Scientists who carried out studies on mice
fed a high-fat diet found the fruit halved the rate at which 'bad'
low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, accumulated,
LDL is a form of cholesterol that leads to clogged arteries and heart disease.
Eating watermelon may significantly help boost
heart health and reduce weight, according to a new study published in
the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. The findings suggest the compound citrulline, found naturally in watermelon, plays a key role in heart health.
Researchers from Purdue University and University of Kentucky
conducted a study that showed mice fed a diet including watermelon juice
had lower weight, cholesterol and arterial plaque than a control group.
The research builds upon a study conducted last year at the University
of Kentucky that found incorporating watermelon into a diet helped lower their risk of atherosclerosis.
"We were interested in citrulline because previous studies showed
that it may lower blood pressure," said Shubin Saha, a Purdue Extension
vegetable specialist and study co-author. "We didn't see a lowering of
blood pressure, but these other changes are promising."
For the study, the researchers fed two groups of mice diets high
in saturated fat and cholesterol. Half the mice received water
containing 2% watermelon juice, while the others received the same
amount of water supplemented with a solution that matched the
carbohydrate content of the watermelon juice. The mice that consumed
watermelon juice gained about 30% less weight than the control group and
had about 50% less low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The experimental
group also had about a 50% reduction in plaque in their arteries, as
well as elevated levels of citrulline.
"We know that watermelon is good for health because it contains
citrulline," said Sibu Saha, a professor of surgery at the University of
Kentucky. "We don't know yet at what molecular level it's working, and
that's the next step."
The researchers plan to continue to look at how concentrations of
citrulline and lycopene, another compound found in watermelon, affect
health. They also will test other varieties to determine whether
particular watermelons have more health benefits.
The researchers from Purdue University, US, also
observed that eating watermelon regularly helped to control weight gain
and resulted in fewer fatty deposits inside blood vessels.
They believe the secret to watermelon's health-boosting properties lies in citrulline, a chemical found in the juice.
Although the latest investigation showed no
significant effects on blood pressure, it did reveal watermelons had a
powerful impact on other heart risk factors.
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