Do you know how much is water content in Watermelon? When thinking about dehydration, the first thing that comes to mind is drinking water. But, wait a minute! What if you had a better alternative? It is true that 20% of the water intake is from the food you eat. Not all foods have a high water content, but surely some fruits and veggies make up for the water we need. Want to know more? Then, read the article to learn about the benefits of fruits with high water content.
1. Which Fruits contain high water content?
Hydration is extremely essential for health. Hence, it is always suggested to have fruits & veggies that have high water content. Some of them are:
- Watermelon, Strawberries, Oranges, Grapes – with more than 80% water content
- Pineapple, Apple, Pear, Cucumber, Lettuce, Celery
2. What is the Importance of water-rich Fruits?
The ideal water intake varies from one individual to another. An approximate calculation states that 1 liter of water is required for every 25 kilograms of weight. This water requirement can only be completed through fruits and vegetables that are loaded with minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins. (See What are Some Examples of Green Fruits?)
- In severe cases, dehydration can lead to muscle cramps, skin problems, low blood pressure, and a rapid heart rate.
- Theories suggest that water-rich foods act as detox agents which helps to clean the accumulated toxins through various metabolic pathways.
- Water-rich fruits control the insulin secretion in the body, which prevents hyperinsulinemia or diabetes, cancer, or any heart-related disease.
3. What is the Water content in Watermelon?
When you bite a watermelon, you instantly feel the juiciness and hydration present in it. So, what is the water content in watermelon? Watermelon contains 90-92% of water and 6% of sugar, thus giving it its name. Watermelon, other than water, is also a rich source of Vitamin C, lycopene & beta carotene. Water content in watermelon is the highest.
4. What are the Nutritional Facts about Watermelon?
According to USDA, a cup of watermelon has around 46 calories along with 11.5g of Carbohydrates, 9.4g Sugar, 0.6g Fiber, 0.2g Fats, and 0.9g of Proteins. Hence, there are almost no fats in watermelon and a very low amount of protein. Additionally, one cup of watermelon also provides 7% of copper and pantothenic acid, 5% of biotin, and 4% of vitamins B1 and B6. Moreover, watermelon gets its distinctive color because of lycopene. (See What meanings and symbolism do fruits have?)
5. What are the Benefits of eating a Watermelon?
Due to the high water content in watermelon, it has a very low-calorie density. Foods with low calories have been shown to have positive effects on diet control and also provide essential nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Calcium. Some of the benefits of eating watermelon are listed below:
- Researches revealed that the presence of the nutrient lycopene has a vital role in therapeutics. It is known to prevent heart diseases & diabetes.
- The presence of this ascorbic acid helps prevents cancer by diminishing the growth of insulin in the body.
- It is important in summer to protect your skin. With the increase in temperature, the skin may be dehydrated, resulting in dryness of the skin. Lycopene and amino acids present in watermelon contribute to healthy skin.
- Additionally, it aids the immune system and provides required antioxidants.
- Folic acid and dietary fibers, along with vitamin C help in skin lightening, skin protection against UV rays, and anti-aging.
Other than watermelon, cantaloupe provides 120% of daily needs for Vitamin A and hence, prevents skin aging and helps regenerate skin. Also, peaches are known to reduce wrinkles. Furthermore, they are a good choice for weight loss. (Also read Are Potatoes Vegetables or Fruits?)
6. How to Incorporate water-rich Fruits into your Diet?
An excellent time to have water-rich fruit is during brunch or a mid-meal. On the other hand, these fruits can be incorporated as an appetizer in a salad or a soup before a meal. What could be more refreshing than chilled juice in summer? Water-rich fruits make excellent juice, along with making up to the water requirement.