Watermelon is an unusual fruit that contains compounds that can have beneficial effects on the body. They support normal metabolic and cardiovascular health. A new review of scientific literature on watermelon has revealed that regular consumption may promote good health. Britt Burton-Freeman, Ph.D. and colleagues from Illinois Institute of Technology authored this research paper. It was published in the Current Atherosclerosis reports.
Research is uncovering the health-promoting benefits of watermelon. According to the current literature review, watermelon and citrulline supplementation have been shown to lower blood pressure in human trials. Based on data from preclinical models, we have found positive effects on lipids/lipoprotein metabolism. However, more research is necessary stated Burton-Freeman.
The research shows that it is rich in essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids. It also contains the amino acid citrulline (and arginine), which act as precursors to nitric oxygen, a molecule that regulates blood pressure, lipid reduction, and glucose control. It also contains a lot of polyphenols and carotenoids. Watermelon may be a good choice for normal cardio-metabolic health due to its nitric oxide benefits from citrulline, arginine, and bioactivity of polyphenols.
Burton-Freeman and his colleagues reviewed preclinical and clinical trials evidence from 2000 to 2020 in order to evaluate watermelon intake, citrulline (a signature compound in watermelon), and to identify future directions that could be used to establish dietary guidelines and recommendations. They reviewed studies that looked at citrulline supplementation as well as whole fruit, with a particular focus on cardio-metabolic risk factors. To confirm the findings of this literature review, more research is required.
According to the investigators, watermelon contains a variety of nutrients and phytochemicals that work in multiple ways to produce biological effects. These cardio-metabolic effects are primarily caused by arginine and citrulline, but polyphenols, phytochemicals, lycopene and potassium also play a role.
To determine the amount of adequate intake necessary for clinical outcomes, further research will be needed. This will require extensive study in different populations. To determine the amount of adequate intake, research on whole fruits and their products (e.g., juice) will be needed. Additional benefits of watermelon consumption were also identified by the research. These include body weight control (possibly via satiety mechanisms), glucose management, brain and gut health, as well as other potential benefits.
Low fruit intake is associated with type 2 diabetes and death from cardiovascular disease (CVD). These dietary factors impact everyone regardless of age, gender, and socio-demographic variables. Recent research shows that eating a variety and quality of fruits can help reduce the risk of developing T2DM. Additionally, the selection of fruit has cardiovascular benefits.
National Watermelon Promotion Board
The National Watermelon Promotion Board, based in Winter Springs in Florida, was created in 1989 to promote watermelon both in the United States as well as in other markets around the world. The NWPB was established by a self-imposed industry assessment that was paid by over 800 handlers, importers and producers. Its mission is to increase consumption through education, promotion and research.
Watermelon is a healthy and delicious choice. Each serving provides a great source of Vitamin C (25%DV), Vitamin B6 (8%DV), and is a delicious way of staying hydrated (92% water). It also contains 80 calories for a 2-cup serving. In 2020, the average American watermelon consumption was 16 pounds. In 2020, the United States consumed approximately 5.3 billion pounds of watermelon. Additional 359 million pounds worth of watermelon was exported by the United States. For more information, visit www.watermelon.org