(27-10-10)Amino acids in watermelon lower blood pressure

by Ethan A. Huff, staff writer

(NaturalNews) Watermelon is a classic summertime favorite packed with
vitamins, minerals, fiber, and many other nutrients. And a new study out of
Florida State University (FSU) has pinpointed a few specific amino acids
present in watermelon that help improve arterial function and lower blood
pressure.

According to FSU researchers, watermelon is rich in the amino acid L-
citrulline, a precursor of L-arginine, that reverses the effects of
prehypertension by maintaining arterial function and improving proper blood
flow. Published in the journal American Journal of Hypertension, the study is
the first of its kind to show this definitive benefit in humans.

"We are the first to document improved aortic hemodynamics in prehypertensive
but otherwise healthy middle-aged men and women receiving therapeutic doses of
watermelon," explained Arturo Figueroa, assistant professor at FSU and co-
author of the study. "These findings suggest that this 'functional food' has a
vasodilatory effect, and one that may prevent hypertension from progressing to
full-blown hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease."

When consumed, L-citrulline is processed by the body into L-arginine, which is
known to produce necessary nitric oxide in the blood. Nitric oxide maintains
healthy blood pressure levels and regulates vascular tone without inducing any
negative side effects. And according to Figueroa, watermelon is the richest
edible source of L-citrulline.

Both Figueroa and co-author Bahram Arjmandi described watermelon as a
"functional" food, meaning it is "scientifically shown to have health-promoting
or disease-preventing properties, above and beyond the other intrinsically
healthy nutrients [it also supplies]."

"Individuals with increased blood pressure and arterial stiffness --
especially those who are older and those with chronic diseases such as type 2
diabetes -- would benefit from L-citrulline," said Figueroa. "The optimal dose
appears to be four to six grams a day."

To learn more about the health benefits of watermelon, visit:
http://www.naturalnews.com/watermel...

Sources for this story include:

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_relea...

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