Why Is Watermelon Good for Blood Pressure?

Why Is Watermelon Good for Blood Pressure?

Overview

A watermelon is a fruit that is part of the cucumber and squash family. Watermelons vary in size, shape and color, but most have red flesh and thick green rinds that are often spotted or striped. Watermelons are a concentrated source of antioxidants and amino acids, powerful nutrients that play some role in reducing blood pressure, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Nutrients

Watermelons are packed with many disease-fighting nutrients, including vitamins C and A, the antioxidant lycopene and the amino acid citrulline. Watermelons also are a good source of other important nutrients such as potassium, vitamin B-6 and fiber. This fruit is juicy and delicately sweet. On a warm, summer day, watermelon can be quite refreshing. It contains 92 percent water and 8 percent sugar. Lycopene has been shown to reduce blood pressure in short-term treatments.

Emerging Role of Citrulline

Citrulline is used to make another amino acid, arginine, which is responsible for removing ammonia from the body and regulating vascular tone and healthy blood pressure. Watermelons have exceptionally high levels of the amino acid citrulline. USDA researchers found increased levels of plasma arginine in volunteers who ingested varying amounts of concentrated watermelon juice, determining that citrulline is readily usable and abundantly stored in the body, according to a 2007 study published in the journal, "Nutrition." USDA researchers are currently finding ways to extract citrulline from watermelon and evaluating arginine as a possible treatment for high blood pressure.

Additional Research

Additional studies have been launched to study the effects of amino acids citrulline and arginine on blood pressure. Evidence from a 2010 pilot study in the "American Journal of Hypertension" suggests that watermelon can be an effective natural weapon against pre-hypertension. Researchers from Florida State University administered 6 g of watermelon extract for six weeks to nine pre-hypertensive subjects. They discovered improved arterial function and consequently lowered aortic blood pressure in all nine subjects.

Warning

Although watermelon contains abundant antioxidants that play a role in fighting free radicals that destroy healthy cells in the body, causing disease, consuming this fruit should not replace medical treatment for high blood pressure. Additional research is needed to confirm the long-term health benefits of the nutrients lycopene, citrulline and arginine on blood pressure. Watermelon is a functional food that should be part of a nutritious diet. Speak to a dietitian or doctor for additional information on diet and reducing disease risk.

source : livestrong.com