PTI: LONDON: A daily
slice of watermelon can protect you from heart disease and weight gain by
preventing the build-up of harmful cholesterol, according to a new study.
Researchers fromPurdue
Universityin
the US who carried out studies on mice fed a high-fat diet found the fruit
halved the rate at which 'bad' low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, accumulated.
LDL is a form of cholesterol that leads to clogged arteries and
heart disease. The study found that the fruit also helped to control weight gain
and resulted in fewer fatty deposits inside blood vessels, the Daily Mail
reported. Researchers believe the secret to watermelon's health-boosting
properties lies in citrulline, a chemical found in the juice.
Previous studies have suggested citrulline has a role to play in
heart disease prevention by lowering blood pressure.