International Journal of Medical and Health Research

Authors
Maria Vinodhini J, Nora Vigasini

Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of supplementation of a lycopene rich fresh fruit blend of watermelon and papaya on the serum lipid profile (Total cholesterol (TC), Low density lipoprotein (LDL), Very Low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and High density lipoprotein (HDL)) of hypercholesterolemic female subjects aged between 30 to 45 years. The design adopted was a pretest post test experimental research design with control group. Hundred grams of papaya and hundred grams of water melon blended together was supplemented for 60 days as a mid-morning drink. At the end of the supplementation period, a statistically significant reduction (p<.001) in the TC (Before supplementation 217.2±15.89 mg/ dL, after supplementation 197±20.42 mg/ dL) and LDL cholesterol values (Before supplementation 143.9±10.91 mg/ dL, after supplementation 119.48±17.79 mg/ dL) was observed in the experimental group. There was no statistically significant change in the HDL and VLDL levels in the experimental group after intervention. This study proves that a fresh fruit blend of papaya and water melon has the potential to reduce blood lipid parameters that are linked with increased risk for heart disease.