Vanity Fare

This sweet summer treat gets high marks for hydration.

The Staple: Watermelon

The Scoop: A pilot study led by food scientists at Florida State University discovered that watermelon extract, when administered daily for six weeks to nine men and women with prehypertension (considered a precursor to heart disease), lowered their aortic blood pressure. One ingested, the L-citulline in watermelon converts to L-citrulline in watermelon converts to L-arginine, an amino acid essential for vascular regulation and healthy blood pressure.

The Benefits:

• High water content (more than 90% keeps body hydrated
• Rich in powerful antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and lycopene
• Contains vitamin B6 to support metabolism
• Only 46 calories a cup
• High in potassium (important for kidney function) and low in sodium.

*Sources: Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences at Florida State University