Posted on 05/07/2023 7:29:41 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
There's no question that watermelon is both delicious and nutritious, but new research underscores this nutrient-rich fruit's contributions to overall diet quality and heart health.
A study suggests watermelon can increase nutrient intake and overall diet quality in both children and adults. The study analyzed National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data and found that total diet quality was higher in watermelon consumers as compared to non-consumers.
According to the study, children and adult watermelon consumers had higher intakes of dietary fiber, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C and vitamin A as well as lycopene and other carotenoids, while they had lower intakes of added sugars and total saturated fatty acids.
Another new study builds on previous work in this area of research to show that watermelon juice supplementation protects vascular function during hyperglycemia.
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial to test the effects of 2 weeks of daily watermelon juice supplementation, specifically looked at the potential beneficial modulating effects of L-citrulline and L-arginine—two compounds found in watermelon—on nitric oxide bioavailability and heart rate variability.
"We acknowledge that while the sample size was small (18 healthy young men and women) and more research is needed, this study adds to the current body of evidence supporting regular intake of watermelon for cardio-metabolic health. In addition to L-citrulline and L-arginine, watermelon is a rich source of antioxidants, vitamin C and lycopene—all of which can help reduce oxidative stress and play a role in heart disease prevention," said Dr. Jack Losso, Ph.D.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommend 1.5 to 2.5 cups of fruit daily. Watermelon is a nutrient-rich fruit and an excellent source of Vitamin C (25% DV), a source of Vitamin B6 (8% DV), and a delicious way to stay hydrated (92% water), with only 80 calories per 2-cup serving.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
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I love watermelon and used to eat it all summer long, always had two gallon baggies of chunks in the refrig. Until last year, when the price of watermelon skyrocketed to over $7 each. I refuse….
Interesting as the glycemic load is considered low? Quick internet search and there is all kinds of advice that doesn’t rule watermelon out of the diabetic diet.
Well done! 😁
That’s great news! I always hear that it has too much sugar.
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