Whether you’re an avid workout junkie or just the occasional gym-goer, post-workout nutrition is crucial for recovery, including helping muscles grow and improve athletic performance. Adding watermelon is a great way to shake up your post-workout routine.
Watermelon is a good source of a non-essential amino acid called L-citrulline. L-citrulline can increase the use of amino acids (protein building blocks) during exercise. It can also increase nitric oxide production (the same reason beets are great for improving exercise performance).
A hydration powerhouse. A serving of watermelon is a great option for post-workout because it is almost 92% water. That is the perfect hydration boost you need after a tough sweat session, as you lose water in your body through sweating.
Secondly, it is an electrolyte powerhouse. Again, through sweating, you lose water and electrolytes. Electrolytes, which have an electrical charge, are responsible for helping regulate chemical processes and balance your bodily fluid levels, both in and out of the cells. An imbalance has serious ramifications, so replacing them post-workout is crucial.
Watermelon is also a good source of beta-carotene, B-complex vitamins, copper, and selenium. It boasts potent antioxidants, such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene, which scavenge oxidative stress and fight inflammation. Lycopene, for example, regulates blood pressure, neutralizes free radicals, and may protect against cancer, according to the International Food Information Council Foundation.
With its great boost of magnesium, potassium, and calcium, the electrolytes in watermelon help stave off muscle cramps that occur during intense workouts and will help boost immunity when you are under the weather.
Don’t only stock up on the watermelon if you plan on working out. It’s one of those super fruits that you should have in your diet no matter what because it can improve digestion. Watermelon helps with digestion by reducing that bloated feeling.