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‘Beat the Holiday Bloat’ Smoothie – Easy & Delicious

AHA Publisher — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 08:00:08 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Holiday celebrations and feasts can be a joyous event within the Holiday Season. It’s often a time we can engage with family and friends, give thanks, and enjoy delicious foods. It’s also often a time of feeling bloated. All those rich foods. All those extra servings and courses. How can you beat the Holiday bloat? Believe it or not, there are nutrients and foods that can actually help you beat the holiday bloat. Use them, and you’ll feel better, healthier, and likely enjoy the rest of the season more! Beat the Holiday Bloat Smoothie Ingredients: 1.5 cups almond milk 1 cup spinach, loosely packed ½ cup cucumber, sliced (appox. ¼ medium cucumber) ½ cup celery, chopped (appox. 1 medium stalk) ½ small avocado (peeled & pitted) 1 scoop Keto Zone® MCT Oil Powder OR 1 tbsp. coconut oil 1 scoop Keto Zone® Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder 1 scoop Divine Health® Fermented Green Supremefood® Optional: 2-3 drops liquid stevia or low-carb sweetener of choice, to taste Instructions: Into a blender, mix almond milk and spinach. Pulse to break down spinach and make room for the other ingredients. Add all ingredients except stevia. Blend for about 1 minute or until creamy. Taste it. If you’ve used flavored MCT Oil Powder and/or Green Supremefood, it may be sweet enough. If not, add stevia (or another low-carb sweetener), to taste. Nutrition Info: 375 Calories, 25g of Fat, 20g of Protein, 4g of Net Carbs Why the Holiday Bloat? Usually, when you feel bloated, the culprits are too much sugar, carbohydrates, sodium, or simply too much food. It happens. It’s easy to get carried away and overeat during a holiday. But, if you’re trying to stay in the Keto Zone® and eat a healthy diet, the indulgence can cause a host of issues in your body including (1): Increased blood sugar and insulin Increased fluid retention Inflammation Weight Gain If this describes your Holiday Season condition, it’s time to get right back on track. One of the best ways to do so is with a green smoothie! Why? It provides both a physical and mental shift back towards healthy eating. There’s no wallowing in guilt. There’s more. A secret weapon. Here’s what it is and why it works. Why Our Beat the Holiday Bloat Smoothie Works If you’ve overeaten carbohydrates or sugar don’t despair just yet. We’ve got a secret weapon in our detox smoothie: celery. Sugar can cause damage in the body. But, celery can help you stop the damage, reverse it, and get back on track. Beat the Bloat and Detox with Celery While I’m not encouraging you to ever overeat sugary desserts and then detox with a smoothie, we all live in the real world and know it happens. Rather than pretend it doesn’t, let’s focus on tools to get you back on track. First: celery. Why celery? Celery has a gentle diuretic effect (2) which quickly normalizes fluid retention without leaving you dehydrated. This beats the bloat. Next, it’s loaded with nutrients. In fact, celery is (3): A nutrition powerhouse. It contains calcium, copper, magnesium, iron, zinc, and potassium. In addition, a plethora of vitamins: including vitamin A, C, E, D, B6, B12, and vitamin K as well as thiamine, riboflavin, folic acid and fiber (4). Rich in Vitamin C, which promotes good immune function and works as an antioxidant to reduce oxidative stress. A blood pressure reducer. It reduces stress hormones and relaxes arteries to make them more elastic (5). A cholesterol-binder. Celery increases bile production which binds cholesterol in the gut and promotes excretion out of the body (6). A gentle diuretic. Cucumber, Avocado, & Greens to Beat the Holiday Bloat The other ingredients in our Beat the Holiday Bloat Smoothie are not exactly slouches. They bolster it to the next level and provide a full-nutrition meal with healthy fats and protein. Cucumber also promotes gentle diuresis, helping you beat the bloat from extra foods and sugars (6). Avocado is full of vitamins and minerals along with health-promoting omega-9 fats and cholesterol-binding fiber (12) . Spinach provides many phytochemicals, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It’s deep green hue is an indication of health-benefiting chlorophyll (7). Keto Zone® MCT Oil Powder is a convenient and non-greasy form of the best MCTs available. They are easy-to-digest, great for heart health, and produce ketones your brain can use as a super-fuel (8, 9). Keto Zone® Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder promotes healthy hair, skin, nails, joints, gut function, and more. Additionally, collagen provides amino acids seldom found in modern diets (10). Divine Health® Fermented Green Supremefood®, a blend of fermented organic vegetables and wheatgrass, provides concentrated vitamins and minerals. The fermentation process “opens up” these natural superfoods to get more nutrients out. Plus, Fermented Green Supremefood contains healthy bacteria to support digestive and whole-body health (11). BOTTOM LINE: Ready to feel better this Holiday Season? Forget about bloat and fill your body full of amazing nutrition instead. Try our Beat The Holiday Bloat Smoothie today! To read the original article click here.

