Powerful Antioxidants This wonderful summertime treat comes packed with powerful Antioxidants along with several vitamins our bodies need.  Watermelon is high in Vitamin C and a good source of Vitamin A through its concentration of beta-carotene. 

Lycopene Watermelon is a very concentrated source of the carotenoid, Lycopene.  Lycopene has been studied for its antioxidant and cancer-preventing properties.  It has been found to be protective against many forms of cancers including prostate cancer, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancers.  Watermelon contains a higher concentration of Lycopene than any other produce item.

Vitamin C  Watermelon is an excellent source of Vitamin C so necessary for the body's immune system.  Just one cup of delicious watermelon provides 25% of our body's daily requirement.

Vitamin A   Through its concentration of beta-carotene, Watermelon supplies a rich source of Vitamin A, another cancer fighting anti-oxidant along with Lycopene and Vitamin C.  A cup of Watermelon supplies your body with over 10% of its daily requirement.

Vitamin B  Vitamin B is necessary for energy production.  Watermelon is rich in Vitamin B6 and B1, as well as magnesium and potassium.  Because Watermelon has a higher water content and lower calorie content than other fruits, it delivers more nutrients per calorie.

Arginine  Because Watermelon is exceptionally high in citrulline, an amino acid our bodies use to make another amino acid, Arginine.  Arginine is used in the urea cycle to remove ammonia from the body and allowing the production of Nitric Oxide, which not only relaxes blood vessels thereby alleviating high blood pressure, it is the compound whose production is enhanced by Viagra® to prevent erectile dysfunction. 

Additional Sources
To read more about Watermelon Nutrition and Health benefits, visit The George Mateljan Foundation, for a wealth of food health information as well as wonderful recipes.
Additional health and nutrition information can be found on the National Watermelon Promotion Board website.