ode to the watermelon

I LOVE watermelon. Many years ago, friends / co-workers, bought a watermelon and all signed their names to it as a 'going away gift' when I moved away. They used to wonder how I could eat so much of it. At lunch today, the question was asked if there was much nutritional value in watermelon. I am happy to say, there is!

Nutrition Value in Water Melon
Watermelons are low in calories and very nutritious. Watermelon is high in lycopene, second only to tomatoes. Recent research suggests that lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, is effective in preventing some forms of cancer and cardiovascular disease. According to research conducted at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, men who consumed a lycopene-rich diet were half as likely to suffer a heart attack as those who had little or no lycopene in their diets.

Watermelon is also high in Vitamin C and Vitamin A, in the form of disease fighting beta-carotene. Research also suggests that the red pigmented foods provide this protection. Lycopene and beta-carotene work in conjunction with other plant chemicals not found in vitamin/mineral supplements. Potassium is also available, which is believed to help control blood pressure and possibly prevent strokes.

Nutrition Facts (1 wedge, or 1/16 of a melon, about 1-2/3 cup)
Calories 91.52
Protein 1.77 grams
Carbohydrates 20.54 grams
Dietary Fiber 1.43 grams
Potassium 331.76 mg
Vitamin C 27.46 mg
Vitamin A 1046.76 IU
Fiber, total dietary g 1.430
Phosphorus, P mg 25.740
Calcium, Ca mg 22.880
Magnesium, Mg mg 31.460
Sodium, Na mg 5.720

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Watermelon is the lycopene leader among fresh fruits and fresh vegetables! Lycopene is a carotenoid that gives watermelon its red color, and it is only available in a few other foods, including tomatoes. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant. Researchers are finding increasing evidence that proper diet and nutrition are important factors in disease prevention.

Watermelon contains higher levels of lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable (15 to 20 mg per 2-cup serving) and is part of a healhty diet.

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Watermelons are in nature an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and B6. They are also a great source of potassium, and extremely low in sodium. Watermelons are a great snack for both children and adults, for the reason that they contain practically no fat.

Pictures or artifacts that have survived to the present show that watermelon was grown by the ancient Egyptians. It was founded in 4000 B.C. and is still a universal fruit that continues to be a favorite fruit to many people. By the 1600's, watermelon made it's way to Spain, China, Great Britain, and even farther beyond.

Watermelon also provides nutrition via minerals, micronutrients and amino acids (and other vitamins. As it's name indicates, it has much water in it (but we most people could use more water) - 139 grams of water for 152 grams / or 1 cup and 9.42 grams of total (naturally occurring) sugars and only 0.23 grams of total fat/lipid.