Watermelon is a familiar fruit, has a cool sweet taste, contains up to 92% water, and has a natural diuretic effect. The citrulline component, an amino acid found in watermelon, helps increase nitric oxide production in the body, thereby dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the kidneys. Thanks to that, the process of filtering blood and excreting toxins through urine is more effective. At the same time, frequent urination helps prevent kidney stones and reduce the risk of urinary tract inflammation.
In addition, watermelon is rich in antioxidants such as lycopene, vitamins C and A, which help protect kidney cells from the attack of free radicals - one of the causes of chronic kidney damage. Research shows that people who consume foods rich in lycopene have a lower risk of kidney disease than the control group.
However, it is also important to note that eating watermelon should be moderated, especially for people with end-stage chronic kidney disease or those with problems balancing potassium levels. Because watermelon contains potassium, eating too much can cause electrolyte overload.
Eating watermelon regularly in reasonable amounts is a natural way to enhance kidney function, eliminate toxins, reduce the risk of stone formation and inflammation. This is a smart choice for a healthy diet.
