Break out the Watermelon!
Watermelon juice is a refreshing treat to cool you down on hot summer days and nights. The word “water” is contained in watermelon because of the fruit’s high content of liquid. Watermelon juice can not only rehydrate you, but also provide you with certain nutrients that can promote your health and reduce your risk of disease. Consult your doctor about your diet and the benefits of drinking watermelon juice for hydration.
Hydration
Water is vital for good health and makes up more than 50 percent of your body weight. Each of your cells, tissues and organs requires water to function properly, lubricate your joints, maintain normal body temperature and remove waste. Dehydration occurs when you lose more water than you ingest. You lose water when you breathe, sweat, urinate and defecate. You can quickly lose water when you exercise, are in a warm environment, have a fever, develop diarrhea or vomit. Drinking fluids is critical to replace lost water so you don’t become dehydrated.
Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when you lose too much water. You might experience certain symptoms that include low urine output, extreme thirst, dry mouth, headache, confusion, dizziness and lightheadedness. As you get older, you might not notice you are dehydrated early enough. The best test to determine if you are dehydrated is to check your urine and make sure it is colorless or light yellow. If it is dark, you are most likely dehydrated. The best treatment for dehydration is prevention, so drink plenty of water and liquids, such as watermelon juice, whenever you are thirsty.
Watermelon Juice
Watermelon juice contains 92 percent water. You can juice both the rind and the inside red fruit, also called the flesh, then discard the seeds and pulp. The flesh and especially the rind are rich sources of citrulline, according to research by scientists at the USDA and published in the “Journal of Chromatography A” in 2005. Citrulline is an amino acid that your body converts into a different amino acid called arginine, which converts to nitric oxide, a gas that improves blood flow. Watermelon is a good source of lycopene and vitamins A, B-6 and C. Lycopene is a phytonutrient with antioxidant properties that can reduce your risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and an eye disease called macular degeneration. Most important for hydration, watermelon juice contains potassium, a mineral that regulates water balance of your cells and kidneys.
Types
Watermelon originated in Africa and spread throughout the world, including Asia and North America. Between 200 to 300 varieties of watermelon exist, with many grown in Mexico and the United States, particularly in Southern states, with about 50 varieties that are most popular. Consumers can categorize watermelons as seeded, seedless, mini, orange and yellow. Whichever type of watermelon you like best, drinking its juice throughout the day will help you stay hydrated.
Tips/Article via livestrong.com
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