While those in charge of jobs that relate to victualling management do not get asked to provide vitamin pills to the managed crew members, those same authorities should know what vitamins and minerals can be found in the various foods on board ships. For example, each such authority ought to become familiar with the nutrient known as lycopene. A protective substance that nutritionists refer to as an antioxidant, lycopene exists in a high concentration in red and pink vegetables and fruits. That would include the fruit that covers its pink pulp with a hard green shell, namely the watermelon.
Marine catering companies focus much of their efforts on obtaining healthful fare for the crew members on each catered vessel. In the same way, scientists doing research in the area of prostate cancer work to find foods that can be used to fight the development of a malignancy. Such scientists have shared the results of their efforts with groups such as the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
What have scientists learned about lycopene and watermelon?
One analysis conducted by researchers showed that a study group of men, one that had consumed more lycopene than the control group demonstrated a 30% lower risk for developing prostate cancer. On a molecular level, lycopene protects cells from free radicals. Consequently, an analysis of research data indicates that it may inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells. Naturally, even an average-sized watermelon contains lots of lycopene.
Indeed, maritime catering companies have good reason to provide the chefs on their catered vessels with ready access to watermelon. Still, scientists may remain unaware of yet another way that the availability of that one particular fruit can make life a bit easier for a ship’s cook. Once the watermelon’s pink pulp has been removed, the fruit’s hard green skin can function as an attractive serving bowl for a fruit salad.
A second way that crew members benefit from eating watermelon
Watermelon’s name underscores the fruit’s ability to deliver this second benefit. The fruit’s juicy pink pulp can serve as the source of water. Now those with expertise in victualling, as well as experts in ship management should realize that the act of providing crew members with watermelon can function as a means for ensuring hydration of those same workers.
When the body of a crew member stays well hydrated, then the blood of that same man remains at a healthful consistency. Blood has no trouble reaching the cells of a hydrated body, where it contributes to the renewal of those same cells. By the same token, the blood delivers oxygen to the muscles in a more efficient manner.
Obviously, any marine catering company hopes that the workers on its catered vessels will have muscles that work efficiently. In fact, those that direct catering services for the marine industry should never lose sight of that particular goal. Furthermore, healthy eating on ships aids achievement of that same goal. Hence, by providing catered vessels with plenty of oranges, marine catering companies can ensure the chef’s ability to offer health-giving fare.