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Elderberry Benefits for Colds, Flus, Allergies and More

AHA Publisher — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 07:00:38 +0000

Rachael Link, MS, RD via Dr. Axe – Looking for a natural remedy that has a long history of medicinal use? There’s evidence that the elderberry plant may have been cultivated by prehistoric man. There are also recipes for elderberry-based medications dating back to Ancient Egypt. However, most historians typically trace its healing abilities back to Hippocrates, the ancient Greek known as the “Father of Medicine,” who described the plant as his “medicine chest” because of the wide array of health concerns it seemed to treat. Whether we’re talking cavemen, ancient Egyptians or ancient Greeks, this remedy definitely goes way back, which is why it’s no wonder it’s known as one of the top antiviral herbs on the planet. Health benefits of the elder plant include naturally improving: sinus issues nerve pain inflammation chronic fatigue allergies constipation even cancer Research published in the Journal of International Medical Research suggests that when it’s used within the first 48 hours of onset of symptoms, the plant may even help relieve and shorten the duration of cold and flu. For this reason, the government actually employed the use of elderberry to fight the flu during the 1995 Panama flu epidemic. Does it really work? What exactly does it do, and how can you use it to promote better health? Here’s what you need to know, including its many benefits. What Is Elderberry? Sambucus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Adoxaceae. The different species of Sambucus are commonly called elderberry or elder. The berries and flowers of the elder plant are used as medicine. Elderberry is native to Europe, Africa and parts of Asia, but it’s become common in the U.S. It has deciduous leaves, white flowers (elderflowers) and berries that turn from green to red to black when ripe. Elder is commonly found growing in woodlands and hedgerows. Sambucus nigra is the full scientific name of the most common variety used for medicinal purposes, as well as the species on which the majority of scientific research has been conducted. It’s a deciduous tree growing up to 32 feet tall with cream-white flowers and blue-black berries. Other common names for Sambucus nigra include black elder, European elder, European elderberry and European black elderberry. The elderberry bush or elderberry tree yields the berries that are commonly used in syrups, jams and wine, among other medicinal and culinary delights. In addition to black elderberry, there are several other varieties available as well. Some of the most common include: Black lace elderberry Red elderberry Adams elderberry Lemon lace elderberry Black beauty elderberry Blue elderberry York elderberry European elder flowers contain approximately 0.3 percent of an essential oil composed of free fatty acids and alkanes. The triterpenes alpha- and beta-amyrin, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, betulin, betulinic acid and a variety of other minor components have been identified. Elderberry fruit contains quercetin, kaempferol, rutin and phenolic acids. It also contains flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties that can help prevent cell damage, and anthocyanidins, which are chemical compounds that are known to have immune-boosting properties. The raw berries are made up of 80 percent water, 18 percent carbohydrates, and less than 1 percent each of protein and fat. Elderberries are naturally high in vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6, iron and potassium, among several other essential nutrients. Benefits 1. Provides Cold and Flu Relief One of the most well-studied elderberry supplement benefits is its powerful immune-boosting properties. The berries contain chemical compounds called anthocyanidins, which have been found to possess immunostimulant properties. Research actually shows that elderberry is a safe, efficient and cost-effective treatment for the common cold and flu. A 2021 systematic review screened 1,187 records and five randomized trials on elderberry for the treatment or prevention of viral respiratory illness. Researchers found that elderberry may reduce the duration and severity of symptoms related to colds and influenza, and there’s no evidence that it overstimulates the immune system. A 2016 study published in Nutrients showed that elderberry supplementation was able to reduce cold duration and symptoms in people using air travel. People using this herb from 10 days before travel until four to five days after arrival overseas experienced, on average, a two-day shorter duration of their colds as well as a noticeable reduction in cold symptoms. Several studies have found benefits to support the use of elderberry for flu symptoms as well. Specifically, the flavonoids in the berries bind to the H1N1 human influenza virus as well as the H5N1 avian influenza virus. A 2009 study, randomized patients into two groups. One group was given four doses of 175-milligram proprietary elderberry extract daily, and the other group received a placebo for two days. The group treated showed significant improvement in most signs of flu, while the placebo group showed no improvement in symptom severity. Researchers concluded that