New analysis highlights that watermelon improves general weight loss program high quality and coronary heart health by growing nutrient consumption, together with fiber, nutritional vitamins, and minerals, and lowering added sugars and saturated fatty acids. Another examine means that watermelon juice supplementation can defend vascular operate, doubtlessly supporting cardio-metabolic health.
Two new research discover the connection between watermelon consumption and improved dietary habits in each kids and adults, in addition to the impression of watermelon juice on cardio-metabolic health.
Watermelon is indisputably a flavorful and nutrient-packed fruit. Now, new analysis additional illuminates its important position in boosting dietary high quality and supporting coronary heart health.
A latest examine printed in Nutrients means that watermelon can improve nutrient absorption and the final high quality of weight loss program in each kids and adults. This analysis, primarily based on the evaluation of knowledge from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), found that the general high quality of the weight loss program was considerably higher in people who consumed watermelon in comparison with those that didn’t.
According to the examine, kids and grownup watermelon shoppers had increased intakes of dietary fiber, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin A in addition to lycopene and different carotenoids, whereas that they had decrease intakes of added sugars and complete saturated fatty acids. Research analyst and writer on the examine, Kristen Fulgoni, will present the analysis findings at Nutrition 2023, the American Society for Nutrition annual assembly, held July 22-25, 2023 in Boston.
In addition to the NHANES examine, one other new examine additionally printed in Nutrients builds on earlier work on this space of analysis to point out that watermelon juice supplementation protects vascular operate throughout hyperglycemia.
Conducted at Louisiana State University, this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial to check the results of 2 weeks of each day watermelon juice supplementation, particularly appeared on the potential helpful modulating results of L-citrulline and L-arginine – two compounds present in watermelon – on nitric oxide bioavailability and coronary heart price variability. Both research had been funded by the National Watermelon Promotion Board.
“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,” mentioned Dr. Jack Losso, Ph.D., professor at Louisiana State University’s School of Nutrition and Food Sciences.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) suggest 1.5 to 2.5 cups of fruit each day and presently, U.S. adults and youngsters fall quick of this aim – getting solely about half the advisable fruit serving every day. Watermelon is a nutrient-rich fruit and a very good supply of Vitamin C (25% DV), a supply of Vitamin B6 (8% DV), and a scrumptious option to keep hydrated (92% water), with solely 80 energy per 2-cup serving.
Thoughts of juicy watermelon at your upcoming BBQ or outside get-together doubtless conjure up recollections of having fun with the peerlessly ripe fruit in summer season’s previous. The actuality is that watermelon will be enjoyed any time due to the range of climates that allow watermelon manufacturing year-round. Whether you’re ready for the primary indicators of summer season to get pleasure from watermelon – or not – let this new nutrition analysis nudge you to incorporate watermelon as half of your balanced weight loss program.
References:
“Watermelon Intake Is Associated with Increased Nutrient Intake and Higher Diet Quality in Adults and Children, NHANES 2003–2018” by Kristin Fulgoni and Victor L. Fulgoni III, 18 November 2022, Nutrients.
DOI: 10.3390/nu14224883
“The Effect of Watermelon Juice Supplementation on Heart Rate Variability and Metabolic Response during an Oral Glucose Challenge: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial” by Rachel Matthews, Kate S. Early, Cullen M. Vincellette, Jack Losso, Guillaume Spielmann, Brian A. Irving and Timothy D. Allerton, 4 February 2023, Nutrients.
DOI: 10.3390/nu15040810
The analysis was funded by the National Watermelon Promotion Board.
