Glutathione and watermelon

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Eat some watermelon- you’ll live longer! No picnic would be complete without it, and now research is showing that every slice of watermelon you eat can slash your risk of cancer, heart disease, vision problems and more. By now you’ve probably heard about the benefits of lycopene, the antioxidant concentrated in cooked tomato products. "Research shows it’s better than vitamins C and E at neutralizing cancer-causing free radicals,” explains USDA plant physiologist PENELOPE

Prekins-Veazie, Ph.D. News like that is enough to make anyone reach for a bottle of ketchup, but hold on. Research suggests that you can get an even bigger dose of life-saving lycopene by slicing off a wedge of watermelon. “Watermelon contains more lycopene than any other fruit or vegetable- even tomatoes!” says Perkins-Veazie. In fact, experts say enjoying this summertime treat right now can: Ward off cancer the easy way Studies show that women who get at least 30 mg. of lycopene daily are five times less likely to develop cervical cancer. And dozens of follow-up studies show dose also slashes your risk of skin, lung, breast, cervical and other cancers as much as 40%. But getting it from tomatoes is tough- experts say you’d have to eat up to eight of them every day! “But

you’ll get 30 mg. of lycopene in just two one inch slices of watermelon," says Perkins-Veazie. Cut your risk of heart attack and stroke Watermelon was recently awarded the American Heart Association’s seal of approval as a heart-healthy snack, thanks to its near zero fat and cholesterol content. But its wealth of lycopene also makes it a great heart protector; according to pros, people with the

most lycopene rich diet have the lowest risk of heart attack. "Watermelon is also rich in potassium, a nutrient known to help prevent heart attack and stroke," explains nutritionist Maureen Storey, Ph.D. Research suggests getting just 400 mg. Of the mineral daily can lower blood pressure as much as 12 points, preventing damage to artery walls and cutting the risk of stroke in half. And every cup of watermelon supplies an incredible 200 mg.! Keep your vision clear As many as 70% of Americans could develop cataracts. But according to doctors, prevention could be as simple as upping your intake of glutathione, beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin- antioxidants that are packed into every slice of watermelon. In fact, researchers say watermelon contains more glutathione per bite than 95 other fruits and vegetables. “Like

lycopene, these substances neutralize free radicals, but they’re especially good at protecting delicate eye tissues,” explains Perkins-Veazie. And studies show that people who consume them daily are up to seven times less likely to develop cataracts.

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