Watermelon and Beetroot Products on Endothelial Function

Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death worldwide. Endothelial dysfunction is the first step to development of cardiovascular diseases. Endothelial dysfunction occurs due to reduction in nitric oxide, a molecule that plays an important role on vascular health. Due to important role of nitric oxide in endothelial function, several studies have evaluated the effect of its precursors, such as L-citrulline and nitrate on endothelial function parameters. The present study will evaluate the effect of L-citrulline and nitrate derived by watermelon and beetroot products, respectively, on endothelial function of young and older participants. Furthermore, we will evaluate the plasmatic amino acids, nitrate, glucose and insulin in response to ingestion of these products.