nutritional food

Question
my question is this: if someone could only take one food item with them what should it be.

Answer
Hello  Anthony!

   Thank you for your nutrition question. I would choose watermelon as a food to take with you.  Watermelon is the Lycopene Leader in fresh produce, having higher concentrations of lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable. In fact, fresh watermelon contains higher levels of lycopene than fresh tomatoes - a 2-cup serving of watermelon contains and average of 18.16 mg and one medium-sized tomato contains 4 mg.

Watermelon has heart healthy properties because it is naturally low in saturated fat, total fat and cholesterol.

A recent study by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) about watermelon consumption
and heart healthy benefits was completed and published March 2007. The NWPB has four new structure-function claims derived from this study:

Watermelon consumption increases free arginine and citrulline, which can help maintain cardiovascular function.
Eating watermelon can help maintain cardiovascular health.
Watermelon has amino acids such as citrulline and arginine that help maintain the arteries.

Watermelon amino acids citrulline and arginine can help maintain blood flow and heart health.

Watermelon Is Practically A Multivitamin Unto Itself
A 2-cup serving of watermelon is an excellent source of Vitamins A, B6 and C.

Vitamin A found in watermelon is important for optimal eye health.

Vitamin B6 found in watermelon is used by the body to manufacture brain chemicals (neurotransmitters), such as serotonin, melatonin and dopamine, which preliminary research shows may help the body cope with anxiety and panic.

Vitamin C in watermelons can help to bolster your immune system's defenses against infections and viruses and is known to stimulate the immune system and protect against free radical damage.

Potassium
A two-cup serving of watermelon is also a source of potassium*, a mineral necessary for water balance and found inside of every cell. People with low potassium levels can experience muscle cramps. A two-cup serving has less than 10 percent of the daily reference value for potassium.

For more answers to your nutrition questions check out "Ask the Nutritionists" by George Rapitis available at www.authorhouse.com, online, or at your favorite bookstore.

-George Rapitis, Bsc. Nutritionist
www.juiceblend.com

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