Eat Watermelon to Control Blood pressure: Study

Overweight people can control their blood pressure by consuming watermelon regularly, according to a study.

Watermelons are popular summer fruits that contain essential minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and Vitamins such as A, C ,E and D. These fruits are known to help reduce cholesterol, infections, prevent cancers and also increase sexual functioning.

Researchers from the Florida State University found that regular intake of watermelon helps control blood pressure induced by stress by reducing pressure on the aorta and the heart.

Experts observed nearly 13 people in their middle age suffering from blood pressure and obesity. All participants' blood pressure levels were noted when their hands were dipped in cold water to stimulate the effects of cold weather. They were strictly advised not to take any medications for blood pressure or change their eating and exercise routine for almost 12 weeks.

The subjects were then dived in two groups- a group that received watermelon extracts called amino acid L-citrulline and two grams of L-argenine daily and a group that was placed on placebo for almost six weeks. For the next six weeks, the participants from the control group began receiving watermelon extracts and the others were placed on a placebo.

The findings revealed all participants experienced lesser pressure in aorta and other vessels of the heart. Even when the participants were under rest and exposed to cold temperature, the strain on their heart muscles was comparatively low thus reducing their chances for cardiac arrests and stroke.

"That means less overload to the heart, so the heart is going to work easily during a stressful situation such as cold exposure" said Arturo Figueroa, study author and associate professor at the Florida State University in a news release.

Past trials have helped detect multiple benefits of watermelon for post-menopausal women. The fruit aids better functioning of the arteries and controlling blood pressure in older adults with pre-hypertension.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three American adults has high blood pressure and only 47 percent of these people are able to keep it under control.  

More information is published online in the American Journal of Hypertension.