Fact Check: Can watermelon and poppy seeds cure high BP and insomnia?

An Instagram post claims that watermelon seeds and poppy seeds cure High BP (High Blood pressure also known as hypertension) and insomnia is FALSE 

Claim

In an Instagram post, it is claimed that watermelon seeds and poppy seeds cure high BP (hypertension) as well as insomnia. In the reel posted by beatrueyogi, the user says that watermelon will be available as summer approaches. The user recommends grinding watermelon and poppy seeds together in equal parts. They suggest taking one teaspoon of this mixture with lukewarm water every morning on an empty stomach, claiming it will help regulate and cure blood pressure and cure insomnia. The reel can be accessed here. 

Fact Check

This claim is FALSE. High BP or Hypertension and insomnia are diseases that can be managed but cannot be cured that too by the consumption of watermelon and poppy seeds. 

Decoding Hypertension or High BP

According to WHO, "Hypertension or high blood pressure occurs when the force of blood against your artery walls is consistently too high, typically 140/90 mmHg or above. It’s a common condition but can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. People with high blood pressure often don't experience any symptoms, so regular blood pressure checks are essential. Risk factors for developing hypertension include advancing age, family history, obesity, lack of physical activity, a diet high in salt, and excessive alcohol consumption."

Dr. Prem Aggarwal, MBBS, MD, DNB (Cardiology), Director, Sanjeevam Hospital said "Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. Normal blood pressure is typically around 120/80 mm Hg. Hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure readings consistently exceed 130/80 mm Hg. It often presents without symptoms but can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems if left unmanaged. Regular monitoring, a healthy diet, exercise, and medication are essential for controlling blood pressure. Early detection and lifestyle modifications play a crucial role in preventing complications. Remember, hypertension is manageable with the right approach, and consulting your doctor is key to maintaining heart health."

Understanding Insomnia

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute said, "Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or obtaining restful sleep. This occurs despite having adequate time and a suitable environment for sleep. Insomnia can disrupt daily activities and cause daytime sleepiness. Short-term insomnia often results from stress or changes in routine or environment and may persist for several days to weeks. Chronic insomnia, on the other hand, happens at least three nights a week, lasts for more than three months, and is not directly caused by another health condition."

Insomnia can be influenced by various factors and can affect individuals at any age, though the risk tends to rise with age. A family history of insomnia or a predisposition to light sleeping may increase one’s vulnerability. Environmental conditions, such as shift work, nighttime noise, exposure to light, and frequent travel across different time zones, can interfere with sleep patterns. Lifestyle choices, including irregular sleep routines, daytime napping, lack of physical activity and the consumption of stimulants like caffeine or alcohol, also play a role in insomnia. Additionally, stress from different life situations and hormonal changes in women, especially during pregnancy and menopause, can further heighten the risk.

Dr. Rahul Chawla, MBBS, MD, DM (Neurology), Associate Consultant, Neurology, PSRI Hospital explains, "Insomnia is characterized by Difficulty falling asleep, maintaining sleep (waking up frequently during the night), or waking up too early and being unable to return to sleep. It is often associated with Associated Daytime Impairment or Distress. To call it chronic insomnia, sleep difficulty should occur at least three times per week and has been present for at least three months. Treatment modalities for insomnia include cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques and treatment for any coexisting psychiatric condition. The use of sleep medications is usually recommended for short-term or intermittent use due to the risk of dependency and side effects. It is important to consult a doctor before starting any type of sleep medication."

Can Insomnia and Hypertension be cured?

As per medical science, hypertension and insomnia can arise due to multiple factors and cannot be cured in the traditional sense. Their symptoms can be managed with the help of certain medications as well as lifestyle changes

According to an article published in JAMA Network by Sara Berg note that there is no cure for high blood pressure, patients need to take steps that matter, such as making effective lifestyle changes and taking BP-lowering medications as prescribed by their physicians.

On similar lines, Rosenberg R et. al. noted that the treatment of insomnia is not always that simple. The disorder’s complex underlying pathophysiology warrants consideration of different nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment options.  Treatment focuses on improving sleep quality and duration through various strategies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), lifestyle changes, sleep hygiene improvements, and, in some cases, medication.

