Watermelon consumption associated with higher diet quality, new study finds

National Watermelon Promotion Board 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,” according to a news release.

A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Analysis, the study was recently published in Nutrients and found that total diet quality was higher in watermelon consumers as compared to nonconsumers. 

The study suggests watermelon can increase nutrient intake as well as diet quality in both children and adults, says the Winter Springs, Fla.-based National Watermelon Promotion Board, which hopes to present additional details later this year at a nutrition research-focused conference, the release said.

The study further found that 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. The study also showed that watermelon consumers had higher intake of lycopene and other carotenoids.

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

The new study is one of several 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 NWPB says more research specific to watermelon’s health benefits is needed to support watermelon consumption and help to educate consumers. With that in mind, part of the board’s strategic plan is continued focus on watermelon’s nutrient research and health trends.

NWPB said it is looking to fund watermelon rind nutrient profiling in order to be included in the USDA FoodData Central database.

The NWPB was established in 1989 as an agricultural promotion group to promote watermelon in the U.S. and in various markets abroad. Funded through a self-mandated industry assessment paid by more than 800 watermelon producers, handlers and importers, NWPB's mission is to increase consumer demand for watermelon through promotion, research and education programs.