Can Diabetics Eat Watermelon?

Can Diabetics Eat Watermelon?

Overview

If you are a diabetic, not only are watermelons safe to eat, but you are encouraged to enjoy them as part of a healthy, balanced diet. While they have quite a few carbohydrates and natural sugar per serving, they are also low in calories and loaded with nutrients packed in juicy morsels. As long as you are following the guidance of your dietitian and health care provider, the American Diabetes Association recommends you enjoy watermelon as a fruit selection.

The Wonders of Watermelon

This large fruit comes from the gourd family, known for their hard green rinds and red, sweet and watery pulp. Watermelons naturally have no fat or cholesterol, and they are great sources of nutrients that may be beneficial to diabetics' health. These include vitamin A, B6, C and potassium. There's also a bit of fiber in a cup of watermelon. Watermelon also packs a wallop when it comes to the antioxidant lycopene, which is only found in a few red plant foods and may help prevent certain cancers.

Diabetes and Diet

Fruit may give you pause if you're diabetic because you may not be sure how they will affect your blood sugar. Fear not, says the American Diabetes Association. You can eat fruit, including watermelon. You simply need to count the carbohydrates it contains to account for it in your meal planning, but the association encourages you to replace your dessert with fruit like watermelon. In the aptly titled site, WhatAboutWatermelon.com, registered dietitian Elizabeth Somers, says when asked about the safety of watermelon for diabetics, "Even more important is that naturally occurring sugars in fruits like watermelon come packaged with so many other health-enhancing compounds, which make watermelon a healthy inclusion in all diets."

Hypertension Help

A small study on watermelon supplementation published in the "American Journal of Hypertension" demonstrated that an extract from watermelon could help reduce and prevent high blood pressure. The Florida State University researchers reported that watermelon is rich in an amino acid L-citrulline, which helps to build another amino acid, L-arginine. It's the latter amino acid that helps maintain artery function and can improve blood flow. Although they were using an extract in prehypertensive participants, they suggest watermelon may be a functional food that can prevent the condition from advancing to full-blown hypertension, a finding of note to diabetics. Watermelon's potassium content may also help. You'll get 170 mg in a cup of diced watermelon. Potassium helps blunt the effects of sodium on your blood pressure.

Cognitive Care

Diabetics are at increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia due to the oxidative stress and high potential for nerve damage with the disease. An animal study in the July 2008 "Life Sciences," however, may bode well for diabetics and watermelon. The Indian researchers said chronic treatment with lycopene significantly weakened the cognitive deficits in diabetic rats. They said their results may one day provide a treatment using lycopene against diabetes-induced learning and memory impairment.

source : livestrong.com

Watermelon Juice for Hydration

Watermelon Juice for Hydration

Overview

Watermelon juice is a refreshing treat to cool you down on hot summer days and nights. The word "water" is contained in watermelon because of the fruit's high content of liquid. Watermelon juice can not only rehydrate you, but also provide you with certain nutrients that can promote your health and reduce your risk of disease. Consult your doctor about your diet and the benefits of drinking watermelon juice for hydration.

Hydration

Water is vital for good health and makes up more than 50 percent of your body weight. Each of your cells, tissues and organs requires water to function properly, lubricate your joints, maintain normal body temperature and remove waste. Dehydration occurs when you lose more water than you ingest. You lose water when you breathe, sweat, urinate and defecate. You can quickly lose water when you exercise, are in a warm environment, have a fever, develop diarrhea or vomit. Drinking fluids is critical to replace lost water so you don't become dehydrated.

Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when you lose too much water. You might experience certain symptoms that include low urine output, extreme thirst, dry mouth, headache, confusion, dizziness and lightheadedness. As you get older, you might not notice you are dehydrated early enough. The best test to determine if you are dehydrated is to check your urine and make sure it is colorless or light yellow. If it is dark, you are most likely dehydrated. The best treatment for dehydration is prevention, so drink plenty of water and liquids, such as watermelon juice, whenever you are thirsty.

Watermelon Juice

Watermelon juice contains 92 percent water. You can juice both the rind and the inside red fruit, also called the flesh, then discard the seeds and pulp. The flesh and especially the rind are rich sources of citrulline, according to research by scientists at the USDA and published in the "Journal of Chromatography A" in 2005. Citrulline is an amino acid that your body converts into a different amino acid called arginine, which converts to nitric oxide, a gas that improves blood flow. Watermelon is a good source of lycopene and vitamins A, B-6 and C. Lycopene is a phytonutrient with antioxidant properties that can reduce your risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and an eye disease called macular degeneration. Most important for hydration, watermelon juice contains potassium, a mineral that regulates water balance of your cells and kidneys.

