

These amino acids promote blood flow, which leads to cardiovascular health, improved circulation, and even treatment for erectile dysfunction, according to research at Texas A&M University (opens in new tab). This includes the white flesh nearest the rind, which contains more of the amino acid citrulline than the flesh, according to a 2005 study in the Journal of Chromatography (opens in new tab).Ĭitrulline is a valuable amino acid that converts to the amino acid arginine. There are a lot of nutrients throughout," said Jarzabkowski. However, that doesn't mean the red parts are the only good ones. By the time it is fully red, the fruit is an excellent source of the phytonutrient. It helps with immunity, skin, eye and the prevention of cancer," said Lemond.Ī 2011 study in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis (opens in new tab), which investigated five types of watermelon at four stages of ripening, found that unripe watermelon with primarily white flesh has nearly zero beta-carotene present. "Beta carotene is an antioxidant found in red-orange fruits and vegetables. Beta-carotene and phenolic antioxidant content also increase as the watermelon ripens.

The redder your watermelon gets, the higher the concentration of lycopene becomes. To really maximize your lycopene intake, you need to let your watermelon fully ripen. It's also a powerful antioxidant thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, according to Victoria Jarzabkowski, a nutritionist with the Fitness Institute of Texas at The University of Texas at Austin. Lycopene has been linked with heart health, bone health and prostate cancer prevention. – Cholesterol: 0mg (0%) Sodium: 0mg (0%) Potassium: 270mg (8%) Protein: 1g – Total Carbohydrate: 21g (7%) Dietary Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugars: 20g – Amount per serving (and %DV*) *Percent Daily Values (%DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

– Serving size: 2 cups diced (10 oz / 280 g) Calories: 80 (Calories from Fat 0) Food and Drug Administration (opens in new tab), which regulates food labeling through the National Labeling and Education Act: Here are the nutrition facts for the watermelon, according to the U.S.
