Workout Wednesdays: Fruit of the week - Watermelon

Lycopene Leader

Watermelon is the Lycopene Leader in fresh produce, having higher concentrations of lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable. In fact, fresh watermelon contains higher levels of lycopene than fresh tomatoes - a 2-cup serving of watermelon contains and average of 18.16 mg and one medium-sized tomato contains 4 mg.

Heart Healthy

Watermelon has heart healthy properties because it is naturally low in saturated fat, total fat and cholesterol.
A recent study by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) about watermelon consumption and heart healthy benefits was completed and published March 2007. The NWPB has the following structure-function claims derived from this study:

1. Amino acid citrulline can help maintain blood flow within the heart. Watermelon contains 672 mg citrulline per NLEA serving and is the primary source of citrulline in fruits and vegetables.
2. Increased consumption of citrulline can help maintain cardiovascular function. Watermelon contains 672 mg citrulline per NLEA serving and is the primary source of citrulline in fruits and vegetables.

USDA News Release "Watermelon Serves Up Medically Important Amino Acid" (PDF)

5-A-Day turns to Fruit and Veggies More Matters!

The Produce for Better Health Foundation, American Cancer Institute, ACIR Report indicates people who eat five or more servings of fruit and vegetables every day have half the risk of developing cancer as those who only eat one or two servings per day. That's a very good reason to eat your fruit and vegetables! Look for recipes that per serving contain at least one serving of fruits and vegetables with no more than 30% of the calories from fat, 10% from saturated fat, 100 milligrams cholesterol and 480 milligrams sodium

Nutrition Facts

Vitamins & Minerals

Watermelon Is Practically A Multivitamin Unto Itself
A 2-cup serving of watermelon is an excellent source of Vitamins A and C and a good source of Vitamin B6.

Vitamin A

Watermelon and other fruits filled with Vitamin A can help you see better.

Fruits like watermelon are packed with Vitamin A that help you see better.

Vitamin B6 found in watermelon helps the immune system produce antibodies. Antibodies are needed to fight many diseases. Vitamin B6 helps maintain normal nerve function and form red blood cells. The body uses it to help break down proteins. The more protein you eat, the more vitamin B6 you need.

Vitamin C

Watermelon contains Vitamin C. Fruits packed with Vitamin C can help you heal faster.

Potassium
A two-cup serving of watermelon is also a source of potassium*, a mineral necessary for water balance and found inside of every cell. People with low potassium levels can experience muscle cramps. A two-cup serving has less than 10 percent of the daily reference value for potassium.


Keep the Faith!


Until next time,
~E