A recent study, published in Nutrients, suggests that 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.
In addition to the NHANES study, a new Louisiana State University study also published in Nutrients, builds on previous work in this area of research to show that watermelon juice supplementation protects vascular function during hyperglycemia. Both studies were funded by the National Watermelon Promotion Board.
Although more research is needed, these study adds to the current body of evidence supporting regular intake of watermelon for cardio-metabolic health.
Source: eurekalert.org