Unlikely Source of Lycopene
Those who pay close attention to nutrition news can probably name a common, healthy food that is high in the anti-aging, cancer-fighting antioxidant lycopene, boasts a rich vitamin profile, and is available at its best during the summer months. At the first mention of lycopene, tomatoes immediately come to mind. And while all of these things hold true for tomatoes, there is an even better candidate in the produce department and at the farm market.
Fresh watermelon contains less than 50 calories per one cup serving. It may be low in calories, but watermelon is high in healthy nutrients. This sweet summer melon contains beta carotene, thiamine, vitamin B6, and potassium. Additionally, one serving of watermelon provides 10% of your daily recommended amount of vitamin A, and up to 12% of the RDA for vitamin C.
And yes, like tomatoes, the pinkish red tint of watermelon is due to its high lycopene content. In fact, this fruit contains an average of 40% more lycopene per serving than tomatoes do. Not only that, the bioavailability of this antioxidant in fresh tomatoes is significantly lower than in cooked tomatoes. But the lycopene in watermelon is easily absorbed through the digestive system without the fruit needing to be cooked.
17.08.2009. 04:44
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