What Is the Nutritional Value of Watermelon?

Watermelon is a fruit in the melon family that can be eaten or made into drinks and smoothies. There are more than 1,200 varieties of watermelon with a large range of sizes. The flesh of a watermelon is usually red, but can also be orange, yellow or white.

Nutrition

• Two cups of watermelon contain 46 calories, less than 1/4 gram of fat, 11.6 grams of carbohydrates, and is a good source of vitamins A and C.

Heart Benefits

• Watermelon is naturally low in saturated fat and cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy food. It also contains amino acids that help maintain arteries and blood flow through the heart.

Thirst Quencher

• Watermelon contains about 92 percent water, making it a good thirst quencher and diuretic.

Watermelon as a Vegetable

• The rind of a watermelon can be eaten as a vegetable in a stir-fry, a stew and pickled.

Prevention of Prostate Cancer

• Some people believe a combination of watermelon and green tea reduce a man's risk of developing prostate cancer.

Relieve Muscle Cramps

• The potassium found in watermelon can help to prevent muscle cramps. Two cups of watermelon provide 10 percent of the daily recommended amount of potassium.