I Confess, I LOVE Watermelon!

There's nothing like a juicy slice of watermelon to refresh you and cool you down on a hot summer day.  Now there's all the more reason to enjoy this tasty fruit.

The American Heart Association has certified watermelon as one of the heart healthy foods that can carry their official "heart-check mark." 

All I can say is what took you guys so long?

A generous slice or wedge of watermelon (286 grams) is packed with vitamins A and C, and provides potassium and fiber while only adding up to 85 calories. 

Scientists from the USDA have found watermelon also contains high levels of lycopene, which is very effective at trapping cancer-promoting agents called free oxygen radicals.  It is what gives watermelon it's red color--the redder the color the more lycopene. 

True, there's 18 grams of sugar, but this is only slightly more than the amount of sugar found in an apple--plus, you don't have to eat a whole slice! 

And it is soo very good.

Samantha Winters of the National Watermelon Promotion Board--yes there is such a thing--says the certification sheds new light on watermelon's health benefits.

"Our new health brochure will soon be available to consumers via our Web site," she reports.

To learn more than you ever want to know about watermelon, go to watermelon.org.

And for heaven's sake, never feel guilty about eating it!