80 Participants Needed

Watermelon vs Low-Fat Cookies for Wellness

Mee Young Hong, PhD profile photo
Overseen ByMee Young Hong, PhD
Age: 18 - 65
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: San Diego State University
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how eating fresh watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) affects sexual, skin, and gut health. Participants will consume either 100 calories of watermelon or low-fat cookies daily for four weeks. The study aims to determine if watermelon positively impacts wellness compared to low-fat cookies. Ideal participants are generally healthy adults with a BMI between 20 and 40, who do not smoke or have certain allergies or medical conditions. As an unphased trial, this study provides participants the chance to contribute to new insights on the natural dietary impacts on health.

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.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research shows that watermelon is generally safe to eat. Studies have found no major health risks associated with consuming watermelon, and safety standards do not consider it dangerous. However, eating large amounts might cause an upset stomach, though this is uncommon.

Watermelon is unlikely to irritate the skin or be harmful if inhaled. However, watermelon juice might irritate the eyes. Fresh watermelon is nutritious and safe to eat, with no significant risk of germs.

Overall, watermelon is well-tolerated and safe when consumed in normal amounts.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?

Researchers are excited about using watermelon for wellness because it offers a natural, refreshing alternative to more processed options like low-fat cookies. Unlike standard snacks that often contain artificial ingredients and added sugars, watermelon is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and hydration benefits, potentially boosting overall health. This approach leverages the fruit's natural composition to promote wellness, providing a unique and wholesome way to support a healthy lifestyle.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for wellness?

Research shows that watermelon, one of the treatments in this trial, may offer several health benefits. It contains compounds like lycopene and L-citrulline, which can reduce cell damage and improve blood flow. This might support heart health and enhance circulation, potentially benefiting sexual wellness. Additionally, watermelon promotes gut health and may aid weight loss due to its low calorie and high water content. Some studies suggest it might also lower blood pressure, contributing to overall health. These findings indicate that watermelon could improve sexual, skin, and gut health. Participants in this trial will consume either watermelon or low-fat cookies to compare their effects on wellness.678910

Who Is on the Research Team?

Mee Young Hong | SDSU

Mee Young Hong, PhD

Principal Investigator

San Diego State University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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
See 3 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

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

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

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.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: WatermelonExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Low-fat cookiesActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

San Diego State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials
182
Recruited
119,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

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.
Watermelon consumption improves inflammation and antioxidant capacity in rats fed an atherogenic diet.Hong, MY., Hartig, N., Kaufman, K., et al.[2015]
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.
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]
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.
A comparison of nutrient density scores for 100% fruit juices.Rampersaud, GC.[2007]

Citations

Current Evidence of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Ingestion ...These findings suggest that supplementation with watermelon with at least 4 g of L-citrulline seems effective in reducing blood pressure in ...
Is Watermelon a Superfood? Examining the Scientific ...Watermelon is rich in both lycopene and L-citrulline, which consistently lower oxidative stress, improve endothelial function, maintain healthy ...
Nutritional composition and bioactive potential of watermelon ...The watermelon seeds have been proven to exhibit antimutagenic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, hypoglycaemic and anti-inflammatory activities. In ...
Nutritional benefits of bioactive compounds from watermelonConsumption of watermelon byproducts supports cardiovascular, diabetic, and gastrointestinal health. Abstract. Valorization of agricultural byproducts has ...
Watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus): A Comprehensive ReviewA plethora of evidence shows that it can be effective for weight loss. Several epidemiological studies showed it has phytochemicals that can ...
Safety Data Sheet Organic Watermelon Seed Oil (Citrullus ...Hazard warnings relating to human health and environmental effects: None. Substance not classified as dangerous under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (Regulations ...
SDS (Safety Data Sheet)Potential Health Hazards: Eyes: May be an irritant. Inhalation: Not expected to be an irritant. Skin: Not expected to be an irritant. Ingestion: May cause ...
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETPersonal Protection. No additional data available. Skin Protection. Wear apron or protective clothing in case of splashes. Environmental Exposure Controls. No ...
What is CITRULLUS LANATUS (WATERMELON) FRUIT ...The Skin Deep ingredient hazard score, from 1 to 10, reflects known and suspected hazards linked to the ingredients. The EWG Verified® mark means a product ...
Quality and Safety Characteristics of Minimally Processed ...The study revealed that though the minimally processed watermelon were nutritious and acceptable to the consumers, the microbial counts were ...
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