Watermelon and cardiometabolic health

In a research paper published recently in the journal Current Atherosclerosis Reports, Dr Britt Burton-Freeman et al reported that the consumption of watermelon reduced blood pressure in their study’s participants. This research was collected and analysed over 20 years, from 2000 to 2020.

Watermelon contains various phenolic compounds and carotenoids, such as beta-carotene and lycopene, as well as high levels of the amino acids citrulline and arginine.

Citrulline and arginine are nonproteinogenic, which means they are not used in the production of protein in the body. Instead, they help increase the other chemicals the body needs to make protein.

They also raise the level of nitric oxide in the blood, which helps to dilate blood vessels. Thus, greater consumption of these amino acids may lead to lowered blood pressure.

“Overall, watermelon provides a combination of nutrients and phytochemicals that work across multiple mechanisms to induce biological effects,” the study says. “Central to these effects may be the provision of citrulline [and] arginine; however, when combined with several other notable components [in watermelon] such as (poly)phenols, lycopene, potassium, and magnesium, effects of watermelon intake on cardiometabolic end points may be expected. […]

“Three grams and possibly as little as 1g citrulline/day may be sufficient to induce cardiometabolic benefits.

“Continued research to obtain sufficient intake data […] in different populations is required.”

For more information, email Janine Ryan at janiner@caxton.co.za.