Watermelons Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Watermelon is a heart-healthy food because it is high in the amino acid citrulline, which is converted to an amino acid called arginine.

 The endothelial cells line the inner wall of the blood vessels. The cells produce a chemical produced from arginine called nitric oxide, which controls blood flow throughout the body. Poorly functioning endothelial cells make you feel chronically tired, physically unfit and ruin your sex life. A study from Florida State University, led by Arturo Figueroa, found that supplementing the diet with watermelon powder for six weeks lowered blood pressure in the aorta, the large artery that pumps blood from the heart to the general circulation. Watermelon is a healthy food that enhances blood vessel health without side effects. (American Journal of Hypertension, 24: 40-44, 2011)