Types

Watermelon originated in Africa and spread throughout the world, including Asia and North America. Between 200 to 300 varieties of watermelon exist, with many grown in Mexico and the United States, particularly in Southern states, with about 50 varieties that are most popular. Consumers can categorize watermelons as seeded, seedless, mini, orange and yellow. Whichever type of watermelon you like best, drinking its juice throughout the day will help you stay hydrated.

source : livestrong.com

Side Effects of Eating Too Much Watermelon

Side Effects of Eating Too Much Watermelon

Overview

Watermelon, fat free and a good source of vitamins A, B6 and C, also contains potassium and beneficial natural-plant chemicals such as lycopene and citrulline. Although considered healthy, consuming large amounts of this fruit potentially can result in adverse effects, including digestive problems and cardiovascular and nerve disorders. Components in watermelon may also produce positive side effects.

Components

Watermelon contains large amounts of the phytochemical lycopene, possibly more than the lycopene-rich tomato. The U.S. Agricultural Research Service reports 1 1/2 cups of watermelon contain 9 to 13 mg of lycopene. This red plant pigment gives watermelon its color and may act as a strong antioxidant to reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases. Watermelon also contains moderate amounts of potassium, a mineral considered essential for the proper function of all body cells, organs and tissues. Healthy adults need a dietary intake of 2,000 mg of potassium daily, according to Drugs.com. Another phytochemical in watermelon called citrulline is converted to arginine, a protein-building amino acid, which purportedly benefits the heart and circulation.

Gastrointestinal

Although primarily considered safe and beneficial, 30 mg or more of the lycopene in watermelon can potentially cause adverse side effects. Consuming large amounts of lycopene-rich foods, such as tomatoes and watermelon, may result in gastrointestinal disturbances. The American Cancer Society reports that one investigation observed the effects of a lycopene-rich supplement on a patient. The patient took a tomato supplement containing 15 mg of lycopene twice daily and experienced intestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion and bloating.

Hyperkalemia

Consuming larger quantities of foods containing potassium, such as watermelon, may adversely affect people diagnosed with hyperkalemia, or too much potassium in their blood. Hyperkalemia can potentially result in dangerous cardiovascular effects such as irregular heartbeats, a weak or absent pulse and cardiac arrest as well as adversely affect nerve and muscle control. The kidneys remove excess potassium from the body, and hyperkalemia often results from kidney malfunction, according to MedlinePlus. A typical wedge of watermelon, or 3 cups, contains around 560 mg of potassium. This is too much for people with serious kidney disorders, according to leading kidney care provider DaVita. A smaller portion of 1 cup has potassium levels of only 176 mg.

Impotence

Consuming an abundance of watermelon may produce effects comparable to the erectile dysfunction drug sildenafil, according to scientists at Texas A&M University. The arginine, produced by citrulline after consuming watermelon, reportedly stimulates nitric oxide which relaxes blood vessels in a manner similar to sildenafil. Many reasons for impotence exist, but the extra nitric oxide obtained from consuming watermelon might help men needing increased blood flow get an erection and improve their heart health at the same time.

source : livestrong.com

Side Effects of Watermelon

Side Effects of Watermelon

Overview

Watermelon is a healthy snack that is very popular, especially during the hot summer months. Many people find watermelon delicious. A cup of watermelon has only 50 calories with 15mg of vitamin C, 585 international units of vitamin A and 186mg of potassium. Like all foods, however, watermelon must be enjoyed in moderation. The side effects of eating too much watermelon are rare, though sometimes serious.

Hyperkalemia

Eating a large amount of watermelon can contribute to development of hyperkalemia. This disorder results when potassium levels in your blood get too high. Hyperkalemia is typically found when kidney disease is already present. Watermelon contains a high level of potassium. The symptoms of hyperkalemia include fainting, an irregular heart rhythm, stomach upset and vomiting and exhaustion.

Hydration of the Body

Watermelon has a high water content. Thus, an effect of eating watermelon is that your body will be well hydrated. Eating too much watermelon, however, could result in the need to urinate frequently.