the extract is effective in controlling influenza symptoms. Another study published in the Journal of International Medical Research referenced above suggests that when elderberry is used within the first 48 hours of the onset of signs of flu, it can shorten the duration of flu symptoms by an average of four days. 2. Reduces Sinus Infection Symptoms With elderberry’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it makes sense that it can help treat sinus issues and diseases related to respiratory health. A sinus infection is a condition in which the cavities around the nasal passages become inflamed, and this antiviral herb has promise as a sinus infection remedy. A study conducted by the Institute of Complementary Medicine’s Department of Internal Medicine at the University Hospital in Zurich, Switzerland examined the use of a product called Sinupret, which contains elderberry extract. The researchers used Sinupret to treat bacterial sinusitis along with an antibiotic (doxycycline or vibramycin) and a decongestant. Interestingly enough, those who took the combination did better compared to those who did not take Sinupret at all. 3. Lowers Blood Sugar Both the elder flower and the berry have traditionally been used to treat diabetes. Research has confirmed that extracts of elderflower stimulate glucose metabolism and the secretion of insulin, which could potentially help lower blood sugar levels. Research published in the Journal of Nutrition evaluatedblack elderberry’s insulin-like and insulin-releasing actions in vitro. The study found that an aqueous extract of elder significantly increased glucose transport, glucose oxidation and glycogenesis without any added insulin. Glycogenesis is the process by which excess sugar is cleared out of the bloodstream and into your muscles and liver to help maintain normal blood sugar. Furthermore, a 2017 animal study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences noted that elderberries can serve as a potential source of bioactive compounds for formulations used for the management of diabetes. Researchers found that both lipophilic and polar extracts of the berry lowered insulin resistance in rats with type 2 diabetes. 4. Acts as a Natural Diuretic A diuretic is a substance that promotes the production of urine. Research indicates that elder leaves, flowers and berries were used for their diuretic properties in rural populations as natural medicine. Even the bark of the plant was used for its diuretic and slimming effects. Doctors prescribe diuretics when the body retains too much fluid, which is a common problem in older adults. Thanks to its ability to act as a safe diuretic, elderberry has been shown to promote both urination and bowel moments to help protect against fluid retention. 5. Promotes Regularity In traditional or folk medicine, the elder plant was used as a laxative to relieve constipation. It was added to herbal mixtures to improve regularity. Some research suggests that elderberry tea benefits constipation and can help support regularity and digestive health. A small, randomized trial found that a specific compound containing elderberries along with several other plants could act as an effective natural laxative for the treatment of constipation. Unfortunately, however, there are currently no studies evaluating elderberry itself for constipation relief, so more research is still needed. 6. Supports Skin Health Elderberry has made its way into cosmetic products, and for good reason. Its content of bioflavonoids, antioxidants and vitamin A makes it awesome for skin health. Not only that, but researchers also suspect that a compound found in the berry could give a natural boost to skin. Anthocyanin is a type of natural plant pigment found in elderberry that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some researchers suspect that this compound may improve skin’s structure and condition to enhance overall skin health. 7. Eases Allergies In addition to using elderberry syrup for colds, the flowers of the elder plant are also known to be an effective herbal allergy remedy. Since allergies involve an overreaction of the immune system as well as inflammation, research suggests that the herb’s ability to improve immune function and calm inflammation can help provide allergy relief. Some herbalists put black elder flower on the list of most effective herbs used for treating hay fever-like symptoms. It can be used for allergies on its own or in combination with other herbs and natural remedies. 8. Could Have Cancer-Fighting Effects Edible berry extracts like elderberry extract are rich in anthocyanins and have been shown to have a broad spectrum of therapeutic, pharmacologic and anti-carcinogenic properties. In vitro studies specifically indicate that the elderberry has some chemopreventive properties, which can help inhibit, delay or reverse cancer formation. One study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food compared the anticancer properties of European and American elderberry fruits. European elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is known for its medicinal use and contains anthocyanins, flavonoids and other polyphenolics, which all contribute to the high-antioxidant capacity of its berries. American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) has not been grown or promoted as a medicinal plant like its European relative. This study tested extracts of both berries to assess anticancer potential and found that both demonstrated significant chemopreventive potential. Additionally, the American elder extract showed inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase, which is an enzyme marker related to the promotion stage of cancer formation. Thus, elderberries show potential as cancer-fighting foods. 