It’s time for our annual watermelon post. We see them everywhere now, at grocery stores and farmers markets waiting to be made into healthy, thirst quenching pitchers of juice for you, your family and friends.
Differences in Blood Glucose Indexes and Why This is Important
One of the more interesting things about watermelon is how the sugar content effects blood glucose. A few decades ago a new index was developed called the Glycemic Index (GI). It measures how quickly the food item can raise your blood glucose level. But the amount of food used to determine the index number is larger than most people would consume.
Another way to measure the impact of various foods on our blood glucose is called Glycemic Load (GL). This new measure gives us a more realistic indication of what to expect when we consume, say, watermelon. For instance The GI of watermelon is 72, which is quite high. However the GL of watermelon is only 7. This is because watermelon is only 6% sugar and 91% water and this helps balance out your body’s response, glucose wise, to watermelon and it’s juice. Additionally, when you juice it with the rind, you are lowering the relative sugar content in a glass of juice even more.
Blood Pressure Lowering Effects Without Drugs
Another great part about making watermelon juice as opposed to eating it is the white rind. Most people do not eat that part, however this is where many benefits are found, especially the blood pressure lowering effect of
The body converts citrulline to the amino acid arginine by using enzymes. Arginine works with the heart and circulation system to maintain a healthy immune system.
This citrulline-arginine relationship also boosts nitric oxide which relaxes the blood vessels, the very same thing Viagra does. This helps with high blood pressure and other heart problems. Watermelon has been shown in the latest studies to lower blood pressure just as effectively as drugs and with zero side effects.
The raw, natural water of the watermelon, rind and all, is loaded with enzymes, minerals and vitamins the body craves therefore you are doing yourself a big favor by drinking a glass of watermelon juice.