Apr 03, 2014 01:09 PM EDT By Jaleesa Baulkman, UniversityHerald Reporter

Chopping down on a whole watermelon may not only be an act of gluttony; it might be an act of self-preservation.

Researchers from Florida State University contend that the warm-season vegetable may save lives by significantly reducing high blood pressure in overweight individuals -both at rest and while under stress, the Guardian Liberty Voice reported.

"The pressure on the aorta and on the heart decreased after consuming watermelon extract," researcher Arturo Figueroa said of his findings in a statement.

For the 12-week study, researchers recruited 13 middle-aged, obese men and women who suffered from high blood pressure. To simulate cold weather conditions, one hand of the subject was dipped into 39 degree water (or 4 degrees Celsius) while Figueroa's team took their blood pressure and other vital measurements.

Meanwhile, the group was divided into two. For the first six weeks, one group was given four grams of the amino acid L-citrulline and two grams of L-arginine per day, both from watermelon extract. The other group was given a placebo for 6 weeks.

After six weeks, the participants switched for another six weeks.

During the study, participants had to refrain from taking any medications for blood pressure or making any significant changes in their lifestyle, particularly related to diet and exercise.

Based on the findings, consuming watermelon had a positive impact on aortic blood pressure and other vascular parameters. Study participants showed improvements in blood pressure and cardiac stress while both at rest and while they were exposed to the cold water.

"That means less overload to the heart, so the heart is going to work easily during a stressful situation such as cold exposure," Figueroa said.

The findings were published in the American Journal of Hypertension. They study was also published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health and was one of the "top new hypertensive articles" in MDLinx.

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