Colon Cancer Prevention: Combining watermelon and lemon may lower colon cancer risk: AIIMS trained expert reveals the digestive science behind it |
Daily food choices have a significant, yet subtle, role in gut health. Recently, there has been an influx of information about some fruit mixtures that could potentially be beneficial for gut health and combat the risk of chronic conditions such as colon cancer. Watermelon and lemon, often referred to in health conversations as well as social media compilations, do not possess any magic but provide a combination of fluids, fiber support, antioxidants, as well as compounds found in plants that work effectively for gut health. These ingredients could potentially work effectively for promoting a healthy gut by reducing factors associated with colon disorders like inflammation, oxidative damage, or poor bowel movement.
Understanding the connection between gut health and colon cancer
Colon cancer takes time to develop, with factors like chronic inflammation, poor digestion, low fiber diets, and oxidative cell damage playing a role. Fruits, vegetables, and phytochemicals-rich diets are continually linked to reduced colon cancer risk. Such foods can work to enhance the passes of material through the bowel, feed healthy bacteria in the bowel, and reduce damaging inflammation of the colon cells. An Instagram video by an AIIMS-trained gastroenterologist with 25 years of experience, reveals how watermelon and lemon combination decrease the risk of colon cancer. Know the essential benefits and how to incorporate them safely in your diet.
How watermelon and lemon support digestion and colon health together
- Watermelon benefits the digestive system
Watermelon is more than a refreshing fruit. It is rich in water, which helps with smooth digestion, ensuring that it does not result in constipation. This is a recognized risk factor for colon stress. Watermelon is also a rich source of lycopene, an antioxidant that helps reduce oxidative damage to colon tissues. Studies indicate that eating a lot of fruits that contain lycopene helps to diminish the development of precancerous lesions of the colon. Watermelon is also a natural source of citrulline, a bioactive agent that helps improve blood circulation.
- Lemon’s role in digestive protection
Even more, lemons provide more than just flavour. It is rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and other compounds that are proven to work as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Also, it helps stimulate the secretion of digestive fluids that improve the processing of foods in the body. Moreover, it could work in eliminating the presence of free radicals in the guts that could contribute to colon ailments.
How a combination of watermelon and lemon is a great idea
When taken together, watermelon and lemon make a concoction that is beneficial for gut health. Watermelon adds volume to the drink while lemon is responsible for enhancing the uptake of phytonutrients by the body. Drinking watermelon and lemon juice helps to ensure that there is no stagnation of bowel movement, reduces oxidative stress in the colon, and creates a healthy colonic environment, which are factors that contribute to low instances of colonic diseases.Research on population groups confirms that consuming more fruits is significantly related to a lower risk of colorectal cancer. Experimental studies on compounds of watermelon fruits indicate their possible beneficial effects on inhibiting damage to young cells of the colon, while citrus fruits, such as lemons, are related to enhanced levels of antioxidants and reduced inflammation. Although it cannot be shown that it prevents colon cancer, it is strongly suggested that this could be part of a protective dietary regimen.
How to incorporate them safely
Watermelon squeezed with some lemon juice can be taken as a snack, juiced, or mixed with some salads. This should be taken fresh with no sugar. This should be taken in combination with a healthy amount of fibre, appropriate levels of physical activity, minimal processing of foods, and adequate medical screening.However, watermelon and lemon are both supportive ingredients, not medications. These ingredients should be utilised as a dietary regimen with a wellness-centered lifestyle, as their utility is in enhancing gut health, not in any direct or independent cancer-reducing capacities. These ingredients can be used to make the body less vulnerable to colonic cancer.
