|
Watermelon
has always been a good source of vitamins
A and C, and provides potassium and
fiber. But now consumers have even
more reasons to enjoy a sweet fruit.
Scientists
indicate that watermelon contains
high levels of lycopene-an antioxidant
that may help the body fight cancer
and prevent disease. Found only in
select fruits and vegetables, lycopene
is very effective at trapping cancer-promoting
agents called free-oxygen radicals.
A
study conducted by Harvard University
found that men who ate lycopene-rich
diets of tomatoes and tomato products
had a much lower risk of developing
certain cancers, especially prostrate
cancer.
Lycopene
is found only in red watermelon varieties.
In fact, it gives watermelon its red
colour,thus, the redder the watermelon,
the more lycopene it contains.
We
have always known that watermelon
offers a number of benefits .But as
lycopene continues to emerge as a
possible important, effective agent
in disease prevention.
In
addition to lycopene, watermelon offers
a host of other health benefits. It
is fat-free, yet delivers 100 percent
on the critical energy component found
in functional foods. |
