Feb 28, 2023

Watermelon research is good news for consumers

Watermelon consumers tend to have higher overall diet quality than non-watermelon consumers, according to a recent study.

The National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB) recently partnered with Nutrition Impact LLC on a research project to “determine intake of watermelon and assess association with diet quality, energy and nutrient intake, and physiological parameters in children and adults.” A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) Analysis, the study was recently published in Nutrients and found that total diet quality was higher in watermelon consumers as compared to non-consumers.

Also, according to the study, children and adult watermelon consumers had greater than 5% higher intake of dietary fiber, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin A as well as more than 5% lower intake of added sugars and total saturated fatty acids as well as higher intake of lycopene and other carotenoids. This study suggests watermelon can increase nutrient intake as well as diet quality in both children and adult Americans. The NWPB plans to release more details later this year at a nutrition research focused conference.

This is just one of several studies that has launched in recent years refining the NWPB Nutrition Research Program. Last year’s project concluded that Scientific Literature Confirms Watermelon’s Health Potential. The board knows that more research specific to watermelon’s health benefits is needed to support watermelon consumption and help to educate consumers. Part of the board’s strategic plan is continued focus on watermelon’s nutrient research, health trends and board impact.

“Researching the nutritional benefits of watermelon is essential for the watermelon industry and consumers alike,” Megan McKenna, senior director of marketing and foodservice, said in a news release.

“By understanding the nutritional value of watermelon, we can ensure we are supporting the industry by effectively communicating those benefits while also helping consumers make informed decisions about their health and nutrition,” McKenna said in the release.­­­­

The board plans to fund watermelon rind nutrient profiling in order to be included in the USDA FoodData Central database. For more information about the research program at NWPB, contact McKenna at [email protected].