Watermelon is my favourite fruit. And I am not alone. According to a recent survey conducted by watermelon.org, around 79% of the world population likes the taste of this summertime fruit. But it's not just the juicy taste but also the nutritional benefits of watermelon that make it a fan favourite.

What's The Big Deal About Watermelons?

Watermelon is a hydration hero. With its high water content, is an excellent way to boost the body's hydration while enjoying a sweet treat. Its low-calorie density means you can indulge without worrying about calorie overload. Therefore, not only does this fruit provide hydration but also is ideal for weight management by keeping you fuller for longer.

Watermelon provides vitamins A and C, potassium, magnesium, and beneficial plant compounds like lycopene and citrulline. Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, helps combat free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Citrulline, an amino acid in watermelon, has been shown to improve exercise performance and enhance blood flow by increasing nitric oxide levels, which relaxes blood vessels and reduces blood pressure.

There is empirical evidence indicating that watermelons have the potential to cure cancer. Lycopene and cucurbitacin E, found in watermelon, may have anti-cancer properties. Research suggests that lycopene lowers insulin-like growth factor (IGF), a hormone linked to cell division. By regulating IGF, lycopene may help reduce the risk of cancers such as prostate and colorectal. Meanwhile, cucurbitacin E may support the body's ability to destroy cancer cells, though more human studies are needed.

Watermelon's nutrient content can also play a protective role against several heart diseases. It contains Lycopene which can reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure, while citrulline improves blood flow. Nutrients such as potassium and magnesium in watermelon support overall cardiovascular health.

This juicy fruit can also help you live longer. The antioxidants, including lycopene and vitamin C, help counter inflammation and oxidative stress. Animal studies show that watermelon can lower markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, while human studies highlight vitamin C’s role in reducing inflammation.

Watermelon supports skin health with its high levels of vitamins A and C. Vitamin C boosts collagen production, keeping skin supple, while vitamin A aids in skin cell repair. Moreover, the pigment beta-cryptoxanthin in watermelon may reduce joint inflammation.

Moreover, watermelon could be a great option if you are feeling constipated. It has fibre that aids in regular bowel movements and water ensures smooth waste elimination through the digestive tract. This fruit is also good for your eyes as it reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration, thanks to lycopene’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its citrulline content might alleviate muscle soreness and improve recovery after exercise.

How Much Watermelon Does The World Eat?

According to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, a cultivation area of 3.2 million hectares was employed for the production of 103 million tons of watermelon worldwide in 2018. Asian countries contribute approximately 81% of the total production of watermelon worldwide. This summer wonder is not only consumed raw but also used for the preparation of smoothies, jams, sauces, candies, and juices.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition marked by the development of small cysts on the ovaries. This can interfere with ovulation, disrupt menstrual cycles, and impact fertility. Interestingly, many individuals with PCOS also experience insulin resistance, a condition where the body produces insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar but cannot use it effectively.

This raises concerns about a potential connection between PCOS and diabetes. We got in touch with Dr Tripti Sharan, Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, explaining how PCOS may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

How PCOS Can Increase Diabetes Risk

“Insulin resistance is often driven by genetics, obesity, and lifestyle factors,” Dr Tripti notes. “To maintain normal blood sugar, the body produces more insulin. Excess insulin then affects the ovaries, causing them to release higher levels of male hormones. This can lead to irregular periods, acne, abnormal hair growth, and sometimes infertility.”

If these factors are left unaddressed, insulin resistance can worsen. Over time, the body struggles to regulate blood sugar effectively, potentially leading to diabetes.

Risk Factors for Diabetes in Women with PCOSPCOS is often seen as a pre-diabetic condition. Without proper management, it can progress to diabetes. Dr Tripti highlights the importance of lifestyle measures, such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and adopting a structured daily routine.

ALSO READ: PCOS Awareness Month: 5 Lifestyle Tips To Manage PCOS According To Gynecologist

PCOS is also linked to other health concerns, including high triglycerides, fatty liver, endometrial hyperplasia, and high blood pressure. Factors such as obesity, inactivity, chronic stress, high cholesterol, pregnancy, aging, smoking, vitamin D deficiency, and misuse of steroids can further increase diabetes risk in women with PCOS.

