Researchers from the University
of Kentucky
have demonstrated that consuming watermelon juice can have a significant impact
on artery-clogging plaque deposition by modifying blood lipids and lowering
dangerous belly fat accumulation. Heart disease takes the lives of millions of
unsuspecting individuals each year, and atherosclerosis (hardening of the
arteries) leading to a heart attack is the most common form of the disease.
Many different species of melons
have been shown to benefit human health and watermelon is no exception. Regular
consumption of the red fruit can help manage fat deposition and weight
management goals while lowering the risks associated with coronary artery
plaque accumulation and heart disease.
Watermelon Improves Lipid Profile and Fat Accumulation to Lower Heart
Disease Risk
Researchers using mice with
diet-induced high cholesterol were given supplemental watermelon juice while a
control group was fed a typical diet with plain water. After a study
period of eight weeks, the animals given watermelon juice had lower body weight
than the control group, due to decreased fat mass. They experienced no decrease
in lean mass, an important finding as muscle tissue remained viable and weight
loss was due to loss of abdominal body
fat.
Further, the study authors
determined that plasma cholesterol concentrations were significantly lower in
the supplemented group, with modestly reduced intermediate and low-density
lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations as compared to the control group. An
examination of plaque affected lesion areas found that the watermelon juice
group experienced significant reductions in atherogenic plaque lesions and a
statistically significant reduction in risk of progressive arterial hardening
and heart attack.
Watermelon Consumption is Shown to Stabilize or Slow Arterial Plaque
Growth
Lead investigator, Dr. Sibu Saha concluded “Melons have many health benefits… this
pilot study has found three interesting health benefits in mouse model of
atherosclerosis. Our ultimate goal is to identify bioactive compounds that
would improve human health”. Any intervention that can stabilize or slow
the growth of arterial plaque will result in a critical lowered risk of
atherosclerosis (arterial hardening), the leading form of heart disease.
Like many other fruits and
vegetables found in their natural form, watermelons contain powerful carotenoid
antioxidant compounds that promote human health and fight disease. Watermelons
derive their red color from lycopene, a nutrient well known for its ability to
fight colon and prostate cancer. In addition, watermelon consumption is
associated with protection against macular degeneration and has been shown to
help lower blood pressure and improve insulin signaling. Prior studies have
used three cups of watermelon juice or two and a half cups of fruit chunks to provide
clinically significant levels of lycopene.
Posts
