Also Included In: Nutrition / Diet; Cardiovascular / Cardiology
Article Date: 31 Oct 2011 - 0:00 PDT
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In a recent study by University of Kentucky researchers, watermelon was shown to reduce atherosclerosis in animals.
The animal model used for the study involved mice with diet-induced high cholesterol. A control group was given water to drink, while the experimental group was given watermelon juice. By week eight of the study, the animals given watermelon juice had lower body weight than the control group, due to decrease of fat mass. They experienced no decrease in lean mass. Plasma cholesterol concentrations were significantly lower in the experimental group, with modestly reduced intermediate and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations as compared to the control group.
A measurement of atherosclerotic lesion areas revealed that the watermelon juice group also experienced statistically significant reductions in atherosclerotic lesions, as compared to the control group.
"Melons have many health benefits," said lead investigator Dr. Sibu Saha. "This pilot study has found three interesting health benefits in mouse model of atherosclerosis. Our ultimate goal is to identify bioactive compounds that would improve human health."
Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release. Click 'references' tab above for source.Visit our cholesterol section for the latest news on this subject. The study was conducted by Sibu Saha, UK Department of Surgery; Aruna Poduri, UK Saha Cardiovascular Research Center (UK Saha CRVC); Debra L. Rateri, UK Saha CVRC; Shubin Saha of Purdue Univ.; and Alan Daugherty, director, UK Saha CVRC.
University of Kentucky Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:
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15 Nov. 2011.
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(Hover over the stars then click to rate) posted by Jay on 31 Oct 2011 at 5:03 pm
Maybe the weight loss was because of the decrease in calorie from the animal being full of watermelon juice. Or Maye it was because the Watermelon calories contain no fat. Do the experiment and control the fat and protein and just substitute the watermelon calories for some other carb/starch and then post the results.
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