Fight stress with melon
Wednesday 16 September 2009
Reach for the fruit bowl! A French study has found eating melons can naturally lower feelings of fatigue and stress.
Melons already boast a long list of health benefits including being fat and cholesterol free, low in calories, as well as being a good source of potassium and vitamin C.
The tasty fruit have also been linked to help with kidney disorders, high blood pressure, preventing heat stroke, diabetes, impotence, heart and eye care. They taste great, too!
An enzyme found in most types of melon - superoxide dismutase - is thought to have beneficial antioxidant properties, which prevent damage to body tissues.
In the study, participants that were given a dose of the enzyme reported fewer symptoms of stress and fatigue than those given a placebo.
Other positive effects from taking the enzyme were a boost in concentration, improving problems with sleep and eradicating feelings of weariness and irritability.
The research seems to emphasise the theory that the enzyme helps minimise the damage caused by the chemical process oxidative stress which releases harmful free radical atoms into body tissues.
A scientist from the British Nutrition Foundation said the study emphasised that fruit and vegetables were packed with compounds which, in combination, have a beneficial effect on health.
Fruit salad, anyone?
By Rosalyn Paynton