(09-05-13) Eating watermelons can help reduce blood pressure

by Sandeep Godiyal

(NaturalNews) According to a new study, a pre-hypertensive condition is one of
the major risk factors for serious health threats such as strokes and heart
attacks. However, not too many people are aware that simply eating watermelons
can be very effective in naturally fighting off pre-hypertension and therefore,
considerably lessening the risk for heart attacks and strokes.

Food scientists from the Florida State University have discovered that
consuming 6 grams of L-citrulline contained in watermelon extract for a period
of six weeks helped normalize the blood pressure of all the participants in the
study (nine adults) who were previously observed to have raised blood pressure.
This recent activity was reported in The News.

The research
The lead researcher of the group that conducted the new study, Dr. Arturo
Figueroa, claimed that the team is the first to document the significant
improvements in aortic hemodynamics in middle-aged people (both men and women)
who have been diagnosed to be pre-hypertensive, but are otherwise healthy, and
regularly receiving therapeutic watermelon doses.

To put it simply, the findings imply that the common watermelon, sometimes
called the "functional food" possesses a vasodilatory effect. Dr. Figueroa
further adds that watermelon consumption can actually keep pre-hypertension at
bay, and prevent it from advancing into a full-blown case of hypertension; and
as previously mentioned, hypertension is the precursor to more serious health
conditions such as strokes and heart attacks.

The big and usually round in shape watermelon fruit is not only a refreshing
and satisfying treat during hot weather conditions. It is also known as the
richest edible source of L-citrulline, a type of amino acid that helps promote
and regulate healthy blood pressure. Once it is in the body, L-citrulline is
processed and converted into another type of amino acid, L-arginine.

However, when taken in the form of a dietary supplement, L-arginine can cause
some minor side effects. These include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and
gastrointestinal problems, particularly among adults who may already be
experiencing increased blood pressure at the time of intake.

Dr. Figueroa further implied that those who have arterial stiffness and
elevated blood pressure - specifically people who have been diagnosed with
various chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes or diabetes mellitus, or those
who are older - have a lot to gain from the intake of L-citrulline in either
its synthetic or natural form.

Its natural and safer form, of course, is the watermelon; fruit safer because
being natural, it does not come with any unwanted side effects. This is
particularly ideal for the elderly and those with pre-existing health
conditions like those mentioned above. With these facts, people may see the
common watermelon in a different light.

The study discussed above was recently included in the pages of the American
Journal of Hypertension.

Sources for this article include:

http://news.fsu.edu

http://www.mnn.com

http://www.dnaindia.com

News

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