Watermelon Lowers Blood Pressure in Obese Hypertensive Adults

A recent study reveals that watermelon significantly lowers blood pressure among obese individuals.

Researchers at Florida State University say that watermelon is a good remedy for those with excess body weight and high blood pressure who face a higher risk of stroke or heart attack especially in cold temperatures during winters.

During winters mortality rate is higher because the cold temperatures causes blood pressure to increase and the heart has to work harder to pump blood into the aorta and this often leads to less flow of blood into the heart causing heart attack.  Researchers discovered that watermelon helps to avoid this condition.

The 12-week study mainly focused on 13 middle aged obese men and women. All the participants suffered from high blood pressure. In order to simulate the cold weather conditions, the researchers dipped one hand of the subjects into 4 degree Celsius water and during this time the researchers measured the subject's blood pressure.

During the study period, the subjects were asked to avoid taking any medication for blood pressure or even make any significant changes in their lifestyle. The researchers noticed that intake of watermelon made a significant positive impact on the aortic blood pressure and other vascular parameters. They also noticed improvements in the subjects' blood pressure and cardiac stress while both at rest and on exposure to 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 said.

Study conducted earlier by Figueroa showed how intake of watermelon had a positive impact on the arterial function of post-menopausal women and the blood pressure reading of adults with pre-hypertension.

Watermelon or watermelon extract is the best natural source of L-citrulline and is known to have more fiber and nutrients and less calories. Earlier studies have shown watermelon can be an effective natural weapon in treating several health conditions.

The study was documented in the American Journal of Hypertension.