- Watermelon is a favorite amongst kids and adults alike.
- This organic food is sweet, juicy and packed with health benefits.
- It is also a great source of vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and lycopene, which may help prevent heart disease.
- A new study may add to this already impressive list of health benefits.
- A study by Associate Professor Arturo Figueroa from Florida State University published in the American Journal of Hypertension showed that watermelon significantly reduces blood pressure in overweight people both under stress and at rest.
- “The pressure on the aorta and on the heart decreased after consuming watermelon extract,” Figueroa explained.
- The study started with an observation that more people die from heart attacks in cold weather because the colder temperature causes more stress, which in turn causes increased blood pressure, forcing the heart to work harder at pumping blood into the aorta.
- This often translates to less blood flow to the heart.
- Because of this, individuals with obesity and high blood pressure are at higher risk of stroke or heart attack during colder seasons and colder rooms.
- It turns out that watermelon may be part of the solution to help individuals with obesity lower their risk for heart attack and stroke in colder weather.
- Figueroa’s study lasted 12 weeks and focused on 13 middle-aged obese men and women who also had high blood pressure. One hand was dipped into cold water to simulate cold weather, as the team took down blood pressure measurements and observations.
- The group was divided into two. During the first six weeks, one group was given four grams of the amino acid L-citrulline and two grams of L-arginine, both of which are found in watermelon. The other group was given a placebo for the first six weeks.
- After six weeks, the groups switched roles.
- To control the study, participants were also told to stop taking high blood pressure medication or making any significant lifestyle changes.
- The results of the study showed that eating watermelon provided health benefits for aortic blood pressure as well as other vascular benefits.
- Importantly, participants showed improvements in blood pressure and cardiac stress when exposed to the cold water.
- “That means less overload to the heart, so the heart is going to work easily during a stressful situation such as cold exposure,” Figueroa stated.
- Make sure you buy organic watermelon to get the full benefits.
- Note: The content on our website is for educational purposes only. Please consult your health practitioner or a qualified expert.
- For a blood pressure juice.
- For an Apple Cider Vinegar blood pressure remedy.
- For a kidney stone juice with watermelon.
- REFERENCES:
- 1. “Effects of Watermelon Supplementation on Aortic Hemodynamic Responses to the Cold Pressor Test in Obese Hypertensive Adults.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. American Journal of Hypertension, 26 Feb. 2014. Web. 12 Apr. 2014.
- 2. “Chowing down on Watermelon Could Lower Blood Pressure.” FSU News. Florida State University, 25 Mar. 2014. Web. 12 Apr. 2014.
- 3. “Chowing down on Watermelon Could Lower Blood Pressure, Study Suggests.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 03 Apr. 2014. Web. 12 Apr. 2014.
