 Health Benefits of Melons
Different melons have different benefits. In the
USA researchers are looking at the watermelon as a possible functional food. It
contains lycopene, the antioxidant also found in tomatoes and a substance that's
thought to protect against prostate cancer.
Melons also contain potassium which is the missing mineral in many of our diets,
or rather we eat entirely the wrong proportion of potassium to salt. We should
be eating more of the potassium and less of the sodium.
We eat perhaps a third of the potassium we need.
Why? Maintaining a dietary sodium-to-potassium ratio of at least 1:4 can protect
against hypertension, crippling strokes and premature death. Eating foods high
in potassium and low in sodium can also help prevent kidney disease and heart
problems caused by hypertension. Furthermore, a high potassium diet reduces risk
of stroke and premature death - even if blood pressure doesn't fall.
Functions of Potassium
* With inadequate potassium, wastes from the bodies cells are not efficiently
carried away. Toxic material is left to accumulate in the cell and can cause
premature cell death.
* Conversion of blood sugar into glycogen for storage in the liver and muscles.
Inadequate glycogen storage leads to physical and mental fatigue.
* Maintaining proper pH balance of blood.
* Maintaining proper body water balance
* Stimulating insulin production
* Maintaining digestive enzyme function and efficiency
* Maintaining nerve and muscle function
Research has found that a high-sodium diet with low potassium intake influences
vascular volume and tends to elevate the blood pressure. Then doctors may
prescribe diuretics that can cause even more potassium loss, aggravating the
underlying problems. The appropriate course is to shift to natural, potassium
foods and away from high-salt foods, lose weight if needed, and follow an
exercise program to improve cardiovascular tone and physical stamina. The
natural diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is rich in potassium
and low in sodium, helping to maintain normal blood pressure and sometimes
lowering elevated blood pressure.
Related Links:
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Eating for Lifetime
Complete Guide to HEALTH ==>>
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