Watermelon may help lower prostate cancer risk and improve heart and muscle health
TOI World Desk | TOI Global Desk | Sep 17, 2025, 22:04 IST
Watermelon, a hydrating summer fruit, may help lower the risk of prostate cancer due to its high lycopene content. It also supports heart, skin, and muscle health, aids digestion, and helps with post-workout recovery. While not a cure for any disease, it offers several health benefits when included as part of a balanced diet.
Watermelon, a common summer fruit, may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer, according to health experts and studies. It is rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that may help slow the growth of cancer cells and reduce inflammation in the body.
Experts say that while eating watermelon is not a cure or treatment for cancer, it can support overall health and lower certain risks. The information comes from Medical News Today and US-based sports dietitian Wendi A. Irlbeck.
Watermelon contains more lycopene than any other fruit or vegetable. Lycopene is a natural compound that gives watermelon its red color. Studies have found that lycopene may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer and also improve heart health. However, experts have warned that people should not depend only on lycopene or watermelon for cancer prevention. Medical care and regular check-ups are still important.
Helps with
Watermelon is made up of about 92% water, which makes it good for hydration. One cup of watermelon has around 170 mg of potassium, a mineral that helps in maintaining blood pressure and muscle function. Watermelon also contains L-citrulline, an amino acid that may help reduce muscle soreness after exercise. A study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed that eating watermelon before exercise reduced muscle pain within 24 hours.
Watermelon has vitamin C, which helps the body make collagen. Collagen is important for skin health and elasticity. Lycopene in watermelon also protects the skin from damage caused by the sun. Experts also say that L-citrulline and lycopene may help improve blood flow and support heart health by reducing blood pressure and improving the function of blood vessels.
Along with water, watermelon has fiber, which helps in digestion and keeps the bowel movements regular. It is also a source of vitamins A, B6, and magnesium. These nutrients support overall health and can be a useful addition to a balanced diet, especially during the summer months.
Although watermelon is healthy for most people, those with diabetes should eat it in moderation. The fruit has natural sugars that can raise blood sugar levels. People who are allergic to watermelon should avoid it and consult a doctor if they notice any symptoms like itching or rashes.
Watermelon is more than just a summer fruit. It may help lower the risk of prostate cancer and improve heart, skin, and muscle health. While it should not replace medical treatment, adding it to a balanced diet can offer many health benefits.
Experts say that while eating watermelon is not a cure or treatment for cancer, it can support overall health and lower certain risks. The information comes from Medical News Today and US-based sports dietitian Wendi A. Irlbeck.
Lycopene is the key nutrient
Watermelon contains more lycopene than any other fruit or vegetable. Lycopene is a natural compound that gives watermelon its red color. Studies have found that lycopene may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer and also improve heart health. However, experts have warned that people should not depend only on lycopene or watermelon for cancer prevention. Medical care and regular check-ups are still important.
Helps with hydration and recovery
Watermelon is made up of about 92% water, which makes it good for hydration. One cup of watermelon has around 170 mg of potassium, a mineral that helps in maintaining blood pressure and muscle function. Watermelon also contains L-citrulline, an amino acid that may help reduce muscle soreness after exercise. A study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed that eating watermelon before exercise reduced muscle pain within 24 hours.
Good for heart and skin health
Watermelon has vitamin C, which helps the body make collagen. Collagen is important for skin health and elasticity. Lycopene in watermelon also protects the skin from damage caused by the sun. Experts also say that L-citrulline and lycopene may help improve blood flow and support heart health by reducing blood pressure and improving the function of blood vessels.
Supports digestion and provides nutrients
Along with water, watermelon has fiber, which helps in digestion and keeps the bowel movements regular. It is also a source of vitamins A, B6, and magnesium. These nutrients support overall health and can be a useful addition to a balanced diet, especially during the summer months.
Possible risks for some people
Although watermelon is healthy for most people, those with diabetes should eat it in moderation. The fruit has natural sugars that can raise blood sugar levels. People who are allergic to watermelon should avoid it and consult a doctor if they notice any symptoms like itching or rashes.
Conclusion
Watermelon is more than just a summer fruit. It may help lower the risk of prostate cancer and improve heart, skin, and muscle health. While it should not replace medical treatment, adding it to a balanced diet can offer many health benefits.