Watermelon ‘reduces high blood pressure’

Being low in calories, watermelon is a great snack for those trying to lose weight, but it is also beneficial to those who want to reduce their blood pressure, a study has suggested.

Food scientists at the Florida State University (FSU) found that just six grams of the amino acids L-citrulline/L-arginine from watermelon extract, when administered daily for six weeks, improved arterial function and lowered the aortic blood pressure of nine prehypertensive subjects.

"These findings suggest that this functional food has a vasodilatory effect and one that may prevent prehypertension from progressing to full-blown hypertension, a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes," said FSU assistant professor Arturo Figueroa.

Back in July, Dr Diana Jalal and colleagues from the University of Colorado Denver Health Sciences Center suggested that a diet that contains high levels of fructose, in the form of added sugar, can put people at risk of elevated blood pressure.

Have you thought of adding watermelon to your diet?