4 Reasons You Should Start Eating Watermelon Rind
Watermelon is the fruit of the summer thanks to its succulent flesh and hydrating benefits. However, the most common practice is to section a whole watermelon so that only it's succulent flesh is consumed and its rind, discarded. If you have been doing this, then you want to know that doctors deem this wasteful and why so!
Like any other fruit, watermelon comes with numerous nutritional benefits. It contains a substantial amount of vitamin A and C, potassium, magnesium, and other important nutrients.
Watermelon is also very hydrating as about 92% of it is made up of water — yes, it couldn't be any better suited to summer!
But did you know that, just like cucumbers, you can eat watermelons whole? Unlike popular belief, watermelon rind is edible and it's consumption should be promoted for its nutritional benefits. Here are some of them:
1. It can boost your libido
Some expert studies report that watermelon rind can function as a libido booster and so, help men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. This benefit is linked to the concentrated amounts of amino acid citrulline in the rind.
Therefore, science supports the use of L-citrulline supplements as they can improve erections without many of the potential side effects associated with other sexual enhancers (like Viagra).
2. It can improve your athletic performance
The citrulline contained in watermelon rind can also improve your next athletic activity as it promotes vasodilation. A study suggests that citrulline supplements improve oxygen delivery to muscles, which substantially boosts exercise performance.
However, there is a need for more research studies because most evidence for this benefit is anecdotal.
3. It can reduce your blood pressure
Watermelon is a positive recommendation to people with high blood pressure. But when you want to eat yours, make sure to consume it's rind too as citrulline has been proven to effectively lower blood pressure.
However, experts assert that consuming citrulline supplements are more effective and act faster. If you need more convincing, remember that watermelon is very hydrating which makes it a potential diuretic.
4. It can aid weight loss
Last but not least, watermelon rind should be eaten because of its high fiber content which is highly beneficial to your digestive system. Eating whole watermelons will not only keep you hydrated but also keep you feeling satiated. In other words, you'll eat less.
Even better, the fiber contained in the rind will help you maintain regular bowel movements and lower your risk of developing diseases of the colon.
BOTTOMLINE
Spread the word: watermelon rind is safe for consumption and provides numerous health benefits too!
