Watermelon seeds can effectively lower high blood pressure

Watermelon seeds, usually thrown unused, can be the best way to control high Blood Pressure, offering the potential to control several major ailments, according to new research.

This latest research finding by AP Verma, former Head of Botany Department of AN College in Patna, has been further confirmed by the Indian Agriculture Research Institute, New Delhi.

The research shows that chemicals extracted from the juice of watermelon seeds contain cucurbotrin, a glucoside, which also has the efficiency to reduce cholesterol. Cucurbotrin also helps with weight loss and scanty urination. The substance extracted from these seeds is said to have a definite action in dilating the blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure.

The findings revealed that considerable amount of glucoside is present in the watermelon seeds, which further establishes its efficiency in controlling loss of weight, scanty urination, protection of arterial lumen and haemoptysis, Verma said.

Watermelon, the summer fruit, is generally consumed for its soft pinkish flesh that can quench thirst. Apart from helping to beat the summer heat, the edible part of watermelon is rich in sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, copper, phosphorous, magnesium and other minerals. Therefore, it well-qualifies as supplementary food to compensate loss of minerals in summer, besides containing Vitamin B-1 and Vitamin C.

Further, the pink watermelon is a rich source of lycopene, the potent carotenoid. These powerful antioxidants help in neutralizing free radicals in the body. Free radicals are substances in the body that can actually cause great damage, leading to increased incidences of heart attack, stroke, asthma attacks, arthritic inflammations, and cancer. However, the presence of Vitamin C and beta carotene in watermelon, help in getting rid of such harmful molecules.

Watermelon juice is also an excellent source of ‘Arginine’, the essential amino acid that helps lower blood pressure. Arginine is a precursor for nitric oxide, known to lower blood pressure, reduce blood clotting, thereby protecting against strokes and myocardial infarction.

Watermelon seeds, whether dried or roasted, can be consumed in liberal quantities. In general, it has been found that men who consumed a lycopene-rich diet were half as likely to suffer a heart attack, than those who had little or no lycopene in their diets. (by Ayurvedictalk.com)

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