Blood Vessel Relaxation

Watermelon contains phytonutrients including citrulline. This nutrient turns into arginine in the body, which increases the level of nitric oxide and relaxes blood vessels in the body. Dr. Bhimu Patil, director of the Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center at Texas A& M University, reports that watermelon provides the same blood vessel relaxation in the body that is found with the drug Viagra. Thus for men, an effect of eating watermelon is it possibly prevents or helps treat erectile dysfunction.

Effect on Blood Pressure

Watermelon can also cause a drop in blood pressure in the aorta in patients with pre-hypertension. Watermelon supplementation caused a reduction in the "amplitude of the reflected wave," notes Arturo Figueroa of the Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences, College of Human Sciences, Florida State University.

source : livestrong.com

Is Watermelon Bad for a Diet?

Is Watermelon Bad for a Diet?

Overview

Eating watermelon is good for your diet and can prevent and treat certain conditions. Watermelon is a rich source of citrulline, an amino acid your body converts to arginine, which in turn can convert to nitric oxide, a gas and antioxidant that improves blood flow. Watermelon rind contains more citrulline than its flesh, according to research by scientists at the USDA and published in the "Journal of Chromatography A" in 2005.

Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors, such as abdominal obesity, insulin resistance and high blood sugar, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, that together increase your risk of type 2 diabetes, stroke and heart disease. Drinking watermelon juice, particularly from the rind, also called pomace, may reduce your risk of metabolic syndrome. Research by scientists at Texas A&M University and published in the "Journal of Nutrition" in 2007 discovered watermelon pomace juice improves levels of blood sugar and fat and blood vessel dysfunction associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction, also called impotence, is a condition characterized by inability to attain or retain an erection hard and long enough for sexual intercourse. Erections occur when blood fills the smooth muscles within the penis. Nitric oxide from nerves and endothelia, the cells that line the interior of blood vessels, initiates and maintains pressure increase necessary to form and sustain an erection, according to research by scientists at Shiga University of Medical Science in Otsu, Japan and published in "Pharmacology and Therapeutics" in 2005. Consuming watermelon, because of its high content of citrulline, increases production of nitric oxide, stimulates erections and may be effective in treating erectile dysfunction. Research by scientists at the University of Foggia in Foggia, Italy, and published in "Urology" in 2011 discovered that citrulline improves erection hardness and the number of successful sexual intercourse acts in patients with erectile dysfunction.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a risk factor for stroke, the third leading cause of death in the United States. Consuming watermelon may help you to reduce your blood pressure. Research by scientists at Florida State University in Tallahassee and published in the "American Journal of Hypertension" in 2011 found that watermelon is effective in improving blood pressure in the arteries, particularly the aorta, in patients with pre-hypertension who have levels above normal but below the levels considered to be hypertension.

Protein Source

People in Africa, Asia and other parts of the world, particularly in developing countries, consume watermelon seeds for their protein content. Research by scientists at the University of Science and Technology in Awantipora, India, and published in the "Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture" in 2011 reports that watermelon seed meal contains protein, including globulin, albumin and glutelin. The research found these proteins are rich in aspartic acid, glutamic acid and serine, amino acids that are part of numerous proteins in your body and that watermelon seed meal is a good nutritional source with potential use in food formulations.

source : livestrong.com

Watermelon to Lower Blood Pressure

Watermelon to Lower Blood Pressure

Overview

Dig your teeth into a thick and juicy slice of watermelon, and you'll remember why you love this fruit so much. Not only is watermelon refreshing and tasty, but it also has some serious health benefits, thanks to its special nutrients, one of which might help those with hypertension, or high blood pressure.

Evidence

A study conducted at Florida State University in 2010 found beneficial effects of an amino acid inside watermelon on arterial functioning and blood pressure. This study took nine pre-hypertensive subjects and administered the amino acid citrulline every day for six weeks. At the end of the study, all of the subjects saw a reduction in blood pressure.

Mechanism

Of all the foods, watermelon contains the most citrulline. When inside the body, this amino acid transforms into another amino acid, arginine, which facilitates the production of nitric oxide, a substance tied to blood pressure regulation and blood vessel health.

Availability

The amino acid arginine is available as a supplement, but it comes with potentially unpleasant side effects. Arginine can cause stomach problems, nausea and diarrhea. The ability to take arginine as a food is very beneficial for many. Ideally, you should consume 4 to 6 grams per day to help lower blood pressure, the study recommends.

