Watermelon and Nitric Oxide

The subject of nitric oxide and its benefits to thalassemics has been addressed in previous threads. Its benefit lies in its ability to relax the walls of blood vessels, which allows a greater volume of blood flow and nitric oxide also helps deliver more oxygen where it is needed. A recent released study has shown that watermelon is a very good source of citrulline, which is a precursor of nitric oxide.

http://vfic.tamu.edu/Documents/News/2008/0630%20agnews%20watermelon.pdf

Beneficial ingredients in watermelon and other fruits and vegetables are known as phytonutrients,
naturally occurring compounds that are bioactive, or able to react with the
human body to trigger healthy reactions, Patil said.
In watermelons, these include lycopene, beta carotene and the rising star among its
phyto-nutrients – citrulline – whose beneficial functions are now being unraveled. Among
them is the ability to relax blood vessels...when watermelon is consumed, citrulline is converted to arginine
through certain enzymes. Arginine is an amino acid that works wonders on the heart and
circulation system and maintains a good immune system, Patil said.
“The citrulline-arginine relationship helps heart health, the immune system and may
prove to be very helpful for those who suffer from obesity and type 2 diabetes,” said Patil.
“Arginine boosts nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels...The benefits of watermelon don’t end there, he said. Arginine also helps the urea cycle by
removing ammonia and other toxic compounds from our bodies.

Although the popular focus of this study has been the possible viagra-like effects, it should be remembered that viagra was developed as a drug to treat pulmonary hypertension (PHT) because it opens the blood vessels, which relieves the high blood pressure in the lungs of PHT patients. PHT is common in thals. Watermelon has this effect naturally without taking drugs. Improving the circulation and the blood flow in thals is of major importance and foods and supplements that can add nitric oxide to the blood should be considered as part of the regimen for thals. Linda Marie brought the subject of citrulline in a post at http://www.thalassemiapatientsandfriends.com/index.php?topic=1065.msg8144#msg8144
It can be easily found available as a supplement from vitamin companies in addition to it being plentiful in thals. And parents, kids often love watermelon, so let them eat all they want. It's loaded with vitamins in addition to the phyto-nutrients it contains. The supplement may also be of value to those with diabetes.

Andy , i was once told that inhaling nitric oxide gas have the same effect. Though it is poisionous gas but it is given with calculated concentrations. I know it is given as a quick release for PHT patients and to babies in incubaters who have undeveloped lungs.
manal

Very interesting. (And I want to remind people we're talking about nitric oxide and not nitrous oxide that dentists use). Nitric oxide is used because it rapidly opens the blood vessels and relieves the PHT.

Manal, I ran across a post you made last year and I don't think I ever responded. It was asking about PHT. If I did answer somewhere else, please let me know, but otherwise I am planning a post explaining the basics and how it relates to thalassemia.

Unfortunatly Andy there was no answer, but  i will be very interested in this post and will be waiting for, thanks

Manal