Watermelon good for heart health

Scientists from the universities of Purdue and Kentucky (USA) have established experimentally that mice fed watermelon juice have lower weight, reduced cholesterol and fewer arterial plaques.

Presumably, the beneficial effect on cardiovascular health has citrulline.





The researchers were interested in citrulline because previous work revealed the ability of this amino acid to lower blood pressure. The experiments were conducted on mice divided into two groups: one received water containing 2% watermelon juice and the other the same amount of water with the addition of the solution, the carbohydrate composition is similar to watermelon juice.

Animals consuming water with watermelon juice, gained 30% less weight and had blood on 50% less "bad" cholesterol (low density lipoprotein) than rodents in the control group. In addition, mice from the experimental group 50% reduction in the amount of deposits in the arteries, and the level of citrulline in the blood has grown significantly.





Scientists will continue to study how concentrations of citrulline and lycopene, another biologically active ingredient in watermelon, affect health. It is also planned to test different varieties of watermelon to discover the most "effective".

 

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