9. May Improve Heart Health Although studies have found mixed results, some research suggests that elderberry extract may improve heart health. For example, one animal model showed that giving mice with high cholesterol and HDL cholesterol dysfunction anthocyanin-rich black elderberry extract helped reduce hepatic cholesterol levels and improved HDL function. This may be due to the presence of anthocyanins, which are polyphenols that have demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Another study found that elderberry extract may have beneficial effects on high blood pressure. When polyphenols extracted from the plant were administered with renin inhibitors to rats with hypertension, they reduced arterial pressure. Researchers suggest that using polyphenols to lower blood pressure may also help reduce the side effects of blood pressure-lowering medications and improve overall quality of life. How to Use Wondering where to buy elderberry and how to start adding it to your diet? It is available at many local health stores and online retailers and can be purchased in a variety of different forms. Elderberry gummies, elderberry wine and elderberry juice are all popular options for getting your fix of this incredible ingredient. When it comes to colds, flu and upper respiratory issues, elderberry syrup is very popular. There are high-quality brands readily available for purchase, or you can find many online resources for how to make elderberry syrup to try making it at home. Most elderberry syrup recipe options out there involve simmering elderberries with a bit of water and a variety of other healing herbs for 45 minutes to an hour. Elderberry tea is another great option Elderberry tea is another great option, especially if you use elderberry for flu and cold symptoms. You can either buy tea bags or purchase dried berries or flowers and make a tea by combining one tablespoon of berries or flowers with eight ounces of water. Try adding lemon, cinnamon or mint to give the flavor and health benefits a hearty boost. Not a fan of hot teas or black elderberry syrup? Then you can try elderberry juice, which is sweet, tart and refreshing. Just be sure not to purchase one that has too much added sugar. Risks, Side Effects and Interactions Despite the many health benefits associated with this medicinal plant, there are several elderberry side effects to consider as well. Ripe, cooked berries from most of the Sambucus species are edible. However, you should not consume raw berries or other parts of the plant since they contain a cyanide-inducing chemical, which can result in nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Generally,...

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Top 12 Health Benefits of Watermelon

AHA Publisher — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 07:00:52 +0000

Jillian Levy, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Watermelon is considered a summertime staple, popping up at pool parties and summer barbecues all season long. While it’s well-known for its ability to keep you cool and hydrated, there are tons of other health perks associated with this popular fruit that are not as well-known. What are the benefits of eating watermelon? As you’ll learn more about below, this fruit is low in calories, a good source of vitamins C and A, and has been linked to everything from reduced muscle pain and enhanced exercise recovery to improved vision and skin health. Nutrition Facts The watermelon plant, also known by its scientific name Citrullus lanatus, is a member of the flowering plant family known as Cucurbitaceae. Is watermelon a fruit? Yes, the spiky, low-to-the-ground watermelon plant, which originates from southern Africa, produces the popular edible fruit we now commonly consume. It’s believed that wild varieties that were grown many years ago were more bitter than the types we eat today, thanks to the presence of a compound called cucurbitacin. Historically, many varieties, with different colors and tastes, were grown in various parts of the world, including across Africa. Believe it or not, it’s estimated that there are actually more than 1,200 different cultivars of watermelon still in existence. This includes the lanatus, crimson sweet and jubilee watermelons. Unbeknownst to most people, the entire watermelon is edible, including the rind and seeds. In fact, watermelon rind (which can be pickled or even stir-fried) is very high in citrulline, a compound that’s transformed into the amino acid arginine, which is associated with cardiovascular benefits and more. The seeds are also chock-full of amino acids, the “building blocks of protein,” as well as some trace minerals, which is why they are included in some plant protein powders. Is watermelon a “superfood”? While it may not be as nutrient-dense as fruits such as berries or oranges, there are still some impressive benefits associated with watermelon nutrition. All varieties are loaded with antioxidants and have been associated with a wide range of health benefits — such as better heart health, enhanced immunity and increased weight loss. Two especially protective compounds found in this fruit are citrulline and lycopene. