Watermelon reduces atherosclerosis in University of Kentucky study
Key points
- In a recent study by University of Kentucky researchers, watermelon was shown to reduce atherosclerosis in animals.
- The study was conducted by Sibu Saha, UK Department of Surgery; Aruna Poduri, UK Saha Cardiovascular Research Center (UK Saha CRVC); Debra L.
- The animal model used for the study involved mice with diet-induced high cholesterol.
- A measurement of atherosclerotic lesion areas revealed that the watermelon juice group also experienced statistically significant reductions in atherosclerotic lesions, as compared to the control group.
In a recent study by University of Kentucky researchers, watermelon was shown to reduce atherosclerosis in animals.
The animal model used for the study involved mice with diet-induced high cholesterol. A control group was given water to drink, while the experimental group was given watermelon juice. By week eight of the study, the animals given watermelon juice had lower body weight than the control group, due to decrease of fat mass. They experienced no decrease in lean mass. Plasma cholesterol concentrations were significantly lower in the experimental group, with modestly reduced intermediate and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations as compared to the control group.
A measurement of atherosclerotic lesion areas revealed that the watermelon juice group also experienced statistically significant reductions in atherosclerotic lesions, as compared to the control group.
"Melons have many health benefits," said lead investigator Dr. Sibu Saha. "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."
###
Watermelon is a summer fruit, with a crunchy and crisp texture. The pulp is red with a number of black or brown watermelon seeds. It is a close relative of pumpkin, cantaloupe and squash. Watermelon belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and is grown in vines. Watermelon fruit is a storehouse of nutrients and antioxidants.
The Nutrients in Watermelon are:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin B3
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Phosphorus
- Water
- Carbohydrates
- Natural Sugar
The Benefits of Watermelons are:
- cleanses intenstines
- cleanses stomach
- Protects from asthma
- Protects from atherosclerosis
- Protects from diabetes
- Protects from colon cancer
- Protects from arthritis
The study was conducted by Sibu Saha, UK Department of Surgery; Aruna Poduri, UK Saha Cardiovascular Research Center (UK Saha CRVC); Debra L. Rateri, UK Saha CVRC; Shubin Saha of Purdue Univ.; and Alan Daugherty, director, UK Saha CVRC.
###
Allison Elliott
allison.elliott@uky.edu
University of Kentucky
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
Explore health topics
More in this topic
Weight & Nutrition →
NewsOverweight and obese type 2 patients show improvements with structured nutrition therapy
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have announced the results of a study that may change how nutrition therapy is delivered to overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabete s. The "Nutrition Pathway Study"…
22 June 2016
NewsWeight and diet may help predict sleep quality
The old adage " you are what you eat ," may be better phrased as " your sleep relates to what you eat ." An individual's body composition and caloric intake can influence time spent in specific sleep stages, according…
12 June 2016
NewsNHS needs to perform more weight loss surgery to curb the obesity epidemic
The NHS should significantly increase rates of weight loss surgery to 50,000 a year, closer to the European average, to bring major health benefits for patients and help reduce healthcare costs in the long term, argue…
