The summers are round the corner and it's time take stock of fresh fruits that keep you cool and dry in the heat. Summertime is a time for many delicious juices and refreshing drinks. Lemonades, punches and more of the kind keep us cool and give us some respite from the sweltering heat.

Of all these tasty treats of summer, watermelon juice is a particular favorite with many. Watermelons hold the honor of being among the most beloved of fruits all over the world. The sweet and juicy call of this delicious fruit is simply irresistible. Watermelon juice is savored by the whole world. From home to office to school, watermelon juice is a popular sight everywhere.

An all-American favorite, watermelon juice is highly nutritious and packed with nature's goodness in its every drop. Watermelons are full of the phytochemical called lycopene. Watermelons are among few naturally occurring foods that contain it in large amounts. Other natural sources of lycopene are tomatoes, red and pink grapefruit, apricots, persimmons, red-fleshed papaya and guava. However, it is interesting to remember that the mean lycopene concentration of watermelon (4868 micrograms/100 g) is about 40% higher than the year-round mean for raw tomato (3025 micrograms/100 g), and watermelon ranks 5th among the major contributors of lycopene in the US diet.

So, what is Lycopene? Lycopene is a red pigment that occurs naturally in certain plant and algal tissues. In addition to giving watermelon and tomatoes their characteristic 'red' color, it is also believed to be a powerful antioxidant. Lycopene scavenges reactive oxygen species, which are aggressive chemicals always ready to react with cell components, causing oxidative damage and loss of proper cell function. Many epidemiological studies have concluded that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables reduces the incidence of heart disease and cancer in humans. Scientists have found that lycopene in the diet correlates with reduced incidence of certain types of cancer. And lycopene levels in fat tissue—an indicator of lycopene consumption—have been linked with reduced risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Watermelon juice today is available in many forms and flavors. All you need to do is pay a visit to the local supermarket or health food store to witness the watermelon revolution that is sweeping America today. Names such as Sundia, which has become synonymous with world-class watermelon products, can be credited with many watermelon and watermelon juice products that everybody loves and relishes. It is comforting to know that most of these high quality juice products are 100% natural and contain no additives, preservatives or colors. Sundia Corporation, in particular, uses only ripe, plump and juicy watermelons to make their delicious and unique juice products. Their watermelon juice is light, refreshing and naturally loaded with lycopene. A typical watermelon juice comprises five natural ingredients, - fresh watermelon juice, water, natural flavor, malic acid and carrageenan. In case you are wondering about the last two ingredients, let me explain that malic acid is the naturally occurring acid in watermelon (just as citric acid occurs in citrus), and carrageenan is the natural product made from seaweed that is used to help keep the natural watermelon solids from settling on the bottom of the bottle.

Take a sip of watermelon juice today and enjoy not only a delicious, refreshing drink but also the gift of good health and nutrition.