NUTRITION My family eats watermelon all summer long, are there any actual health benefits from this fruit? A: What a fun summer question! It may surprise you to hear that there actually are a lot of health benefits from watermelon. Watermelon, as its name Jessica Carter Registered and Licensed Dietitian implies, is high in water, this high water content is helpful in protecting against dehydration in hot summer months and also acts as an aid for occasional constipation. This juicy fruit contains an astonishingly high amount of lycopene as well as vitamin C and A. According to a recent study by the USDA, there is more lycopene in one serving of watermelon than in one serving of raw tomato. Lycopene is beneficial in preventing different types of cancer, most specifically prostate cancer in men. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that benefits the body in many ways including cancer prevention and vitamin A is good for the skin. Watermelon also contains a specific amino acid that can reduce muscle soreness, and choline which is a nutrient that is helpful in reducing inflammation. That makes this fruit a great post-workout snack. And did you know that it even helps with nausea? With all these benefits it is amazing the fruit doesn't get more attention. So put down that apple until September and go cut into a nice big melon! For more information on the benefits of different favorite foods contact Jessica Carter at Core Health & Nutrition 218-556-9089 CORE HEALTH 1900 Division St., Unit 1 NUTRITION & YOGA Bemidji, MN corehealthbemidji.com NUTRITION My family eats watermelon all summer long, are there any actual health benefits from this fruit? A: What a fun summer question! It may surprise you to hear that there actually are a lot of health benefits from watermelon. Watermelon, as its name Jessica Carter Registered and Licensed Dietitian implies, is high in water, this high water content is helpful in protecting against dehydration in hot summer months and also acts as an aid for occasional constipation. This juicy fruit contains an astonishingly high amount of lycopene as well as vitamin C and A. According to a recent study by the USDA, there is more lycopene in one serving of watermelon than in one serving of raw tomato. Lycopene is beneficial in preventing different types of cancer, most specifically prostate cancer in men. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that benefits the body in many ways including cancer prevention and vitamin A is good for the skin. Watermelon also contains a specific amino acid that can reduce muscle soreness, and choline which is a nutrient that is helpful in reducing inflammation. That makes this fruit a great post-workout snack. And did you know that it even helps with nausea? With all these benefits it is amazing the fruit doesn't get more attention. So put down that apple until September and go cut into a nice big melon! For more information on the benefits of different favorite foods contact Jessica Carter at Core Health & Nutrition 218-556-9089 CORE HEALTH 1900 Division St., Unit 1 NUTRITION & YOGA Bemidji, MN corehealthbemidji.com