Watermelon also contains\u00a0antioxidants<\/a>. These substances can\u00a0help remove<\/a>\u00a0molecules known as free radicals, or reactive species, from the body. The body produces free radicals during natural processes, such as metabolism. They can also develop through smoking, air pollution,\u00a0stress<\/a>, and other environmental pressures.<\/p>\n If too many free radicals stay in the body, oxidative\u00a0stress<\/span>\u00a0can occur. This can result in cell damage and may lead to a range of diseases, such as\u00a0cancer<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0heart disease<\/a>.<\/p>\n The body can remove some free radicals naturally, but dietary antioxidants support this process.<\/p>\n Watermelon has high water content and also provides some fiber. These nutrients help promote a healthy gut by preventing\u00a0constipation<\/a>\u00a0and promoting regularity of bowel movements.<\/p>\n Watermelon is around 90% water and also provides electrolytes, such as\u00a0potassium<\/a>. This makes it a healthful choice of snack during the hot summer months.<\/p>\n People can eat watermelon fresh, as juice, or frozen in slices for a tasty cold Popsicle-style snack.<\/p>\n Watermelon and watermelon juice may reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery time following exercise in athletes.<\/p>\n In a 2017\u00a0study<\/a>, athletes drank either half a liter of either a\u00a0placebo<\/a>\u00a0or watermelon juice with added L-citrulline, 2 hours before running a half marathon race. Those who consumed the watermelon drink reported less muscle soreness 24\u201372 hours after the race.<\/p>\n It is unclear whether consuming watermelon juice without added L-citrulline would have the same effect.<\/p>\n Watermelon contains vitamin C, which\u00a0the body needs<\/a>\u00a0to produce\u00a0collagen<\/a>. Collagen is essential for cell structure and immune function. Vitamin C also promotes wound healing.<\/p>\n Studies<\/a>\u00a0suggest that vitamin C may help promote healthy skin, including reducing the risk of age-related damage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Tips for serving watermelon include:<\/p>\n Juice<\/strong>: Place diced watermelon and a few ice cubes in a blender for a cold, refreshing, electrolyte drink that is perfect for rehydrating after exercise or a day in the sun.<\/p>\n Salad<\/strong>: Add watermelon,\u00a0mint<\/a>, and fresh mozzarella to a bed of spinach leaves for a tasty and healthful salad. Drizzle with balsamic dressing.<\/p>\n Smoothies<\/strong>: Make a watermelon smoothie or combine with orange juice for extra tang. Remember that juicing breaks down the fiber, making the sugar easier to absorb. People with\u00a0diabetes<\/a>\u00a0should consider eating fresh, whole watermelon rather than drinking juice.<\/p>\nDigestion and regularity<\/h3>\n
Hydration<\/h3>\n
Muscle soreness<\/h3>\n
Skin<\/h3>\n
Serving tips<\/h3>\n
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