Did You Know What Watermelon Is Doing To Your Blood Pressure, Heart and Kidneys?

he arrival of summer every year also marks the arrival of one of my absolute favorite foods: the watermelon. No summer barbecue is complete without slices of this juicy and delicious melon to pass around.

But in all my years of eating watermelon, I had no idea that it was actually benefiting my health at the same time!

Just as there are health benefits to drinking lemon water, there are a surprising number of ways that watermelon is good for you as well. I always knew that it was a good source of hydration, but I never expected it to be good for improving my kidney health and lowering my blood pressure!

Scroll through below for an exclusive list of the nine health benefits of eating a slice of watermelon every day. Now I just have nine more excuses to enjoy this sweet summer favorite.Are you a fan of watermelon? Will you be adding a little more watermelon to your summer diet? Let us know in the comments!Watermelon has long been known as a source of all-important nutrients.Nutrients like lycopene, vitamin A, citrulline, and vitamin C are all present in this delicious fruit, and are likely having a positive overall effect on your body.

Keep scrolling below to see exactly how watermelon can benefit your health!
Benefit #1: Improves Skin
If you feel like you are in a constant struggle with your own skin, or if you are just looking to capture a little extra glow, try adding more watermelon to your diet.

According to the experts at Curejoy.com, the vitamin A in watermelon helps promote body tissue growth, leading to a fresh, moisturized look all over.
Benefit #2: Promotes Heart Health
Anyone who suffers from heart troubles or experiences chest pain in any way should definitely seek out medical attention right away.
But according to Organic Facts, the lycopene in watermelon “improves cardiac functions.”

Even more than that, the “vitamin C, carotenoids, and potassium help to reduce cholesterol and keep your heart safe from a variety of dangerous conditions.”

Benefit #3: Aids Kidney Health
Passing a kidney stone can be one of the most painful experiences out there, so it is probably in everyone’s best interest to keep the kidneys happy and healthy.
Livelovefruit.com writes that watermelon increases your urine flow without putting extra stress on your kidneys.
Watermelon “eases strain on the kidneys while getting rid of excess fluids.”
Benefit #4: Lowers Blood Pressure
Many people are trying to lower their blood pressure through diet and exercise, but watermelon should definitely be included in these efforts.
According to Organic Facts, “The good amount of potassium and magnesium that is present in watermelons is very beneficial in bringing down blood pressure.”

Benefit #5: Fights Prostate Cancer
While watermelon certainly should not be used to battle cancer on its own, it does contain specific cancer-fighting nutrients.
As posted on Live Science: “Watermelons may be helpful in reducing the risk of cancer through their antioxidant properties.
“Lycopene in particular has been linked to reducing prostate cancer… according to the National Cancer Institute.”
For those who already eat plenty of watermelon, all of these benefits will come as welcome news. But for those who don’t, it may just be time to add a delicious slice into your daily diet!
Do you plan to eat a little extra watermelon this summer in order to reap the health benefits? Let us know in the comments.