According to the findings made by food scientists at the University of Florida, watermelon reduces blood pressure due to certain nutrients naturally occurring in this summer staple. L-citrulline/L-arginine amino acids found in and extracted from watermelon were seen to reduce blood pressure of all nine people who participated in the study.
For the 5 menopausal women and four men, during the 6 weeks of testing, it was seen that functioning of the arteries improved and aortic blood pressure was reduced.
Each of the study subjects had a condition called pre hypertension, which is what ultimately leads to cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death worldwide; but most particularly in the United States.
According to FSU Assistant Professor Arturo Figueroa, this functional food (watermelon extract) had a vasodilatory effect, resulting in arresting the pre hypertension and preventing it from becoming full blown hypertention.
L-citrulline is used by the body and is converted into L-arginine, which is the chemical needed by the body to keep blood pressure at a healthy level and watermelon is the best and richest source of L-citrulline. Consuming this watermelon extract will not only improve blood pressure it also will not cause any side effects.