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According to a new study, drinking watermelon juice would be beneficial for the heart. A protective effect which would be explained by its particularly low glycemic index.
It’s not a surprise: watermelon combines health benefits. It is first of all a very thirst-quenching and low-calorie fruit (60 kcal for 200g) but which is also full of vitamins (C, B1, B6, potassium, etc.). A new study, published in the journal Nutrients, suggests that consuming watermelon may (also) be good for your heart. Explanations.
Watermelon juice is said to be beneficial for the heart
For this study, published on February 4, 2023, the researchers recruited 18 healthy adults aged 23 on average.
They had to drink either 500 ml of watermelon juice per day for 2 weeks or a placebo drink.
At the end of the follow-up period, the researchers noticed that frequent consumption of watermelon juice protected against heart rate variability (HRV) dysfunction due to high sugar consumption.
“Reduced bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) is implicated in the development of cardiometabolic diseases and autonomic dysfunctions. However, watermelons are natural sources of L-arginine and L-citrulline, substrates used for the synthesis of NO. Consumption of watermelon can therefore improve the bioavailability of nitric oxide“, advance the researchers.
Low glycemic index and high fiber content
Results, validated by the American cardiologist Rigved Tadwalkar, interviewed by the specialized media Medical News Today.
According to him, the protective effect of watermelon is explained by its particularly low glycemic index. The high fiber content of this fruit could also outweigh its sugar content – provided, of course, it is eaten in moderation.
“Watermelon contains a whole variety of bioactive compounds that are good for the heart. Lycopene, for example, has antioxidant properties and is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease and stroke.”, concludes doctor Rigved Tadwalkar.