Why Watermelon Is Good for Your Cardiometabolic Health

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This summertime superfood is so beneficial for your heart and metabolic health that you might want to consider eating it year-round.

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

• Only 6.8 percent of U.S. adults have optimal cardiometabolic health, while an estimated 47 million have cardiometabolic disorders.
• Watermelon contains L-citrulline and L-arginine, which are nitric oxide (NO) precursors. NO helps relax blood vessels and widen arteries.
• Consuming watermelon juice attenuates reductions in heart rate variability (HRV) after high sugar consumption—low HRV is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality.
• Compared to people who don’t eat watermelon, those who do have healthier quality diets and increased nutrient intake.
• Among overweight or obese adults, eating watermelon led to greater satiety, including lower hunger, food consumption and desire to eat, and greater fullness, compared to eating low-fat cookies.

Only 6.8 percent of U.S. adults have optimal cardiometabolic health,[1] while an estimated 47 million have cardiometabolic disorders that increase their risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.[2] Risk factors for cardiometabolic disease include high blood pressure, abdominal obesity, elevated fasting blood sugar, dyslipidemia, and elevated triglycerides.[3]