Nothing tastes like summer more than a crisp, juicy, refreshing slice of watermelon. It’s a staple of backyard barbecues and well-stocked at your local farmers’ markets this time of year. Watermelon — which can actually be considered a fruit or a vegetable

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Learn your team

It’s frontloaded with essential nutrients

01.

At just 46 calories per cup, watermelon packs a punch when it comes to nutrients. It contains about 15% of Daily vitamin C needs along with a wealth of other vitamins and minerals including potassium and vitamin A and B6, Sollid says.

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It offers a big dose of lycopene

02.

Lycopene is a natural compound found in watermelon and other fruits and vegetables that has antioxidant properties. The substance is also what gives watermelon its red color; but beyond its hue, lycopene is also good for you, too.

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Watermelon helps keeps you hydrated

03.

Watermelon is composed of more than 90% water. “As the name implies, watermelon can keep you hydrated,” Derocha explains. “We get 80% of hydration from what we drink and 20% from what we eat; watermelon can definitely help with balance intake

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It adds to healthy digestion

04.

Watermelon contains a high water content and a small amount of fiber. “Both are key to keeps digestion moving smoothly Meyer-Jax says. Fiber adds bulk to your stool and keeps you regular, while water helps move waste through your digestive system.

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It could help with weight management

05.

Choosing watermelon over another sweet snack can help you feel full longer, Meyer-Jax explains. Limited research published in the journal

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It may improve heart health

06.

Research shows that consuming foods with lycopene may reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke A 2012 study published in the Journal American of Hypertension suggested a link between the fruit and heart disease, as research suggested watermelon

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It could work to reduce cancer risk

07.

Lycopene found in watermelon may reduce Inflamation and oxidative stress, an imbalance between free radicals (the unstable molecules that the body produces naturally, which can cause illness) and the body’s ability to fight their effects.

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Watermelon may help reduce inflammation

08.

A specific combination of antioxidants, lycopene and vitamin C, found in watermelon can lower inflammation and oxidative damage over time, Derocha explains.

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It’s great for your skin

09.

The water and vitamins A, B6, and C in watermelon help your skin stay soft, smooth, and supple,” Derocha says. Vitamin C Boosts Collagen production, which improves skin elasticity and blood flow to the skin.

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It may relieve achy muscles

10.

A small study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemist found that athletes who drank watermelon juice saw reduce muscle soreness for upto 24 hours. The juice also helped lower their recovery heart rate.

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