Symptoms Indicating Higher Diabetes Risk

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Tips

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Engage in daily physical activity, regardless of body size
• Manage stress effectively
• Prioritize sufficient sleep
• Address hormonal imbalances under medical supervision
• Treat thyroid disorders
• Monitor and control lipid levels to prevent cardiovascular issues
• Ensure pregnancies are planned and screened for diabetes

ALSO READ: Lori Harvey Opens Up About Endometriosis Journey, Shares What Brings Her Relief

She also advises focusing on a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables, especially those with skins, which have a lower glycemic load. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake are important, and regular exercise, including cardio, strength training, stretching, and relaxation practices like yoga and meditation can help manage both PCOS and diabetes risk. Additionally, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol supports overall health.

In today’s hyper-connected, always-on work culture, long hours and erratic shifts are quietly eating into one of the most essential pillars of health.. A new study by Truworth Wellness, India Workplace Wellbeing Report 2025: From Access to Outcomes, reveals how sleep deprivation, chronic diseases, and poor preventive care are undermining employees during their prime working years.

Sleep Deprivation: A Silent Productivity KillerThe report, based on health data from over 46,000 employees across industries, found that nearly 1 in 10 workers suffer from sleep disorders, most of them between ages 23 and 39. This lack of rest translates to 11.3 lost workdays per employee every year, costing companies an estimated ₹2.1 lakh annually, as per the study.

Chronic Conditions Striking Earlier

Obesity and the Prevention Gap

Poor Sleep Is Leading To Poor Mental Health

ALSO READ: High, Low, or Normal? A Simple Guide To Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

How Companies Can RespondTo tackle the crisis, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends:

• Training managers to recognize and respond to emotional distress.
• Mental health literacy programs to reduce stigma and raise awareness.
• Stress management and lifestyle interventions such as physical activity and psychosocial support.

The Business Case for Better Sleep

A Wake-Up Call for Corporate Industries

ALSO READ: Prediabetes: How To Spot the Silent Warning Signs Before It Turns Into Type-2 Diabetes

By moving beyond generic wellness programs and focusing on measurable outcomes, Indian organizations can turn employee health into a strategic advantage. Embedding sleep, stress management, and preventive care into workplace wellness not only improves productivity but also builds a resilient workforce. The Truworth Wellness India Workplace Wellbeing Report 2025, conducted in collaboration with People Matters, highlights these insights and provides a roadmap for companies to act before small health risks escalate into costly chronic conditions.

Half of all American adults have high blood pressure, also called hypertension, yet many don’t even know it. High blood pressure occurs when blood flows through your arteries at higher-than-normal pressures. Recently, cases of high blood pressure have been rising rapidly in the U.S. and globally. As these numbers climb, regularly checking your blood pressure becomes essential.

According to the 2025 American Heart Association Statistical Update, nearly half of U.S. adults, around 122 million people, have high blood pressure, a leading preventable cause of heart disease, stroke, and early death. Shockingly, only about one in four have their condition under control. To help you stay on top of your numbers, here’s a detailed guide to understanding blood pressure.

Blood Pressure Readings ExplainedBlood pressure is written as two numbers separated by a slash, such as 120/80 mm Hg, which can be read as “120 over 80 millimeters of mercury.”

The first number, or systolic pressure, measures the force of blood against artery walls when the heart pumps.

The second number, or diastolic pressure, measures the pressure when the heart rests between beats.

ALSO READ: World Lung Day 2025: How Strong Are Your Lungs? Do These Tests To Find Out

Blood pressure naturally changes throughout the day depending on activity, stress, and other factors. A healthy reading is less than 120/80 mm Hg. Blood pressure is considered high when systolic readings are 130 mm Hg or higher or diastolic readings are 80 mm Hg or higher.

New Blood Pressure Guidelines by the American Heart Association

• Earlier Treatment: People with a 10-year cardiovascular risk of 10% or more are advised to start medication along with lifestyle changes.
• Personalized Risk Assessment: Doctors may use the PREVENT™️ calculator to estimate 10-year risk of heart attack, stroke, or heart failure.
• Expanded Lab Testing: Tests such as the urine albumin:creatinine ratio help tailor treatment plans.
• Lifestyle First: Limit sodium intake to 1,500 mg per day, maintain a healthy weight, and stay physically active.
• Alcohol Limits: Men: 2 drinks/day; women: 1 drink/day.

Blood Pressure Monitoring

ALSO READ: This Small Mistake Can Change Your Blood Pressure Reading, According To Doctor

Home monitoring is particularly important for:

• Anyone already diagnosed with high blood pressure.
• People starting or adjusting high blood pressure treatments, to see if they are working.
• Individuals who require closer monitoring, especially those with risk factors for high blood pressure or related health conditions.