What could be better than a juicy watermelon on a hot summer day? Watermelon juice is a refreshing drink, as is strawberry juice. As well as being rich in nutrients, it can complement your diet. Another piece of positive news is that watermelon juice can help with male erectile dysfunction. Read more about the benefits of watermelon juice in this article.
Watermelons—Large Berries from Warm Climates
The watermelon is a warm-weather plant that belongs to the gourd family. Watermelons are native to most of Africa, the Middle East, southern Asia, and the south-western Mediterranean. The history of watermelon cultivation in the countries of origin dates back millennia. Otherwise, the cultivation of watermelons only began in the 10th and 12th centuries in Western Europe.
Watermelon is an annual herbaceous plant. It has a creeping, branching stem, which can grow up to 3 meters long. The watermelon fruit is actually a large berry (in botany terms).
Watermelon Is A Source of Lycopene
Crisp and thirst-quenching watermelon is a natural source of antioxidants. Watermelon red color provides a bioactive compound called lycopene. This is the same compound that gives other fruits and vegetables their red color. Research concludes that watermelon has a higher lycopene concentration than other vegetables and fruits.
It is the lycopene that can help reduce the risk of cancer. The benefits of watermelons for the prevention of prostate cancer have been highlighted.
Science Confirmed Watermelon Juice Benefits for Men
The benefits of watermelon for men’s sexual health have been of interest to scientists for a while. The findings of the few studies carried out so far are encouraging and suggest that watermelon consumption may be a substitute for Viagra! So watermelon juice can be a real lifesaver for men.
This unexpected role of watermelons is due to the citrulline amino acid. This substance is responsible for sufficient erections in men. Here’s how it works: the body ferments to convert citrulline into another amino acid, arginine. This substance is converted into nitric oxide, which acts as a blood vessels’ expander and blood circulation improvement. This action ensures perfect erections for men. Drugs for erectile dysfunction, such as Viagra, work on a matching principle.
Watermelon Juice Benefits and Nutrition
Watermelon is not exclusively water. It contains a wide range of essential nutrients for the human body. Although more than 90% of watermelon is water, it has fiber, protein, fat, carbohydrates, and sugars.
Watermelons contain the following minerals: iron, phosphorus, calcium, sodium, potassium, manganese, selenium, zinc, and copper. They also contain vital vitamins A, E, C, and B and folic acid.
In addition, as we mentioned earlier, watermelons contain the antioxidants lycopene, beta-carotene, and various amino acids.
The nutrient composition of watermelon juice can help maintain health and contribute to well-being. Some of the most essential health benefits of watermelon juice can be identified:
- Prevents dehydration
- Strengthens immunity
- Increases the body’s antioxidant resistance.
- Prevents cancer.
- Lowers blood cholesterol
- Helps prevent the development of senile eye diseases.
- It helps with male erectile dysfunction.
Watermelon Juice and Its Preparation
Natural, freshly squeezed watermelon juice is the most valuable. Anyone can prepare it at home. All you need is a watermelon and a juicing machine. You can use a juicer or a cocktail shaker. Here are a few simple steps to prepare this refreshing and nutritious drink:
- First, cut the watermelon in half or quarters (depending on how much you plan to use for juice), remove the seeds, cut off the rind, and mince it.
- Place the prepared watermelon flesh in a juicer or blender and extract the juice.
- Pour the extracted juice through a filter into a jug to remove the foam.
More tips:
- Place the jug with the strained juice in the fridge. The watermelon juice will be more refreshing when chilled.
- Add lime or lemon juice and fresh mint leaves for extra flavor.
- Watermelon juice can be stored in a container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Stir the juices well before serving.
Spicy Watermelon Juice
If you crave something fresh and salty, try spicy watermelon juice. This drink tastes a bit like a Virgin Mary or similar-style cocktails. By the way, this variation of watermelon juice can help you warm up on a breezy summer evening. You can also use it as a remedy for a runny nose.
To make the drink, you need:
- Freshly squeezed, natural watermelon juice
- 2 serrano peppers or chili peppers (or to taste and as required)
- Sea salt (to taste)
Preparation:
- Cut the serrano pepper in half, remove the seeds, crush, and grind to a thick consistency.
- Pour the watermelon juice into a jug, add the grated serrano pepper, stir well, and leave to stand for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Add a little salt, and stir well again before serving.
- Strain the finished blend into glasses with ice cubes. If you wish, you can decorate a glass with a rim of salt mixed with lemon juice, lemon slices, or something similar.
Watermelon Lemonade
Homemade lemonade is an indispensable drink, not only for everyday life but also for parties and holidays. Enhance your soft drink menu with watermelon lemonade. You can offer this drink to both children and adults. It can be a refreshing treat on a hot summer day.
For the lemonade, you will need:
- 2 cups of cold water
- ½ cup sugar or other sweetener
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- 4 cups of fresh watermelon juice
Preparation:
- Put the water, lemon juice, and sugar in a large jug.
- Stir until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Pour in the jug the watermelon juice and stir well.
- Strain the finished blend into glasses with ice cubes.
- Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint, and serve.
Watermelon Juice Is Safe for Most, but There Are Exceptions
There is no reliable data on the adverse side effects of watermelon juice, and it is safe for most people. Of course, pay attention to the consumed amount of juice. Even for people with no medical contraindications, immoderate consumption can have unpleasant consequences. For example, digestive problems, bloating, and diarrhea may occur.
People with diabetes should consume watermelon juice in moderation. It contains a significant amount of carbohydrates. It is better to use natural watermelon fruit rather than watermelon juice. Juices contain less fiber, which makes it easier and faster for the body to absorb sugar. This can increase high spikes in blood sugar levels.
In rare cases, watermelon juice can cause allergies in some people. If you experience hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing after drinking this juice, contact your doctor immediately.
Sources:
- https://draxe.com/nutrition/healthy-drinks
- https://pharmeasy.in/blog/ayurveda-uses-benefits-side-effects-of-watermelon-juice
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/watermelon-health-benefits
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266886
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320440
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10718552
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