Watermelon is a triple threat: healthy, hydrating, and delicious.

Here’s a look at what’s inside a one-cup serving of diced watermelon (about 152 grams).

The fiber can help aid digestion and regulate bowel movements.

Watermelon Poke Bowls

VICTOR PROTASIO

Boosts the Immune System

Watermelons are also high in lycopenea plant compound oftenassociated with tomatoes.

Lycopene is a phytochemical known for its antioxidant properties.

There have been several studies linking consumption of lycopene with a decreased risk in prostate cancer, Feller says.

Ginger-Lime Melon Salad

Jennifer Causey

These compounds may have anti-cancer properties.

Improves Brain Health

Watermelons can improve brain function.

Think: Less brain fog, better memory, clearer thinking, etc.

Feta and Watermelon Grain Bowls Recipe

Caitlin Bensel

The antioxidant properties of watermelon combat oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are linked to diabetes.

Plus, the rich fiber content and prebiotics in watermelon help improve gut health and regulate blood sugar levels.

The lycopene in watermelon lowers blood pressure by inhibiting oxidative stress and improving vascular function.

Watermelon-Mint Agua Fresca

Greg DuPree

Enhances Skin

Watermelon is packed with vitamin C (as well as other vitamins and minerals).

And vitamin C is known to help enhance skin health.

One study showed that athletes who drank watermelon juice experienced less soreness for 24 hours.

watermelon-salad-with-pickled-rind-realsimple-0821FOO_0114

Victor Protasio

The study found that watermelon juice consumption improves the bioavailability of L-citrulline after intense exercise.

Gans suggestsfreezing watermelonand using it in drinks instead of ice.

Delicious Watermelon Recipes

Watermelon makes for easy-to-prepare snacks.

you might even juice the rind!

Here are more watermelon recipes to try.

Watermelon Poke Bowls

A plant-based take on poke brings watermelon into the mix.

Ginger-Lime Melon Salad

Combine watermelon and ginger for this revitalizing dish.

Whichever way you slice it (literally), this dish is sure to be satisfying.

Salty feta and cilantro add an extra burst of flavor for this summery dish.

Watermelon-Mint Agua Fresca

Kick back with a refreshing watermelon and mint drink.

Watermelon Salad With Pickled Rind

Victor Protasio

Nothing beats a summer salad like a watermelon salad.

However, the juice has less fiber content.

The fiber in watermelon is mostly in the pulp, which gets filtered out during the juicing process.

This means that it may not aid digestion as well as whole watermelon.

You should also be mindful of any added sugars in watermelon juice.

“Watermelon, raw.”

U.S. Department of Agriculture.

2014;6(2):466-88. doi:10.3390/nu6020466

Han, K. et al.

“Versatile Nutraceutical Potentials of WatermelonA Modest Fruit Loaded with Pharmaceutically Valuable Phytochemicals.“Molecules.

Wallace TC, Blusztajn JK, Caudill MA, et al.Choline: The underconsumed and underappreciated essential nutrient.Nutr Today.

2018;53(6):240-253. doi:10.1097/NT.0000000000000302

Butt, M. et al.

“Watermelon lycopene and allied health claims.

Li, X. et al.

“Lycopene Supplement and Blood Pressure: An Updated Meta-Analysis of Intervention Trials.“Nutrients.

Atanasov, A. et al.

“Lycopene and Vascular Health.

“Frontiers in Pharmacology.

Aman, Z. et al.

“Efficacy of Vitamin C Supplementation on Collagen Synthesis and Oxidative Stress After Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Systematic Review.

“Orthopedic Journal of Sports Medicine.

Aguayo, E. et al.

“Watermelon juice: potential functional drink for sore muscle relief in athletes.

“Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Tobias A, Ballard BD, Mohiuddin SS.Physiology, water balance.StatPearls.

Au, H. et al.

“YOUR KIDNEYS AND HIGH POTASSIUM (HYPERKALEMIA) Are You At Risk.”

Iszovitch, S. et al.

“Elevated plasma citrulline and arginine due to consumption of Citrullus vulgaris (watermelon).

“Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease.