Health benefits of watermelon

A Nice Big Glass Of Watermelon?

I’ve never had a glass of watermelon juice, and to be honest, it doesn’t sound all that appealing, but for serious juicers, this is a beverage that can hit the spot in more ways than one.

In two recent e-Alerts I’ve told you about the healthy benefits of consuming foods that contain high concentrations of two key carotenoids: lycopene and beta-carotene. Besides providing an excellent source of antioxidants, these carotenoids support immune function, vision health, and may help prevent certain types of cancer. And because carotenoids provide plants with colorful pigments, fruits and vegetables are the best dietary sources.

Watermelon is one of the few foods that deliver both lycopene and beta-carotene.

A 2003 study from the USDA revealed that the juice from three cups of diced watermelon, taken daily, may result in blood serum lycopene and beta-carotene concentrations that are five times higher than in people with diets that are low in the two carotenoids.

The study also showed that a daily intake of more than 3 cups of watermelon didn’t increase the concentrations. So you don’t need to drink a gallon of watermelon juice to enjoy the positive effects.

Although the study used watermelon juice, I don’t think it’s too much of a stretch to suppose that eating a couple of large slices of watermelon would help raise lycopene and beta-carotene levels as well.

To Your Good Health,

Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute

Sources:
“Consumption of Watermelon Juice Increases Plasma Concentrations of Lycopene and Beta-Carotene in Humans” Journal of Nutrition, Vol. 133, No. 4, April 2003, nutrition.org
“Watermelon Juice a Rich Source of Lycopene and Beta- Carotene” Darin Ingels, ND, Healthnotes Newswire, 6/26/03, pccnaturalmarkets.com