Watermelon: 3 Juicy Benefits

A cool wedge of watermelon on a hot summer day? Refreshing, for sure.

But watermelon is more than just a seasonal treat. Here are three great health reasons to dig into this juicy fruit:

• It's loaded with lycopene. Watermelon juice actually gave tomato juice a run for the money in a recent study of lycopene levels. That's good news for your body, because early research suggests that lycopene may be a cancer crusher. (Here's a trick for unleashing more lycopene from your tomatoes.)
• It can make your skin pretty. Watermelon is loaded with a key compound credited with helping skin's healing and regenerative processes. Say no more -- bring on the melon! (Find out what other foods support youthful skin.)
• It's practically calorie-free. With fewer than 50 calories in every cup, watermelon is one smart way to satisfy a sweet tooth. And with a whopping 141 grams of water per cubed cup, watermelon will keep you hydrated, too. (Here are 10 more low-calorie treats to try.)

Which is better for your watermelon -- chilled or room temp?

Consumption of watermelon juice increases plasma concentrations of lycopene and beta-carotene in humans. Edwards, A. J. et al., Journal of Nutrition 2003 Apr;133(4):1043-1050.