Watermelon and Muscles

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l-citrulline, an amino acid shown in previous studies to reduce muscle soreness, is found abundantly in watermelons, as well as certain squashes, cucumbers and other melons.

Martha P. Tarazona-Díaz, from the Universidad Politecnica de Cartagena in Spain, and colleagues administered 500 milliliters of natural watermelon juice (containing 1.17 grams of l-citrulline), enriched watermelon juice (4.83 grams of l-citrulline plus 1.17 grams naturally occurring) or a control beverage to seven healthy university sports science students, average age 22.7 years.

Whereas neither juice dose improved pedaling cadence, heart rate or perceived exertion, both juices reduced muscle soreness 24-hours postexercise. Said the authors’ report, “Watermelon juices helped to reduce the recovery heart rate and muscle soreness after 24 hours.”

—Dr. Bob Goldman
www.WorldHealth.net