Researchers from the Universidad Polytécnica of Cartagena (UPCT) have developed a watermelon juice enriched with the amino acids in the outer layer of this fruit that reduces muscle pain and fatigue caused by intense work or sports activities.
According to the newspaper, agricultural engineer Patricia Martha Tarazona, developed this research in her doctoral thesis, and it began with the idea of finding a use for the watermelon crust, which has high levels of the amino acid known asl-citrulline, which is used as a muscle relaxant in cases of fatigue and tiredness.
As explained by Tarazona, the research team was able to see through in vitro experiments that intestine cells better absorbed amino acids when given through juices than by drugs. Tests were conducted on athletes from the Faculty of Sports Science of the University of Murcia. The results that were obtained were the same.
The juice, Tarazona explained, is made from the pulp of the watermelon and enriched with the amino acid from the outer layer, previously extracted by industrial processes.
The use of the outer layer, she said, also contributes to the implementation of a sustainable industry through fresh processing of this waste.
The researcher pointed out that the juice would be recommended for athletes as for any other person under fatigue during periods of increased exertion or stress and labor, is not yet on the market.