Can Watermelon Reduce The Risk Of Breast Cancer? Here's What Expert Has To Say

Watermelon comprises 90 per cent of water which makes it important for staying hydrated in the summer. As per a report published in the Medical News Today, this fruit also contains antioxidants which help in the removal of molecules known as free radicals or reactive species from the human body. Another important benefit of this fruit is it reduces the risk of many different types of cancer, one of them being breast cancer.

Dietary antioxidants in watermelon, such as vitamin C, can help prevent breast cancer in women by combatting free radicals. Free radicals are extremely reactive and unstable molecules that are made by the body naturally as a byproduct of normal metabolism.

Besides this, watermelon also helps in fighting asthma and high blood pressure. According to Medical News Today, the presence of certain antioxidants in the lungs, including Vitamin C, may reduce the risk of having asthma. Studies have not confirmed that a diet that is a storehouse of vitamin C may offer some protection. A cup of watermelon balls weighing around 154 grams (g) provides 12.5 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C or between 14 per cent and 16 per cent of a person’s daily needs.

In a study conducted in 2012, researchers found that watermelon extract reduced blood pressure levels in and around the ankles of middle-aged people suffering from obesity and early hypertension. The authors pointed out that L-citrulline and L-arginine- two of the antioxidants in watermelon- may improve the function of the arteries.

It is, however, best to consume watermelon in moderation as it can lead to problems like bloating, gas, or other stomach-related ailments in some people. Diabetic patients should be especially careful while consuming this fruit as it contains natural sugars which can affect blood sugar levels. The watermelon is, however, a low-glycemic fruit, which implies that it won’t cause a rapid spike in your blood sugar levels.

A low-glycemic index (low-GI) diet is a diet chart based on how foods impact the blood sugar level, also called blood glucose level. The glycemic index ranks food on a scale from 0 to 100 and the low end of the scale has foods that have negligible impact on blood sugar levels.