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News from the Blues for Employees
HEALTH & WELLNESS NEWSLETTER
Keep Your Watermelon out of the Fridge and on the Counter for More Nutrients
June is Men's Health Month and what better way to get healthy than to enjoy the seasonal offerings of fresh produce. Ice-cold watermelon is always a fresh-fruit summer favorite. But did you know the fruit packs a more nutritious punch if served a little warmer?
A study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that watermelon stored uncut at the common room temperature of 70˚ F provides up to 40 percent more of the antioxidant lycopene than when refrigerated to 55˚ F.
What's more, keeping watermelon out at least 70° F for seven to 10 days before cutting is better than eating it freshly picked off the vine. Why? Researchers say that watermelon continues to produce lycopene after it's picked. Refrigerating the fruit slows down this process.
Lycopene, which gives watermelon its red color, has been shown to protect against cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer. And although commonly associated with tomatoes, watermelon contains more lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable.
Bottom line? Choose the counter instead of the refrigerator for storing watermelon; it's safe and nutritious. Just make sure to refrigerate the fruit after cutting to avoid food-borne illness. If you prefer a cold taste on first bite, chill right before slicing. Bon Appétit!
For more Men's Health Month information and resources, visit Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas' health and wellness section or join the men's health discussion this week on Facebook and Twitter.