Other Nutrients

Watermelon also includes a whole host of vitamins and minerals that benefit your health, including vitamin C, an antioxidant vitamin that plays a role in reducing blood pressure. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, evidence shows that vitamin C improves the health of arteries, which can account for a reduction in blood pressure in hypertensive patients.

source : livestrong.com

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

Citrulline for Erectile Dysfunction

Citrulline for Erectile Dysfunction

Overview

Citrulline is a non-essential amino acid with the chemical name is 2-amino-5 pentanoic acid. It is a phytonutrient, capable of interacting with the body to improve health, says Dr. Bhimu Patil of Texas A&M's Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center. Citrulline's properties can help erectile dysfunction when it is caused by circulatory problems.

Function

An enzymatic process in the body forms nitric oxide simultaneously with citrulline. Citrulline recycles into another phytonutrient, arginine, and arginine can convert back to nitric oxide. Combined with a chemical called cyclic GMP, nitric oxide can lead to erection. GMP relaxes the smooth muscles of the penis. Nitric oxide dilates blood vessels. Together, this allows for the blood flow that is necessary to achieve an erection. Shanghai Join-Ray cites experiments conducted by Complutense University School of Medicine in Spain that showed that citrulline can also double a man's GMP levels.

Sources

Protein-rich foods such as meat, milk, fish and legumes are sources of citrulline, according to HealthVitaminsGuide.com. It is readily absorbed into your blood stream from your stomach. Research by Patil and his team at Texas A&M, as well as the U.S. Department of Agriculture Research Service, shows that watermelon is also very rich in citrulline. Supplements are also available.

Research

Texas A&M began working toward breeding new varieties of watermelon with increased edible citrulline content in 2008, according to Patil. The rind contains the majority of watermelon's citrulline. Patil and his team are working to develop a breed of watermelon with more citrulline in the flesh as a more plentiful source for those who suffer from erectile dysfunction.

Advantages

Nitric oxide provides the basis by which Viagra, produced by Pfizer, works for erectile dysfunction, according to both Shanghai Join-Ray and Pfizer. But Patil says eating foods with high citrulline content, and watermelon in particular, is a good way to supplement your citrulline levels and relax your blood vessels without the side effects that drugs can cause.

Warning

A number of psychological issues, as well as physiological problems, can cause erectile dysfunction, according to ScienceDaily. Nitric oxide can help increase blood flow, but it might not benefit you if your erectile dysfunction has another source

source : livestrong.com

Benefits of Watermelon for Men

Benefits of Watermelon for Men

Overview

Watermelon is not only a thirst-quenching fruit on a hot day; it can also help you stay healthy. Research shows watermelon to have many health benefits especially helpful to men. Packed with vitamins and minerals, watermelon can have several positive effects on the body.

Overview

Watermelon is an excellent source of potassium, vitamins C and A, and contains a high concentration of beta-carotene. Red watermelon rind also contains the phyto-nutrient citrulline, which has health benefits such as increased blood flow throughout the body. The inside of a watermelon is about 92 percent water. The remaining 8 percent has the highest concentration of lycopene found in any fresh fruit or vegetable. The health benefits of watermelon are abundant, especially for men.

Prostate Health

Researchers once believed that lycopene was only in tomatoes, but the watermelon holds the highest concentration of lycopene in any fresh fruit or vegetable. Lycopene has known antioxidant qualities to keep the skin, heart, and prostate healthy. In a study conducted by doctors at The University of Illinois at Chicago, test subjects ingested lycopene for three weeks before undergoing a scheduled prostatectomy. The results showed significantly diminished damage to the prostate tissue by the end of the three-week trial.

Erectile Dysfunction

Watermelon rind contains a high concentration of a phyto-nutrient called citrulline. Dr. Bhimu Patil, director of Texas A&M's Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center, has researched citrulline, finding it to have several health benefits. One benefit is the ability to relax the blood vessels, much like drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction. When ingested, citrulline boosts nitric oxide levels, which relaxes blood vessels to increase blood flow throughout the body. While the cause of erectile dysfunction can involve a variety of psychological and physiological issues, an increase in blood flow can help in mild cases.

Lowers Blood Pressure

In a study conducted at The Florida State University, Professor Bahram H. Arjmandi found in giving watermelon extract to nine subjects with hypertension for six weeks, each showed lower blood pressure at the end of the study. The phyto-nutrient citrulline allows for increased blood flow in the body, which can help with hypertension. Figueroa also stated that patients could potentially ingest lower doses of antihypertensive drugs when paired with citrulline found in watermelon.

source : livestrong.com