Effects of Watermelon Juice on Heart and Metabolic Health and Antioxidant Protection in Postmenopausal Women

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to investigate the effects of drinking 355 ml of watermelon juice on cardiovascular and overall metabolic health in generally healthy postmenopausal women. The study will assess whether watermelon juice can improve markers such as blood pressure, heart rate, artery flexibility, blood sugar, cholesterol, and gut hormones. It also explores if watermelon juice helps protect the body from cell damage caused by harmful chemicals from ultraviolet B light exposure. The study involves both immediate effects and effects after 4 weeks of daily consumption. Participants will undergo a two-phase intervention including a 2-week standardization phase and a 4-week intervention phase. At the start and end of the intervention phase, participants will consume a liquid meal test with either watermelon juice or a placebo beverage. During the 4-week period, participants will consume watermelon juice daily. The placebo beverage matches the sugar content of the watermelon juice to allow comparison. The study focuses on postmenopausal women with slightly elevated blood pressure, overweight or obese body mass index, and specific skin types. Throughout the study, participants will attend baseline and week 4 visits where measures of blood pressure, heart rate, artery stiffness, blood sugar, lipids, insulin, and gut hormones will be taken. Skin resistance to UV irritation and markers of oxidative stress in blood and urine will also be evaluated. The study uses randomized, crossover design with triple masking to carefully monitor changes caused by watermelon juice intake. The total duration is approximately 6 weeks including standardization and intervention periods.

Effect of Watermelon on Cardiometabolic Health