In 4000 BC, watermelon was already regarded in high esteem by Egyptians as tombs were graced with their presence. Walls were painted with pictures of watermelon, which was not surprising because being scarce in water supply, the watermelons were actually a heaven’s blessing. Its famous thirst-quenching property reached the Mediterranean region soon after. However, it was not after thousands of years later, when Europe had its first taste of the fruit, and it has since become popular earth wide. The journey of the watermelon began, reaching as far as the east, particularly, China. In Russia, a famous wine is made from the fruit.
Known for its water content, the watermelons are among the fruits that garnered the highest votes for thirst-quenching. It is not a surprise, therefore, when health experts find these fruits to be of particular help in weight loss. The water in it—92 % by weight—is instrumental in losing weight. It helps in food digestion, while being easy to digest itself. It is also helpful in detoxification. Toxins, when accumulated, not only contribute to weight gain. They also make the body vulnerable to certain diseases.
Besides vitamin C, it contains 6% sugar, making it very satiating when craving for sweets. In fact, nutritionists recommend eating fruits such as watermelon every time a person craves for sweets. Watermelons are not only excellent in satiating such cravings. They also make certain that the person eating from it will feel full for longer period.
The calorie it contains is 46 grams for every 154 grams of serving size, while its protein is 1 gram, dietary fiber is also 1 gram, and carbohydrate is 12 grams. When it comes to fat, however, watermelons contain zero. The same thing can be said of trans fats and saturated fat.
Because of this nutrition profile, the health experts include watermelon as among the top 10 weight loss foods. Shortly after such claim, many dieticians devised dietary plans involving the fruit—known as the watermelon diet. Most of them include eating watermelon a day, before meal.
Overweight is among the common problems not just in the United States. Countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and some parts in Europe are plagued with problems of obesity. Even children are not spared from weight issue. The problem with overweight is the health risks involved. People who weigh more than they should are more susceptible to diseases related to overweight. Among others, this includes heart problems, high blood pressure, high sugar levels, and diabetes.
There are three factors that characterize the body weight. These are the genes, lifestyle, and choice of diet. Genes play a role in defining whether one is at risk for gaining weight easily. If one’s genetic makeup makes him or her at high risk for overweight, an individualized diet and lifestyle should be altered. On the other hand, even individuals having genes that make their metabolism works fast, are prone to obesity or overweight when they live an unhealthy lifestyle and eat foods that are high on fats and calories.
Experts from nutrition, health, and fitness agree that balance is the key to having a healthy weight. Healthy lifestyle includes being involved in physical exercises such as walking or jogging. Diet, too should be balanced, with fruits such as the watermelons as among the regular contents.