Rosemary Watermelon Juice - A Perfect Drink To Help You Stay Hydrated This Summer! (818 hits)
Watermelon is one of the most popular summer fruits. It’s nourishing and helps us stay properly hydrated in the heat because it is 90% water. Proper hydration is crucial because it helps keep your metabolism running smoothly. Watermelon is loaded with lycopene, an antioxidant compound that can help lower blood pressure levels. It also has high concentrations of an amino acid that helps relieve muscle soreness. As if watermelon wasn’t doing enough for you, you can blend the rind with the melon and lemon juice to get an excellent dose of chlorophyll, which is important for a healthy heart and immune system.
Ingredients ◾1/2 a watermelon, cubed (about 8 cups of large cubes) ◾2 fresh large sprigs of rosemary ◾6 strawberries, hulled and quartered (optional) ◾2 kiwi fruit, peeled and sliced (optional)
Instructions 1.Working in batches, blend the watermelon cubes until pureed. Pour liquid through a medium mesh strainer to remove some of the pulp. 2.Pour the juice over the rosemary sprig and refrigerate for several hours. 3.Add the strawberries and kiwi fruit for an additional flavor boost. 4.Yields about 2 quarts of juice
FSU Assistant Professor Arturo Figueroa and Professor Bahram H. Arjmandi found that when six grams of the amino acids L-citrulline/L-arginine from watermelon extract were administered daily for six weeks, there was improved arterial function and consequently lowered aortic blood pressure in all nine of their prehypertensive subjects (four men and five postmenopausal women, ages 51-57).
These findings suggest that this 'functional food' has a vasodilatory effect, and one that may prevent prehypertension from progressing to full-blown hypertension, a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.
Who would have thought this about watermelon and the connection to lower blood pressure levels. WOW!
