ABSTRACT
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a thirst-quenching fruit with a peculiar taste and is consumed all around the world. Apart from the numerous delicacies, the fruit is also known for its phytochemicals and nutraceuticals which make this an essential functional food to be incorporated in regular dietary habits. Watermelon is a whole food where the individual parts of it are used for treating minor disorders. The nutraceutical compounds observed in watermelon are proven to possess anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancerous properties along with phytonutrients benefitting cardiovascular health. General population and sports enthusiasts rely on watermelon for its functional role in maintaining the energy system during various sporting activities. Also, the agro-based byproducts of watermelon are of greater interest by food industries in recent years. The purpose of this chapter is to establish an overview of the phytochemical and the nutraceutical attribute of the watermelon fruit with evidence-based research anticipating stimulating further research on less-explored aspects of watermelon.
