Watermelon is a Nutrition Leader

Studies demonstrate a 48% reduction in the risk of heart disease with a diet high in lycopene. Researchers also link lycopene to the prevention of cancer and stroke. Quite often, when thinking of lycopene, we think of tomatoes. When it comes to fresh produce however, watermelon actually contains 45% more lycopene than fresh tomatoes. (A 2-cup serving of watermelon contains 18.6 mg of lycopene while one medium-size fresh tomato contains 4 mg.)

Lycopene isn’t the only advantage to eating fresh watermelon. Watermelon is also rich in Vitamin A, B6, and C. These hold significant health benefits including:

• A boost to our immune system (Vitamin A&C)
• Improved eye health (Vitamin A&C)
• Reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, and stroke (Lycopene, Vitamin A&C)
• Improved brain function (Vitamin B6)
• Provision for our body to cope with anxiety (Vitamin B6)
• Strengthened bones and blood vessels (Vitamin C)
• Aid in body growth, tissue repair, and wound healing (Vitamin C)

A Natural Hydrator

Watermelon is 92% water and a great way to bolster hydration.

Cancer and Heart Disease Prevention

Vitamin C A 2-cup serving of watermelon is an excellent source of Vitamin C, which is believed to have immune-building potential as well as the ability to protect against cancer, heart disease and other life-threatening diseases. Lycopene The National Cancer Institute estimates that as many as one in three cancer deaths are diet-related. Preliminary research with processed tomatoes and tomato products shows that lycopene may play a preventive role with certain types of cancer, as well as against heart disease. Watermelon contains 15-20 mg of lycopene per 2-cup serving (even greater than fresh tomatoes).

Get Your Lycopene Naturally!

Watermelon gets its red color from lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Quite often, when people think of lycopene, they think tomatoes, when in fact, fresh watermelon contains higher levels of lycopene than fresh tomatoes—a 2 cup serving of watermelon contains 18.16 mg and one medium size fresh tomato contains 4 mg.

A recent study concluded that men who ate lycopene-rich diets had a much lower risk of developing certain cancers, especially prostate cancer. In addition, another recent report indicates that women with the highest lycopene levels had a five-fold lower risk of developing pre-cancerous signs of cervical cancer than women with the lowest lycopene levels.

Other preliminary studies with processed tomatoes and tomato products show that lycopene’s antioxidant capacity may prevent against hardening of the arteries, a risk factor for heart disease. And, in Europe, researchers have found a statistically significant association between high dietary lycopene and a 48% lower risk of heart disease.

Source Information: National Watermelon Promotion Board, www.watermelon.org