How Watermelon Helps Borderline Hypertension

Can eating watermelon help to prevent hypertension? It would seem unlikely that munching on this summer picnic food would lower blood pressure, but there’s some science behind this idea. According to a new study from Florida State University, a chemical extracted from watermelon called L-citrulline lowers blood pressure in people who have borderline hypertension.
Watermelon Citrulline to Prevent Hypertension?

When researchers gave six grams of watermelon citrulline, extracted from fresh watermelon, to nine middle-aged adults with borderline hypertension for six weeks, it not only lowered their blood pressure but improved their heart and artery function as well.
How did these benefits come about? Citrulline is an amino acid isolated from the fruit and rind of the watermelon. Once watermelon citrulline is absorbed by the body, it’s converted to another amino acid called arginine. Arginine has numerous functions in the body and has the added bonus of dilating blood vessels. It does this by stimulating cells in the arterial walls to produce nitric oxide – a compound that relaxes blood vessels. This allows blood to flow more easily through arteries and helps to lower blood pressure – a bonus for watermelon lovers!
Citrulline Benefits: Can It Prevent Hypertension?
People with borderline hypertension have blood pressures that are higher than they should be, but they aren’t elevated enough to require treatment with medications. On the other hand, a significant number of people with borderline hypertension go on to develop full-blown high blood pressure somewhere down the line. Researchers are hoping that watermelon citrulline can prevent the development of hypertension, while lowering the risk of blood pressure related heart problems. It might also serve as an adjunct therapy for people with high blood pressure who take medications – allowing them to lower their dose.
Benefits of Citrulline: Is It Safe?
Citrulline supplements seem to be safe since citrulline is an amino acid recognized by the body. On the other hand, no one knows the long-term effects of using high doses of this amino acid. Studies are also looking at using watermelon citrulline to treat other conditions such as erectile dysfunction and atherosclerosis – thanks to its ability to relax blood vessels and increase blood flow. Hopefully, these studies will look at the benefits, and potential risks, of taking citrulline supplements. Until then, eating watermelon is a good way to get citrulline naturally – without making a trip to the health food store.
References:
Nutraingredients.com. “Watermelon compounds may reduce CVD risk: Study”

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