Watermelon vs Low-Fat Cookies for Wellness

Overseen By Mee Young Hong, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: San Diego State University

Must not be taking: Antibiotics, Supplements, Metabolic, others

Disqualifiers: Smoker, Pregnant, Allergy, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

Duration: 4 weeks

80 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Do I need to stop taking my current medications to join the trial?

Yes, if you need to take medications for metabolic disorders, mental health, or sexual health, you cannot participate in this trial.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Watermelon vs Low-Fat Cookies for Wellness?

Research shows that eating watermelon can improve diet quality and increase nutrient intake, such as fiber and vitamins, while reducing added sugars and unhealthy fats. Additionally, watermelon consumption has been linked to weight loss, lower blood pressure, and improved satiety (feeling full), making it a potentially effective treatment for wellness compared to low-fat cookies. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is it safe to consume watermelon or low-fat cookies?

Research suggests that watermelon is generally safe for consumption and may even improve diet quality and reduce certain health risks in both humans and animals. However, there is no specific safety data available for low-fat cookies in the provided research. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

How is watermelon different from other treatments for wellness?

Watermelon is unique because it is a natural food that provides essential nutrients like fiber, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin A, while also being low in added sugars and saturated fats. It contains L-citrulline and L-arginine, which are precursors to nitric oxide, potentially benefiting cardiovascular health. ^{1 6 9 10 11}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The objective of the proposed research is to determine the effects of fresh watermelon consumption on physiological indicators of wellness regarding sexual, skin and gut health in adults.

Research Team

Mee Young Hong, PhD

Principal Investigator

San Diego State University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for generally healthy adults with a BMI between 20-40. Participants should not be on medication for metabolic, mental health, or sexual conditions, have allergies to watermelon or wheat, smoke, be pregnant, or need antibiotics or dietary supplements.

Inclusion Criteria

My BMI is between 20 and 40.

Generally healthy subjects

Exclusion Criteria

Smoker

Pregnant woman

Allergy to watermelon or wheat

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants consume 100 kcal of watermelon or low-fat cookies daily

4 weeks

Baseline and week 4 visits

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in sexual health, depression, microbiome diversity, and skin hydration

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Low-fat cookies
• Watermelon

Trial Overview The study aims to compare the effects of eating fresh watermelon versus low-fat cookies on wellness indicators related to sexual health, skin condition and gut function in adults.

Participant Groups

Group I: Watermelon Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Subjects consume 100 kcal of watermelon daily for 4 weeks.

Group II: Low-fat cookies Active Control 1 Intervention

Subjects consume 100 kcal of low-fat cookies daily for 4 weeks.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

San Diego State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

182

Recruited

119,000+

Findings from Research

In a large study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) involving children and adults, watermelon consumers showed significantly higher diet quality and nutrient intake compared to non-consumers.

Watermelon intake was associated with over 5% higher consumption of beneficial nutrients like dietary fiber, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin A, while also leading to lower intake of added sugars and saturated fats, suggesting it can positively impact overall health.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Watermelon Intake Is Associated with Increased Nutrient Intake and Higher Diet Quality in Adults and Children, NHANES 2003-2018. Fulgoni, K., Fulgoni, VL.[2022]

In a pilot study involving 23 participants, an anti-inflammatory dietary intervention that included watermelon showed potential benefits for body composition, particularly for those who adopted a more anti-inflammatory diet, leading to reductions in body fat percentage and body mass index.

Despite the intervention's focus, some participants' diets became more pro-inflammatory, indicating that adherence to dietary changes is crucial for achieving the desired health outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of a 3-Month Anti-inflammatory Dietary Intervention Focusing on Watermelon on Body Habitus, Inflammation, and Metabolic Markers: A Pilot Study. Wirth, MD., Shivappa, N., Khan, S., et al.[2020]

A bioactive extract from vitalmelon significantly reduced lipid accumulation and inhibited fat cell differentiation in laboratory studies using 3T3-L1 adipocytes, suggesting its potential as an antiadipogenic agent.

In a study with high-fat diet-induced obese mice, the vitalmelon extract led to lower levels of blood cholesterol, insulin, and abdominal fat, while increasing beneficial adiponectin levels, indicating its efficacy in regulating lipid metabolism and supporting weight loss.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Edible Vitalmelon Fruit Extract Inhibits Adipogenesis and Ameliorates High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity. Guo, L., Park, SY., Kang, HM., et al.[2022]

A study analyzed the nutrient density of seven types of 100% fruit juices using six different methodologies, revealing that citrus juices, especially pink grapefruit and orange juice, had the highest nutrient density scores.

The findings highlight the importance of understanding nutrient density in food labeling and dietary guidance, as it can help consumers make healthier choices based on the nutrient content relative to calories.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A comparison of nutrient density scores for 100% fruit juices. Rampersaud, GC.[2007]

In a study involving 33 overweight or obese adults, consuming 2 cups of watermelon daily for 4 weeks led to significant reductions in body weight, body mass index (BMI), and systolic blood pressure compared to isocaloric low-fat cookies.

