to treat edema, kidney stones, and urinary issues. It was also thought to relieve digestive disturbances and irritation due to its diuretic effects.
In traditional African medicine, watermelon was sometimes used for its hydrating and cleansing properties, particularly to treat heatstroke and fever, as well as digestive complaints like constipation. The fruit's high water and fiber content made it a natural remedy for promoting regularity and soothing the digestive tract.
While watermelon was historically considered a hydration tonic and a remedy for heat-related conditions, its modern uses have expanded due to scientific research into its health benefits. Lycopene's role in oxidative stress reduction and cancer prevention, along with citrulline's ability to improve vascular health, have made watermelon a popular fruit in preventive health and sports nutrition.
Today, watermelon is widely consumed worldwide for its refreshing taste and health benefits, offering both nutritional value and functional benefits as part of a healthy diet.
Watermelon is used for these health conditions
Aging (prevention) (Scientific)
Athletic and Exercise Aids (Scientific)
Cardiovascular Disease (Scientific)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Circulation (poor) (Scientific)
Constipation (adults) (Scientific)
Constipation (children) (Traditional)
Dehydration (Scientific)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Edema (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Headache (general) (Traditional)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Indigestion (Traditional)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Kidney Stones (Traditional)
Liver Detoxification (Traditional)
Nausea and Vomiting (Traditional)
PMS (general) (Traditional)
Skin Care (general) (Traditional)
Sunburn (Traditional)
Urinary Tract Infections (Traditional)
watermelon is used to support these body systems
Arteries (Scientific)
Blood (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Heart (Traditional)
Immune System (Scientific)
Kidneys (Traditional)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Lymphatics (Traditional)
Mitochondria (Scientific)
Muscles (Scientific)
Prostate (Scientific)
Skin (Scientific)
Small Intestines (Traditional)
Urinary System (Traditional)
Products containing watermelon
Nature's Sunshine Urinary Maintenance
Nature's Sunshine Urinary System
