Consumption of watermelon can control blood pressure, says nutritionist

Miss Yemisi Olowookere, a Nutritionist at Garki Hospital, Abuja, on Wednesday, advised Nigerians to include watermelon in their diet as it can help to control blood pressure.

Olowookere told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that “watermelon is good for the heart and its consumption can help to reduce blood pressure

in overweight individuals and those with risk of heart attack.

“The pressure on the aorta and the heart decreases after consuming watermelon; there is less burden on the heart, so the heart works easily during

stressful situations.”

According to Olowookere, watermelon contains dietary fibre for digestive health, potassium, as well as mineral that helps to keep blood pressure

under control.

“At 46 calories per serving, watermelon offers 20 per cent of daily intake of vitamin C and 17 per cent of vitamin A,’’ she said.

The nutritionist said that the fruit contains lycopene which acts as super antioxidant, stopping free radicals from damaging the body cells and destroying the immune system.

She explained that lycopene, found in red fruits such as watermelon and vegetables could help to fight heart disease and several types of cancer.

Olowookere said that watermelon juice could also relieve muscle soreness, adding that athletes who consumed the fruit before exercise experience less muscle soreness and a lower heart rate within a day.

“That may be because watermelon contains a natural substance called citrulline which helps to improve artery function and lower blood pressure,’’ she said.

She added that watermelon was one of the richest edible natural sources of L-citrulline, an amino acid required for the formation of nitric oxide, which essentially helps in the regulation of vascular tone.

She said that “like most fruits, watermelon is a product of seed-producing plant that has sweet taste and hydration power.

“Watermelon is 91.5 per cent water and healthy enough to keep the body hydrated.

“To retain the most antioxidants in this delicious fruit, store at room temperature before slicing.”