Watermelon consumption also resulted in greater feelings of fullness and lower hunger levels, while improving total antioxidant capacity and reducing oxidative stress, suggesting it may be beneficial for weight management and metabolic health.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Fresh Watermelon Consumption on the Acute Satiety Response and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Overweight and Obese Adults. Lum, T., Connolly, M., Marx, A., et al.[2023]

In a study with low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient mice, consumption of watermelon extract ('sentinel') for 12 weeks significantly reduced body weight gain and plasma cholesterol levels, particularly intermediate-/low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

The extract also improved the balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, leading to a reduction in atherosclerosis development in the aortic arch and thoracic regions, without affecting systolic blood pressure.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Citrullus lanatus 'sentinel' (watermelon) extract reduces atherosclerosis in LDL receptor-deficient mice. Poduri, A., Rateri, DL., Saha, SK., et al.[2021]

In a study involving 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats, consumption of watermelon powder significantly reduced serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, indicating improved lipid profiles that may lower cardiovascular disease risk.

Watermelon also enhanced antioxidant capacity and reduced inflammation, as shown by lower levels of C-reactive protein and oxidative stress markers, suggesting that watermelon may help protect against cardiovascular disease through beneficial changes in gene expression related to lipid metabolism.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Watermelon consumption improves inflammation and antioxidant capacity in rats fed an atherogenic diet. Hong, MY., Hartig, N., Kaufman, K., et al.[2015]

The seed melon extract (SME) from Citrullus lanatus significantly reduced liver damage markers in mice with carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis, indicating its potential as a hepatoprotective agent.

SME improved antioxidant enzyme levels and reduced oxidative stress, which suggests that its protective effects on the liver may be due to enhanced antioxidant activity and reduced fibrosis-related protein expressions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Protective effects of seed melon extract on CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice. Zhan, YY., Wang, JH., Tian, X., et al.[2022]

A low-sugar watermelon developed through traditional breeding techniques was found to be acceptable in taste by Native American consumers, including both students and adults, indicating its potential as a healthier option for those with diabetes.

The low-sugar watermelon maintained similar levels of important nutrients like lycopene and beta-carotene compared to conventional watermelons, making it a nutritious alternative with lower sugar content.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Consumer acceptability of low-sugar watermelon sweetened with non-calorie sweetener by a Native American community. Collins, JK., Davis, AR., Adams, A., et al.[2016]

This study analyzed watermelon genetic resources from a gene bank in Korea, revealing that over 90% of the samples were red or pink-fleshed, with varying levels of soluble solid content (SSC) and health-beneficial phytonutrients like citrulline and arginine.

The citrulline content in the watermelons ranged from 6.9 to 52.1 mg/g, with an average of 27.3 mg/g, indicating that certain genetic resources may offer significant health benefits, particularly those with higher citrulline and arginine levels.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Fruit Morphology, Citrulline, and Arginine Levels in Diverse Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Germplasm Collections. Assefa, AD., Hur, OS., Ro, NY., et al.[2020]

Watermelon and its key compound L-citrulline have been shown to reduce blood pressure in human trials, indicating potential cardiovascular benefits.

Emerging evidence suggests that watermelon intake may improve lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis, with additional benefits for gut health and satiety, although more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Watermelon and L-Citrulline in Cardio-Metabolic Health: Review of the Evidence 2000-2020. Burton-Freeman, B., Freeman, M., Zhang, X., et al.[2023]

References

1. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Watermelon Intake Is Associated with Increased Nutrient Intake and Higher Diet Quality in Adults and Children, NHANES 2003-2018. [2022]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of a 3-Month Anti-inflammatory Dietary Intervention Focusing on Watermelon on Body Habitus, Inflammation, and Metabolic Markers: A Pilot Study. [2020]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Edible Vitalmelon Fruit Extract Inhibits Adipogenesis and Ameliorates High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity. [2022]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A comparison of nutrient density scores for 100% fruit juices. [2007]

5. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Fresh Watermelon Consumption on the Acute Satiety Response and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Overweight and Obese Adults. [2023]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Citrullus lanatus 'sentinel' (watermelon) extract reduces atherosclerosis in LDL receptor-deficient mice. [2021]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Watermelon consumption improves inflammation and antioxidant capacity in rats fed an atherogenic diet. [2015]

8. Ireland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Protective effects of seed melon extract on CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice. [2022]

9. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Consumer acceptability of low-sugar watermelon sweetened with non-calorie sweetener by a Native American community. [2016]

10. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Fruit Morphology, Citrulline, and Arginine Levels in Diverse Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Germplasm Collections. [2020]

11. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Watermelon and L-Citrulline in Cardio-Metabolic Health: Review of the Evidence 2000-2020. [2023]