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s data on watermelon nutrition, one cup (about 152 grams) contains approximately: 46 calories 11.5 grams carbs 1 gram protein 0.2 grams fat 0.6 grams dietary fiber 12.3 milligrams vitamin C (21 percent DV) 865 international units vitamin A (17 percent DV) 170 milligrams potassium (5 percent DV) 15.2 milligrams magnesium (4 percent DV) 0.1 milligrams thiamine (3 percent DV) 0.1 milligrams vitamin B6 (3 percent DV) 0.3 milligrams pantothenic acid (3 percent DV) 0.1 milligrams copper (3 percent DV) 0.1 milligrams manganese (3 percent DV) Top 12 Benefits of Watermelon Here are some of the top benefits of watermelon: 1. Can Help Support Immunity In animal studies, watermelon consumption has been linked to reduced inflammation and improved antioxidant capacity. Lycopene, one of the carotenoids found in abundance in this fruit, has potent antioxidant properties and can help reduce oxidative stress. It may also help keep your heart healthy, as well as defend against certain types of cancers, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes and macular diseases, according to recent research. Studies show eating it can also increase levels of arginine, an important amino acid that’s used for the synthesis of nitric oxide. Not only does nitric oxide help dilate your vessels to keep blood flowing efficiently and reduce the risk of high blood pressure, but it’s also involved in regulating the immune system. This fruit is also a great source of vitamin C, a key micronutrient that does double duty, acting as both an antioxidant and immune enhancer to keep your body healthy and ward off chronic disease. Antioxidants can help fight free radicals and protect the cells against oxidative damage and stress. 2. May Improve Heart Health Watermelon contains a good amount of both potassium and magnesium, two important nutrients used to help remedy conditions like high blood pressure. Consuming proper amounts of potassium and magnesium from a nutritious diet seems to be associated with improved heart health, according to research, along with a decreased risk of death from heart disease. A review published in the journal Advances in Nutrition showed that eating plenty of potassium-rich foods like fruits and vegetables can positively impact blood pressure levels, which may be useful in reducing the risk of conditions such as stroke and heart attacks. Lycopene also benefits heart health by reducing inflammation, fighting oxidative stress and potentially improving blood lipid levels. New research, including results from a 2019 study, suggests that drinking 100 percent watermelon juice is “a palatable, effective means of increasing serum lycopene in older adult women, a group at risk for low carotenoid intake.” Studies have also shown that watermelon benefits may include helping relieve arterial stiffness, balance cholesterol and improve systolic blood pressure in adults with hypertension. 3. Can Relieve Pain and Soreness In addition to the potential benefits of watermelon juice, this fruit also packs a good amount of vitamin C into each serving. Vitamin C has been shown to protect cartilage and bones, aid in the repair of tendons and ligaments, and help speed up wound healing. Potassium and magnesium, two nutrients that are also found in this type of melon, are important for muscle recovery and pain relief. Potassium, in particular, aids in the prevention of muscle cramps following exercise and helps you heal from injury more quickly. 4. Helps Prevent Kidney Stones Studies have shown that the potassium found in fruits and vegetables is very helpful in cleaning toxins and washing out waste from the blood, helping prevent kidney stones. Watermelon benefits also include being a natural diuretic. It helps increase urine production to transport waste and toxins out of the body to protect against kidney stones. 5. Aids in Hydration, Digestion and Detoxification One of the top benefits of watermelon is its high water content. In fact, it is estimated to be composed of about 91 percent water, which can aid in detoxification and help rid the body of excess water and fluids, relieving uncomfortable bloating and swelling. Potassium and magnesium are also important for detoxification. Potassium acts as an electrolyte and promotes circulatory health while also helping manage blood flow and hydration levels within the body, allowing oxygen to reach your cells. At the same time, magnesium reduces water retention in the gut to beat bloating and help you lose water weight. Another interesting finding from recent animal studies is that consumption of watermelon juice significantly lowers fasting blood glucose levels in diabetic mouse models. The juice seems to induce gut microbiome compositional changes that can have positive metabolic effects. 