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 four new structure-function claims derived from this study:

1. Watermelon consumption increases free arginine and citrulline, which can help maintain cardiovascular function.
2. Eating watermelon can help maintain cardiovascular health.
3. Watermelon has amino acids such as citrulline and arginine that help maintain the arteries.
4. Watermelon amino acids citrulline and arginine can help maintain blood flow and heart health.

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

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, B6 and C.

Vitamin A found in watermelon is important for optimal eye health.

Vitamin B6 found in watermelon is used by the body to manufacture brain chemicals (neurotransmitters), such as serotonin, melatonin and dopamine, which preliminary research shows may help the body cope with anxiety and panic.

Vitamin C in watermelons can help to bolster your immune system's defenses against infections and viruses and is known to stimulate the immune system and protect against free radical damage.

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.