Apart from serving as a soothing fruit in hot temperature, Watermelon also has a good deal of health benefits. Low in calories and high on flavor, one of the many benefits of this summer fruit its anti-hypertensive property.

A study by Florida State University published in the American Journal of Hypertension showed that eating watermelon could effectively reduce blood pressure in overweight people.

For the study, thirteen overweight people with hypertension were chosen. Since cold weather constricts blood vessels, increasing blood pressure, one hand of each subject was dipped in cold water. The subjects were told not to take any BP medication or make any changes in their lifestyle.

Two groups were made and one was given watermelon extracts - four grams of the amino acid L-citrulline and two grams of L-arginine per day. The other group was given a placebo for six weeks.

The groups were then switched for the second six weeks. The results showed that watermelon extracts reduced blood pressure in the subjects who took them. This clearly shows that eating watermelon can have a positive impact on blood pressure.

The compounds in watermelon, L-citrulline, and L-arginine are crucial for the production of nitric acid, an important vasodilator. They help in opening up the blood vessels, letting blood flow easily through the blood vessels.

By Sowmya Sangam