Watermelon: Summer’s Fruit MVP

May 2021

Whether it be a picnic or a pool party, a baseball game or a bike ride, watermelon is often on the menu during the summer months. It’s for good reason, though.

USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) recently found certain biological aspects of watermelon that confirmed eating it is a great way to increase your antioxidant levels, as well as your non-protein amino acid and lycopene intake.

“Our research continues to find that the fruit contains a wide range of nutrients that improve your overall health,” says USDA-ARS scientist Larry Parnell.

This research finds the antioxidant levels in watermelon can assist in your body’s ability to fight free radicals, slowing down cell damage. The other nutrients, like the non-protein amino acids, can help your body in many other ways, including regulating your blood pressure.

This nutrient-rich fruit is available in Florida from late March through mid-July, making it perfect for summer festivities. For more nutrient information on watermelon, you can read USDA’s full bulletin here.