Does watermelon lower blood pressure
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The Impact of Watermelon on Blood Pressure: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction to Watermelon and Blood Pressure
Watermelon, a popular fruit known for its high water content and refreshing taste, has been increasingly studied for its potential health benefits, particularly in relation to blood pressure regulation. The key component in watermelon that is believed to influence blood pressure is L-citrulline, an amino acid that is converted into L-arginine in the body, which in turn plays a crucial role in the synthesis of nitric oxide, a compound that helps in vasodilation and blood pressure reduction.
Watermelon Juice and Blood Pressure in Healthy Adults
A pilot randomized controlled crossover trial investigated the effects of commercial watermelon juice on blood pressure in healthy young adults. The study found a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure after consuming 500 mL of watermelon juice, which contains approximately 1 gram of citrulline. This reduction was observed over a period of 2 hours post-consumption, indicating a potential acute hypotensive effect of watermelon juice.
Watermelon and Melon in Prehypertension
Another study focused on the effects of watermelon and melon consumption in individuals with prehypertension. The results showed a significant decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the intervention group compared to the control group. This suggests that regular consumption of watermelon and melon can be beneficial in managing prehypertension.
Watermelon Extract in Prehypertensive and Hypertensive Subjects
Several studies have examined the impact of watermelon extract on blood pressure in prehypertensive and hypertensive individuals. One study reported a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure after 6 weeks of daily supplementation with 6 grams of watermelon extract. However, this reduction did not significantly alter the sympathovagal balance, indicating that the blood pressure-lowering effect was likely due to vasodilation rather than changes in autonomic nervous system activity.
Watermelon Juice in Young Adults with Hypertension
A study conducted in Southeast Sulawesi evaluated the effects of watermelon juice on young adults with hypertension. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure after 7 days of watermelon juice supplementation, highlighting its potential as a natural antihypertensive agent.
Watermelon Extract and Arterial Function
Research has also explored the effects of watermelon extract on arterial function. One study found that watermelon extract supplementation significantly reduced ankle and brachial blood pressure, as well as the carotid augmentation index, in obese adults with prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension. These findings suggest that watermelon extract may improve arterial function and reduce blood pressure in this population.
Watermelon and Aortic Blood Pressure
A pilot study investigated the effects of watermelon supplementation on aortic blood pressure and wave reflection in individuals with prehypertension. The study found significant reductions in aortic systolic blood pressure and augmentation index after 6 weeks of watermelon supplementation, indicating improved aortic hemodynamics and reduced arterial stiffness.
Watermelon Juice in the Elderly with Hypertension
A quasi-experimental study assessed the impact of watermelon juice on blood pressure in elderly individuals with hypertension. The results showed a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure after the intervention, suggesting that watermelon juice can be an effective non-pharmacological therapy for managing hypertension in the elderly.
Conclusion
The collective findings from various studies indicate that watermelon, whether consumed as juice or extract, has a significant potential to lower blood pressure in different populations, including healthy adults, prehypertensive, hypertensive, and elderly individuals. The primary mechanism is likely through the vasodilatory effects of nitric oxide, synthesized from L-citrulline found in watermelon. Regular consumption of watermelon could be a beneficial dietary strategy for managing blood pressure and improving cardiovascular health.
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