Add something new to the long list of reasons to love watermelon. In addition to being a sweet, low calorie, high fiber, nutrient dense fruit, a recent study strongly suggests that watermelon also lowers blood pressure.
The study, conducted by food scientists at The Florida State University, concluded that watermelon can effectively ward off prehypertension, which is the precursor to cardiovascular disease. Why watermelon? This heart-healthy fruit is a rich source of L-citrulline – an amino acid that works to regulate blood pressure. In the study, six grams of L-citrulline was administered to nine prehypersensitive participants each over the course of six weeks. All nine participants experienced lowered blood pressure and improved artery function as well.
Watermelon may very well be able to, “prevent prehypertension from progressing to full-blown hypertension, a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes,” said researcher, Bahram Arjmandi.
In addition to these vascular benefits of watermelon, this fruit is also a powerful antioxidant, high in potassium, Vitamin A, B6 and, of course, Vitamin C. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and this simple, delicious fruit appears to be an effective natural weapon against it.
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