By michael - February, 10th 2014

Eating watermelon could be an effective means of alleviating the pain associated with muscle soreness. A study, revealed that eating watermelon can help treat post-exercise muscle soreness because of its high levels of L-citrulline. L-citrulline is a naturally occurring amino acid found in food, such as watermelons, and also made in the body. Our bodies change L-citrulline into another amino acid called L-arginine and also to nitric oxide. L-citrulline might help increase the supply of ingredients the body needs to making certain proteins. It might also help open up veins and arteries to improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure.

Can watermelon help ease the pain after a tough workout? Research weighs in. To ease the pain after a tough workout, consider blending up some watermelon or just chow down on a slice. A recent study in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry found athletes who consumed watermelon juice post-exercise had significantly less muscle soreness compared with those who drank a placebo drink. “Watermelon is rich in L-citrulline, which affects the body’s nitric oxide system,” says Encarna Aguayo, Ph.D., of Universidad Politecnica de Cartagena. Nitric oxide “can increase blood flow, oxygen and glucose transport, and lactic acid removal.” The result: You can train harder and recover faster. So toss out the sugary sports drink and sip melon juice instead.

By eating watermelon it can also help you achieve that younger-looking skin with just 2-cups of watermelon daily. Research showed that watermelon cuts the risk of sun related skin damage by 40%. That's because watermelon is nature's richest source of lycopene, an antioxidant that scavenges the UV-induced free radicals that cause sunburn and wrinkling. Lycopene may also help reduce the risks of cancer and other diseases.

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