6. May Help Fight Cancer Cells This fruit may act as a potent cancer-fighting food, squeezing a hearty dose of antioxidants and watermelon health benefits into each serving. An important benefit of watermelon for men is that lycopene, one of the main carotenoids found in the fruit, has been linked to a lower risk of prostate cancer in some studies. Research also shows that lycopene plays a part in keeping cell membranes strong so they can protect themselves from toxins that can potentially cause cell death or mutation. It’s also a great supplier of antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin A, both of which help fight free radical damage and prevent DNA mutation to block the formation of cancerous cells. Studies have also shown that high doses of vitamin C can enhance the cancer-fighting effects of certain drugs used in chemotherapy while also reducing adverse side effects of traditional cancer treatments. 7. Helps Protect Skin Health Watermelon benefits skin health because it’s one of the top antioxidant foods available. Due to its high content of antioxidant vitamins A and C, watermelon benefits for skin include its ability to protect the cells against damage and fight free radical formation to slow aging and keep your skin looking healthy. Vitamin C is especially important for skin health. It helps boost collagen production while also helping prevent sun damage. Meanwhile, vitamin A is key to maintaining the health of your cells and protecting against UV damage. 8. Supports Healthy Vision Important nutrients that play a role in protecting eye health — including beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, lutein and zeaxanthin — are also housed in this giant fruit and sit among the many benefits of watermelon. Studies have shown that a serious vitamin A deficiency, for example, can lead to macular degeneration, a condition characterized by the thickening of the cornea that could eventually lead to blindness. This summertime fruit is a great supplier of beta-carotene, which is the form of vitamin A found in plants. Getting enough beta-carotene in your diet can aid in the prevention of macular degeneration, the leading cause of age-related blindness. 9. May Help With Weight Loss Is watermelon good for you to lose weight? While it does contain natural sugar and carbs, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing depending on the diet you follow and how much you consume. Despite being rich in a multitude of important vitamins and minerals, there are a low amount of calories in watermelon, making it a great addition to a nutritious weight loss diet. For this reason, watermelon benefits weight loss by promoting satiety and curbing cravings to keep you on track toward your health goals. A 2019 study published in Nutrients found that the potential mechanisms by which watermelon consumption improves body weight management is by increasing satiety (fullness) and postprandial glucose and insulin response. After four weeks of intervention in overweight and obese adults, consuming two cups of watermelon rather than cookies led to a significantly higher satiety response (lower hunger, prospective food consumption and desire to eat and greater fullness) plus significantly decreased body weight, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure and waist-to-hip ratio. 10. Can Improve Exercise Recovery Watermelon, including the juice from this fruit, has been linked to enhanced muscle recovery in athletes and reduced soreness. It can help you hit the gym more effectively to reach your weight loss goals. A 2020 study found that by providing electrolytes and reducing dehydration, one of the top benefits of watermelon is its ability to promote post-exercise recovery and alleviate aches and pains. Interestingly enough, one study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry looked at the effects of watermelon juice as a functional drink for athletes. After 24 hours of supplementation, athletes experienced improved heart rates that were more beneficial for muscle recovery in addition to less overall soreness and muscle aches. A 2016 study found that watermelon puree consumption fully supported the energy demands of exercise and increased post-exercise blood levels of nutritional components (l-citrulline and l-arginine), antioxidant capacity and total nitrate status. It did not, however, influence post-exercise inflammation and changes in innate immune function. Another 2016 study also found that it offered benefits to those doing high intensity or endurance exercise, but overall it didn’t prolong time to exhaustion. 11. Can Help Relieve Acid Reflux One of the benefits of watermelon and muskmelon (along with other types of melons) is that they are often used to reduce acid reflux symptoms. Melons are a part of the GAPS diet, which is designed to help treat digestive diseases and reduce inflammation. Melon is believed to soothe the gastrointestinal tract and regulate pH levels while also lessening inflammation and acid production throughout the body. That said, due to its fructose (sugar), watermelon may trigger discomfort in people sensitive to high FODMAP foods. 12. May Benefit Reproductive/Sexual Health What does watermelon do sexually? As mentioned above, consuming the juice and flesh of this fruit can help relieve arterial stiffness, support circulation and improve blood pressure. This suggests that watermelon may also be good for you sexually, as it can help with blood flow and therefore arousal. Additionally, in some studies citrulline (found in the rind) has demonstrated to be a safe and well-accepted alternative treatment...

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