
Watermelon has several health benefits you might not be aware of; check what research reveals about summer fruit
watermelon
is not only a refreshing and hydrating summer fruit, but it also plays a significant role in supporting heart health and improving overall diet quality. The fruit, according to scientific findings, may boost heart health and improve overall nutrition. According to a study, people who eat watermelon consume more vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, and less sugar and saturated fat.
In another clinical trial, it was found that compounds in watermelon juice can support blood vessel function during sugar spikes. With nutrients like lycopene, L-citrulline, and vitamin C, this vibrant fruit is proving itself as a year-round ally for cardiovascular health and dietary quality.
A recent study in Nutrients used National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data and found that eating watermelon is linked to better overall nutrition for both kids and adults. Those who ate watermelon had healthier diets, with higher amounts of fiber, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin A. They also got more lycopene and other carotenoids and consumed less added sugar and saturated fat.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Join new Free to Play WWII MMO War Thunder
War Thunder
Play Now
Undo
Heart health benefits
A second study in Nutrients looked at whether drinking watermelon juice could help protect blood vessel function during high blood sugar. This clinical trial at Louisiana State University used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design.
Live Events
Participants drank watermelon juice daily for two weeks while researchers examined the effects of L-citrulline and L-arginine on nitric oxide levels and heart rate variability. Both studies received funding from the National Watermelon Promotion Board.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
India accounts for 6.4% of global zero-dose children in 2024: UN
India constituted 6.4 per cent of the global population of children who did not receive a single dose of any vaccine in 2024, according to a United Nations report. The new national immunisation coverage data released on Monday by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF also highlighted that "India accounted for 49.2% of zero-dose children in South Asia", as per statistics from the Regional Office for South Asia (ROSA). The term "zero-dose children" refers to those who have not received any routine immunisations, including the first dose of the DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine. This metric is a critical indicator of access to immunisation services and overall healthcare infrastructure. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo The report said India accounted for "6.4% of zero-dose children globally". Every year, WHO and UNICEF release global and national routine immunisation coverage estimates (WUENIC). Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, analyses what the 2024 WUENIC data says about the state of immunisation in the 57 low- and lower-middle-income countries it supports. Live Events Gavi said nearly half (4.9 million) of all the 10.2 million zero-dose children in lower-income countries live in five populous nations - Nigeria, DR Congo, India, Pakistan, and Ethiopia. It pointed out that coverage with the first dose of the DTP vaccine (DTP1) is an important measure that helps the world understand how many zero-dose children still don't have access to life-saving vaccines. DTP1 coverage stood at 87 per cent in 2024 - nearly recovered from a four percentage point decrease during the COVID-19 pandemic. "This means there are half a million fewer zero-dose children in lower-income countries in 2024, thanks mainly to targeted efforts in populous countries like India, DR Congo, and Ethiopia," Gavi said. The report said in 2024, 89 per cent of infants globally -- about 115 million -- received at least one dose of DTP vaccine, and 85 per cent -- roughly 109 million -- completed all three doses. Compared to 2023, around 171,000 more children received at least one vaccine, and one million more completed the full three-dose DTP series. While the gains are modest, they signal continued progress by countries working to protect children, even amid growing challenges, the report said. Still, nearly 20 million infants missed at least one dose of DTP-containing vaccine last year, including 14.3 million "zero-dose" children who never received a single dose of any vaccine. That's four million more than the 2024 target needed to stay on track with Immunisation Agenda 2030 goals and 1.4 million more than in 2019, the baseline year for measuring progress, the report said. "Vaccines save lives, allowing individuals, families, communities, economies, and nations to flourish," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "It's encouraging to see a continued increase in the number of children being vaccinated, although we still have a lot of work to do. Drastic cuts in aid, coupled with misinformation about the safety of vaccines, threaten to unwind decades of progress," he said. The report noted that children often remain un- or under-vaccinated due to a combination of factors, such as limited access to immunisation services, disrupted supply, conflict and instability, or misinformation about vaccines. Data from 195 countries show that 131 countries have consistently reached at least 90% of children with the first dose of DTP vaccine since 2019, but there has been no significant movement in expanding this group. Among the countries that reached less than 90% in 2019, only 17 managed to increase their coverage rates in the past five years. Meanwhile, in 47 countries, progress is stalling or worsening. This includes 22 countries that achieved and surpassed the 90% target in 2019 but have since declined. The data shows conflict and humanitarian crises can quickly erode vaccination progress. A quarter of the world's infants live in just 26 countries affected by fragility, conflict, or humanitarian crises, yet they make up half of all unvaccinated children globally. Concerningly, in half of these countries, the number of unvaccinated children has expanded rapidly from 3.6 million in 2019 to 5.4 million in 2024, underscoring the need for humanitarian responses to include immunisation, the report said Immunisation coverage in the 57 low-income countries supported by Gavi has improved in the past year, reducing the number of un- and under-vaccinated children by roughly 650,000. At the same time, signs of slippage are emerging in upper-middle- and high-income countries that have previously maintained at least 90% coverage. Even small declines in immunisation coverage can dramatically raise the risk of disease outbreaks and place additional strain on already overstretched health systems. "The good news is that we have managed to reach more children with life-saving vaccines. But millions of children remain without protection against preventable diseases , and that should worry us all," said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. "We must act now with determination to overcome barriers like shrinking health budgets, fragile health systems, along with misinformation and access constraints because of conflicts. No child should die from a disease we know how to prevent," she said.


Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
The Role of Arm Swing in Walking: How to Use Your Arms for Better Momentum
Swinging your arms while walking isn't just a casual habit; it's a biomechanical advantage. This natural motion enhances walking efficiency, boosts momentum, and improves balance. Research indicates that arm swinging conserves energy, engages upper body muscles, and promotes better posture, transforming a simple walk into a more effective workout. Walking is one of the most effective and simple forms of physical activity. Though walking may look simple, the mechanics behind it are far more complex. While walking, people swing their arms. Ever wondered why we do this? Swinging your arms can significantly impact your walking efficiency, speed, and has other health benefits. Arm movement not only boosts momentum but also improves balance, posture, and overall energy efficiency. Let's understand how the power of arm swing can transform a daily stroll into a more effective exercise. Arm swing matters Most of us swing our arms when we walk or run. Most importantly, our arms and legs are in sync with each other. This is because the human body is designed to move in a coordinated manner. And the arm swing is there to counterbalance leg movement. When you step forward with your right leg, your left arm naturally swings forward to maintain balance and reduce rotational forces on the torso. This natural rhythm minimizes energy expenditure and stabilizes the body. A study published in 2014 in The Journal of Experimental Biology found that swinging arms save energy. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Discover Why These Off-Plan Dubai Apartments Sell Fast? Binghatti Developers FZE Read More Undo When it comes to running, swinging arms counterbalance the momentum of a person's legs, providing stability to the runner. The study observed 13 participants and compared the energy cost of running in four different positions. They looked at the oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production while running. The researchers found that swinging your arms uses 3% less energy than keeping your hands behind your back, 9% less energy than folding your arms over your chest, and 13% less energy than running with your hands above your head. The study notes that the muscular power used while holding the arms in unusual positions may contribute to some of the extra energy cost. 'Overall, we believe that our comprehensive approach to testing our running arm swing hypothesis provides the most conclusive evidence to date that arm swing provides a metabolic benefit during human running,' the study author concluded. Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Grows Moong, Methi In Space Aboard Axiom-4 Mission How to use your arms for better momentum No doubt, swinging arms while walking and running can offer some benefits. But how do you do it the right way? Well, being mindful is important. Focus on the natural rhythm of your arms and legs. For best results, avoid carrying objects like phones or bags in your hands, which can disrupt the swing. Incorporating proper arm swing into your walking routine is a simple yet powerful way to improve efficiency, burn more calories, and also improve overall health. Next time you hit the pavement, let your arms lead the way. Along with boosting momentum, arm swing also engages the upper body. Consider it as a low-impact way to tone muscles in the arms, shoulders, and core. You can also burn more calories than your regular walk while swinging your arms. Think of it as a more effective full-body workout. Arm swing also improves posture, as it engages the core and keeps the torso upright, and can reduce strain on the lower back.


Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Why Shubhanshu Shukla matters so much for India's space tech
Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has returned to Earth after an 18-day journey aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission . But his touchdown will translate into a big takeoff -- India's indigenous human spaceflight programme. Shukla's safe splashdown off the California coast marked more than just the end of a pioneering spaceflight; it symbolized a new chapter for India's ambitions in space exploration. Shukla's mission represents the country's first human presence aboard the ISS and serves as a vital stepping stone toward Gaganyaan , India's mission to send people into space using its own technology. His experience offers both practical insight and symbolic momentum to a nation on the brink of joining the elite club of spacefaring powers with crewed capabilities. What Shukla achieved on the Axiom-4 mission As the pilot of the Axiom-4 mission, Shubhanshu Shukla played a critical role in operating SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft, including its launch, docking, undocking, and re-entry. His position made him the first Indian military pilot to execute real-time operations aboard a commercial spacecraft alongside a veteran like Peggy Whitson. This exposure to both the technical and psychological challenges of space travel was critical for an astronaut preparing for India's future crewed missions. In orbit, Shukla was actively involved in over 60 scientific experiments , a significant portion of which were India-led. These included studies on plant growth using Indian staples like moong and methi, analysis of cyanobacteria and microalgae for sustainable life-support systems , and experiments involving tardigrades to understand biological resilience in space. Other research explored muscle atrophy, diabetes monitoring, and the physiological effects of prolonged screen exposure in microgravity. These experiments were not abstract exercises. They provide essential insights into the design of life-support and medical systems for long-duration missions, key for India's ambitions in independent space habitation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Top 25 Most Beautiful Women In The World Marvelousa Undo Perhaps more subtly, Shukla also contributed to outreach and education. He interacted remotely with Indian schoolchildren and researchers, offering a glimpse into life aboard the ISS. From daily routines to adapting to life without conventional bathing and handling hygiene through wipes, his lived experience in microgravity offers ISRO a real-world dataset on human adaptation beyond Earth's atmosphere. Also Read | Axiom 4 mission: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla 'Shux' returns to Earth as Grace splashes down in Pacific Live Events Strategic impact on India's space ecosystem The Axiom-4 mission is far from a standalone achievement. It has directly enhanced India's technical readiness for human spaceflight. Shukla's mission provided ISRO with hands-on feedback on spacecraft systems integration, ground communication protocols, and emergency response procedures, all critical components for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission. The scientific outcomes of his experiments will influence not only mission design but also academic and industrial research within India. From universities to biotech startups, many domestic players were involved in conceptualizing and building the payloads for Axiom-4. This collaborative structure lays the groundwork for a robust space-tech ecosystem within the country. Equally important is the human resource development angle. Shukla's training regimen, which included simulations, quarantine protocols and rigorous health monitoring, serves as a model for preparing future Indian astronauts. It also underscores the physiological and psychological benchmarks ISRO must meet in its astronaut selection and training processes for Gaganyaan. Beyond technology and science, Shukla's participation strengthens India's space diplomacy. The Axiom-4 mission, executed in partnership with NASA and SpaceX, situates India firmly in global commercial and scientific space efforts. This enhances ISRO's credibility as a partner in multinational missions and opens up avenues for joint research and investment. Also Read | PM Modi welcomes Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as Dragon returns to Earth Gaganyaan: The next giant leap India's Gaganyaan programme, for which Shukla and three others have been selected, is designed to send a crew of three astronauts into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for up to seven days using an indigenously developed launch system and crew module. With its first uncrewed test flights scheduled for 2025 and a human flight targeted for 2027, Gaganyaan will make India the fourth nation -- after the United States, Russia and China -- to independently send humans into space. Technologically, Gaganyaan represents a significant leap. It requires a human-rated launch vehicle, advanced re-entry systems and life-support mechanisms that India is developing from the ground up. It also demands complex ground infrastructure, ranging from astronaut training facilities to mission control networks capable of handling the nuances of human spaceflight. But Gaganyaan is more than a technical challenge. It is a strategic national goal that will elevate India's global standing, drive research in advanced materials and bio-sciences, and serve as a catalyst for broader participation in lunar and interplanetary exploration. It also inspires a new generation of scientists and engineers by placing human spaceflight within the nation's grasp. Why Shukla's mission is a turning point The importance of Shubhanshu Shukla's participation in Axiom-4 goes far beyond the symbolic. It marks India's entry into the practical realities of living and working in space. His training and mission execution create a reference framework for ISRO as it prepares for human flight. The scientific results he helped gather will refine space medicine, agriculture, and life-support technologies. Economically, the mission -- backed by Rs 550 crore in investment -- has already sparked interest and growth in India's nascent space start-up sector. Strategically, it sends a clear message: India is no longer an emerging participant in human spaceflight but an active contributor shaping its future. Shubhanshu Shukla's successful journey aboard Axiom-4 marks a significant inflection point in India's space history. It merges symbolic achievement with functional progress, demonstrating both capability and intent. As India moves closer to launching its own astronauts aboard its own spacecraft, Shukla's experience offers a blueprint as well as a boost.