Watermelon Watermelon contains an amino acid called citrulline. The body converts citrulline to arginine, and this helps the body produce nitric oxide, a gas that relaxes blood vessels and encourages flexibility in arteries. These effects aid the flow of blood, which can lower high blood pressure.
"Individuals with increased blood pressure and arterial stiffness -- especially those who are older and those with chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes -- would benefit from L-citrulline in either the synthetic or natural (watermelon) form," Figueroa said. "The optimal dose appears to be four to six grams a day."
Berries: Strawberries and blueberries are rich in antioxidant compounds called anthocyanins. Research has linked anthocyanins to a reduction in blood pressure in people with hypertension.
One serving of watermelon contains about 18 grams of sugar. This amount of sugar can have an impact on your blood sugar, but its effect largely depends on the amount of watermelon you're eating. Consuming watermelon after eating a source of fiber or protein can also help prevent your big spikes in blood sugar.
Can Watermelon Raise Blood Sugar? Yes it will because watermelon like any other fruit such as berries, apples, pears, oranges, and peaches will raise your blood glucose levels because it contains carbohydrates. Carbohydrate is a nutrient that after gets digested it is converted into blood glucose or blood sugar.
The beneficial effects of egg consumption on blood pressure in humans may be attributed to the presence of nutrients with antioxidant and antihypertensive effects in whole eggs [7•, 39]. For example, beneficial effects of egg white derived peptides on blood pressure have been shown in animal studies.
Coconut water lowers blood pressure in two significant ways: Since it is a powerhouse of potassium, coconut water helps the kidneys excrete high sodium levels from the body – an essential requirement to lower blood pressure. Potassium also affects the overall vascular health of the body.
Cucumbers are a good source of potassium, magnesium and dietary fibre. These nutrients are known to lower blood pressure, thus reducing the risk of heart diseases. Research has also proved that regular consumption of cucumber juice was helpful in reducing blood pressure, in elderly people with hypertension.
Apples can also help keep your blood pressure at healthy levels. High blood pressure results in around 1,100 deaths per day in the U.S., which means keeping your blood pressure down is vital for living a healthy life. Fortunately, having an apple a day can help with just that.
Eating a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products and low in saturated fat and cholesterol can lower high blood pressure by up to 11 mm Hg .
Eating a low-fat diet that includes lots of fibre, such as wholegrain rice, bread and pasta, and plenty of fruit and vegetables also helps lower blood pressure. Aim to eat 5 portions of fruit and vegetables every day.
Some research suggests coffee can lower the risk for high blood pressure, also called hypertension, in people who don't already have it. But drinking too much coffee has been shown to raise blood pressure and lead to anxiety, heart palpitations and trouble sleeping.
Bananas. These are rich in potassium, a nutrient shown to help lower blood pressure, says Laffin. One medium banana provides about 375 milligrams of potassium, about 11 percent of the recommended daily intake for a man, and 16 percent for a woman.
Research shows that eating a diet rich in whole grains (such as quinoa and other ancient grains, oatmeal and brown rice) helps fend off high blood pressure.
Best time to eat watermelon
The Ayurveda expert suggests you to have it in morning between 10 am to 12 pm as breakfast or between breakfast and lunch. Dr Bhavsar says one can even have it as an evening snack post lunch before 5 pm. She cautions against having watermelon at night or with meals.
Watermelon is safe for people with diabetes to eat in moderation. However, it is best to consume watermelon and other high GI fruits alongside foods that contain plenty of nutritious fats, fiber, and protein.
According to Ayurveda, the best time to eat watermelons is in the morning between 10 am to 12 pm, as breakfast or between breakfast and lunch. You can also have it as an evening snack, before 5 pm. Do not consume it at night or with your meals.