Eating Watermelon To Cool Off In Summer Dietitian: It Can Also Relieve Muscle Soreness After Exercise

In the hot summer, eating watermelon is the first choice for many people to cool down. Nutritionist Li Wanping said that watermelon is a good option for hydration in summer, and drinking a glass of watermelon juice after exercise can also relieve muscle soreness and fatigue. It has the potential to become a The future sports drink star. Besides, what nutritional value does watermelon have?

Watermelon can relieve muscle soreness and fatigue

Li Wanping pointed out that according to research, the citrulline in watermelon can effectively relieve muscle soreness and fatigue after exercise. However, it should be noted that the watermelon juice sold in beverage stores usually has sugar added, so it is recommended to squeeze it by yourself, or remember to mark it without sugar, otherwise the calories consumed by exercise will be wasted.

Li Wanping explained that although citrulline is not an essential amino acid, it has antioxidant properties. The content is the most from the peel, followed by the pulp, and finally the white skin (that is, the junction of the pulp and the peel). In addition to citrulline, watermelon also has lycopene and beta-carotene, and high intake of watermelon also increases the levels of these two nutrients in the blood.

However, there are also many people who are afraid that eating watermelon will cause diarrhea. Li Wanping said that from the perspective of nutrition, although there is no clear record of the direct relationship between watermelon and the digestive system. However, watermelon has a high water content, and the citrulline contained in it is a precursor of arginine, which can increase blood circulation and muscle relaxation. Therefore, it may be the cause of particularly smooth bowel movements.

Weight loss and sugar friends can rest assured to eat watermelon

Li Wanping also shared that using watermelon instead of biscuits and cakes as "snacks" can effectively lose weight, make you feel fuller, and also effectively reduce hunger and hunger.desire to eat. Experimental studies have shown that watermelon can reduce body weight, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure, which is beneficial for weight loss as a whole, but it should be consumed in moderation. Sugar lovers can also eat watermelon, but pay attention to the substitution of sugar, and do not eat more than 400 grams of watermelon a day.

Li Wanping said that the calorie difference between watermelon red meat, yellow meat, and seedless is not big. Watermelon retains more fiber than watermelon juice, and needs to be chewed to produce a feeling of satiety, so it will not take in too many calories invisibly like drinking watermelon juice. Commercially available watermelon juice often reaches 500cc, and extra sugar is added to taste good, so you should pay special attention to the fear of taking in too many calories. Due to the relatively low potassium content of watermelon in fruits, people with chronic kidney disease can also consume moderate amounts of potassium in a low-potassium diet.

◎ Image source/Provided by Dazhi Image/shutterstock

◎ Source / Dietitian Li Wanping