- Two studies investigated the effects of watermelon on diet quality and cardiometabolic function.
- They found that watermelon consumption is linked to higher nutrient intake and better heart health.
Further research is needed to understand how watermelon affects cardiometabolic health.
Watermelons contain many nutrients, such as potassium, vitamin C, and magnesium. The fruit also has a high bioavailability of antioxidants, including lycopene and l-citrulline.
Studies have shown that watermelon supplements and extracts decrease blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Comparably fewer studies investigate raw watermelon, however, and those that do tend to involve large quantities of over 2 lbs per day.
Nevertheless, these studies also report that consumption of the fruit is linked to lower cholesterol and body weight, as well as a lower risk of prostateTrusted Source, lung, and breast cancerTrusted Source.
Further study of raw watermelon’s health effects could improve dietary guidelines and prevention strategies for cardiometabolic health.
Recently, two studies that investigated the health effects of watermelon consumption.
The first study, published in Nutrients, found that children and adults who consumed watermelon had a higher intake of various nutrients, including dietary fiber, magnesium, and potassium, than non-consumers. They also had a lower intake of added sugars and saturated fatty acids.
The second study, also published in Nutrients, found that drinking watermelon juice for two weeks protects vascular function.
Dr. John A. Galat, cardiac surgeon at Novant Health, Charlotte, North Carolina, who was not involved in the studies, told Medical News Today:
“As the hot summer months approach these two studies, incidentally both funded by the National Watermelon Promotion Board, suggest that the regular enjoyment of watermelon might be good for you! In fact, over indulging likely would not have any adverse effects unlike so many other things that we enjoy.”
He noted, however, that based on these two studies alone, he would not necessarily promote watermelon consumption to those who don’t already enjoy the fruit.
