Effect of Watermelon on Gut and Cardiometabolic Health

This clinical trial tests whether eating two cups of fresh watermelon every day for 6 weeks improves gut health — including the diversity of gut bacteria and the integrity of the intestinal lining — and other cardiometabolic measures (blood pressure, blood vessel function, cholesterol) in young adults who are overweight or obese. Watermelon is rich in citrulline, lycopene, and other bioactive compounds that may benefit the gut and cardiovascular system. Adults aged 18–30 with a BMI between 25 and 39.9 who have not used antibiotics or pre/probiotics in the past 3 months and do not have gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, or neurological disease are eligible. Participation involves daily watermelon consumption (or a low-fat snack as a control), stool samples, blood tests, and body composition assessments over 6 weeks. This summary was generated with AI assistance and is intended to help patients understand the study in plain language.