Sundia Buoyed by FDA Ruling, Buys More Time to Educate Consumers on the Health Benefits of Watermelon Juice
SAN FRANCISCO - Nov. 17, 2005 -- Sundia Corporation, maker of Sundia Watermelon Juice, is buoyed by the recent FDA ruling that manufacturers of tomato-based products and lycopene supplements cannot make health claims that they reduce cancer risks.
“The FDA excluded lycopene supplement manufacturers because the only research they saw where lycopene intake was measured was based on watermelon and grapefruit combined,” said Brad Oberwager, founder and CEO of Sundia Corporation. “The ruling gives us more time to educate the public on the nutritional value of watermelon juice, including the fact that watermelon can contain up to 40% more lycopene than an equivalent amount of tomatoes and is readily absorbed and used by the human body. Had the FDA ruled differently, we would have found ourselves competing with lycopene supplement manufacturers.”
Sundia Watermelon Juice is naturally loaded with lycopene and vitamins A, B6, C, thiamine, and potassium. As the FDA noted in its ruling, the Institute of Medicine already recommends increased consumption of carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables. “A lot of research suggests that lycopene is among the most powerful of the antioxidants,” said Oberwager. “But there is research that also suggests that when taken in isolation, antioxidants can cause more harm than good. Sundia watermelon juice, though loaded with lycopene, also has at least 10% of the daily recommended values of vitamins A and C.”
Sundia is also buoyed by the 2003 study at Ohio State University that showed that pure lycopene is less effective in fighting cancer than foods naturally containing lycopene. “Scientists are still studying how lycopene works with other naturally-occurring compounds,” said Oberwager. “But the scientific community and nutritionists overwhelmingly concur that nutrients from food is always better than from supplements. Sundia Watermelon Juice is a delicious and natural source of nutrients including lycopene and a great alternative juice for those who suffer from acid reflux.”
The Redder and Riper the Melon, the Better
The most nutritious watermelon is red and ripe. But it's difficult to choose the perfect melon until it is cut. “Sundia is made from perfectly red, perfectly ripe watermelon,” said Oberwager. “It's sweet and refreshing without added sugar.”
Sundia Corporation is so selective about the quality of the watermelons it chooses for its juice that the company will soon be adding Sundia labels to fresh watermelons that meet its criteria. “It's a way for us to take the guesswork out of choosing the most nutritious and best watermelon,” said Oberwager. “If it has Sundia on it, it's nutritious and ready to eat. And if it isn't, we'll give the consumer his or her money back.”
About Sundia Corporation
Sundia Corporation, devoted to the premium watermelon experience year-round, is the first company to mass-produce watermelon juice. Located in San Francisco, the privately-held company's products include Sundia Watermelon Juice, Sundia Fresh Watermelon and Sundia Watermelon Concentrate (patent no. 6589581). For more information on the company, visit www.sundiacorp.com.
