Abstract
Objectives
Watermelon has a great potential in preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD) due to its high levels of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive constituents such as L-citrulline, lycopene, and beta-carotene. Although previous studies have examined the effects of watermelon juice or extract on risk factors for CVD, it is unknown if the results can be extrapolated to fresh watermelon consumption. This study examined the effects of fresh watermelon consumption on risk factors for CVD in overweight and obese adults.
Methods
In a crossover design, 33 overweight or obese adults consumed two cups of watermelon or isocaloric low-fat cookies daily for four weeks with a two- to four-week washout period. Body weight, body composition, waist-to-hip ratio, blood pressure, glucose and insulin levels, inflammation, lipid profiles, antioxidant capacity, and liver function markers were measured at baseline and after the interventions.
Results
Watermelon consumption significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased body weight, body mass index (BMI), and systolic blood pressure and waist-to-hip ratio. Cookie consumption significantly increased blood pressure and body fat (P < 0.05). Watermelon intake reduced triglyceride, LDL cholesterol and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and improved HDL cholesterol and total antioxidant capacity (P < 0.05). Serum glucose, insulin, C-reactive protein, total cholesterol, catalase, and liver function markers were not significantly different between the interventions.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that daily consumption of fresh watermelon improves lipid profiles and anthropometric measurements, reduces blood pressure, and increases antioxidant capacity, which may have implications for chronic diseases such as CVD.
Funding Sources
National Watermelon Promotion Board.