Watermelon has always been a good source of vitamins A and C, and provides potassium and fiber. But now consumers have even more reasons to enjoy a sweet slice of the tasty fruit.

Findings from USDA scientists indicate that watermelon contains high levels of lycopene—an antioxidant that may help the body fight cancer and prevent disease. Found only in select fruits and vegetables, lycopene is very effective at trapping cancer-promoting agents called free-oxygen radicals.

A study conducted by Harvard University researchers found that men who ate lycopene-rich diets of tomatoes and tomato products had a much lower risk of developing certain cancers, especially prostrate cancer.

A cup and a half of watermelon contains about 14 or 15 milligrams of lycopene, a higher level of this antioxidant than is contained in many other fresh fruits or vegetables, according to USDA research by plant physiologist Dr. Penelope Perkins-Veazie. Lycopene is found only in red watermelon varieties. In fact, it gives watermelon its red color and in some cases, the redder the watermelon, the more lycopene it contains.

“We think there are a lot of potential uses for watermelon that haven’t been explored yet,” said Perkins-Veazie. “Watermelon can be a functional food—one that may help prevents certain diseases.”

On this National Watermelon Promotion Board sponsored research project, Perkins-Veazie is working with a team of scientists from the USDA-ARS, Oklahoma State University and Texas A&M University at the South Central Agricultural Research Lab in Lane, Okla.

“We have always known that watermelon offers a number of benefits,” said William Watson, executive director of the NWPB. “But as lycopene continues to emerge as a possible important, effective agent in disease prevention, we saw an opportunity to explore other health benefits our product could offer.”

In addition to lycopene, watermelon offers a host of other health benefits. It is fat-free, yet delivers 100 percent on the critical energy component found in functional foods.

“We’re pulling out all the stops on this year’s national publicity campaign so we can reach consumers with this exciting news,” said Heidi McIntyre, NWPB director of marketing. “This new effort includes a health and wellness brochure that will be offered to consumers via our website.”