Eating Watermelon Can Aid Hypertension or High BP, Dietitian Confirms

Summer season is here and it is that time of the year where we get colorful juicy fruits to beatify our platter and boost our health. This hot and humid weather calls for juicy fruits including watermelon, musk melon and mangoes. We wait for the season to turn up so that we can relish these tasty fruits and gain the energy to beat the summer heat.

Watermelon is a must have in this season as it has a high water content which keeps the body hydrated and cool. This fruit is apt for this season and all of us just love this red and fleshy fruit. But do you know that apart from sufficing the hydration levels in the body, this fruit is also helpful in regulating hypertension or high blood pressure? Hypertension is a serious health issue which needs immediate aid or else it can put a person to the risk of fatal heart ailments. We all know the importance of healthy eating and active lifestyle for longevity. Today, through this article, we will tell you why watermelon is good for keeping hypertension under control.

How does watermelon control high blood pressure? 

Watermelon is a very good fruit, which keeps your body fresh in the summer and keeps the body energetic. watermelon has such properties that it can also help in reducing your high blood pressure. Watermelon has more water content, which helps protect you from dehydrates. In addition, it can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.

Also Read: Expert Approved 5 Foods That Hydrate You More Than Water

"Watermelon also helps you lose weight because it is very low in calories and reducing weight helps you to reduce blood pressure," explains International Sports Dietitian Swati Bathwal. Watermelon contains L-Citrulline, which is a natural compound and is rich in amino acids. It helps in improving the blood flow, which keeps blood pressure control and improves heart health. 

Swati Bathwal further adds, "According to the study, citrulline can be helpful in controlling your blood pressure and have been shown to have positive effects on athletes and cardiac patients." The use of citrulline helps in the production of nitric oxide in the body and nitric oxide helps in cardiovascular function. Citrulline is an option used as a pre-workout supplement and that is why athletes also use it to improve cardio performance."

Also Read: Can Adding Salt to Watermelon Boost Your Hydration?

Nutrients present in melon

• 92% water
• Lycopene
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A
• Potassium
• Amino acids
• Antioxidants.
• In addition, it contains low amounts of sodium and calories.

The Right Wat To Eat Watermelon

Swati Bathwal says, "You can consume watermelon anytime of the day and use watermelon as sorbet or smoothie. You add watermelon pulp to the ice cubes and to enhance the taste, you should eat some fruits with it as a salad when you eat this juice. Also, add black salt to it to avoid acidity. Also, do not leave melon seeds, they are rich in nutrients like omega 6, magnesium, iron and zinc. Roast them and consume 1 teaspoon a day."