Health Benefits of Watermelon Seeds and Poppy Seeds

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) seeds and Poppy (Papaver somniferum) Seeds are nutritional powerhouses packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. These seeds offer a variety of health benefits, including support for heart health, bone strength, and digestive wellness. Incorporating them into your diet can enhance overall nutrition and well-being.

An article published in IJFANS International Journal of Food and Nutritional Sciences found that Watermelon seeds are surprisingly nutritious, offering numerous health benefits due to their rich content of essential nutrients. These seeds are low in calories, with just 23 calories in 4 grams, yet packed with magnesium, zinc, and iron, which are vital for metabolic functions, immune support, and healthy blood circulation. They also contain healthy fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which contribute to heart health by reducing cholesterol levels. Additionally, watermelon seeds promote skin health, hair growth and improve male fertility due to their antioxidant properties and high zinc content. Their magnesium content helps regulate blood sugar levels and supports bone health, potentially preventing conditions like osteoporosis. Moreover, the B vitamins present in these seeds are crucial for a healthy nervous system, boosting energy levels, and enhancing overall metabolism.

A research study on poppy seeds in Functional Foods in Health and Disease highlights the nutritional benefits of the poppy seed plant (Papaver somniferum L.), known for its rich nutrient content, including proteins, dietary fiber, antioxidants, tocopherols, and essential micronutrients. The seeds are under research for their bioactive potential in addressing health issues like hypertension, pain, and cancer. While poppy is primarily cultivated for its opium and oil, the seeds are also widely used in cooking due to their valuable bioactive compounds, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Poppyseed oil is particularly noted for its high quality, attributed to its rich polyunsaturated fatty acid content, making poppy seeds a promising candidate for use as functional food ingredients and nutraceutical agents. The article emphasizes the need for further research to fully explore the potential of poppy seeds in food and health supplements.

While consuming poppy seeds it is important to note that there can be serious side effects of overconsumption of unwashed poppy seeds. Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Department of Justice found that in the United States, at least 12 deaths have been reported in the scientific literature associated with the use of unwashed poppy seed tea. 

Can watermelon seeds and poppy seeds cure hypertension and insomnia?

Scientific studies and medical consensus do not support the claim that insomnia and hypertension can be cured by consumption of watermelon and poppy seeds either alone or together. Although some weak scientific evidence suggests that watermelon seeds may offer certain cardiac benefits, they are not a cure for hypertension. Moreover, no evidence has been found to support the idea that watermelon seeds have any effect on insomnia. Similarly, while traditionally poppy seeds have been used for improving sleep quality, relaxation and there is scientific evidence or medical consensus that states that poppy seeds can cure either hypertension or insomnia.

Nayara Moreira Lacerda Massa et. al. reported in a study that supplementation with watermelon extract effectively lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure in prehypertensive and hypertensive individuals, but it does not have any significant impact on the cardiac autonomic modulation in these individuals.

An article published in the World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research discovered that watermelon seeds are packed with nutrients, including protein, healthy fats, fiber, antioxidants, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. These seeds provide numerous health benefits, such as promoting cardiovascular health, enhancing digestion, boosting the immune system, and offering anti-inflammatory effects.

Gary M Reisfield, MD, Addiction Medicine Specialist (Psychiatry) in an article for the College of Medicine, University of Florida notes notes that Poppy seeds come from a species of poppy plant called Papaver somniferum. “Somniferum” is Latin for “sleep-bringing,” which hints that it might contain opiates which are powerful compounds that depress the central nervous system and can induce drowsiness and sleep. However he adds that poppy seeds do not themselves contain opium but during harvesting, the seeds can become contaminated with opiates contained in the milky latex of the seed pod covering them.

Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Department of Justice notes that poppy seeds themselves possess no opium content. Instead, the opium alkaloids (e.g., morphine, codeine, and thebaine) are found in the poppy latex, which is a milky white fluid that exudes from the pod when it is cut. Harvesters, who wish to increase opium alkaloids contents on the poppy seed coats, make cuts in the opium pods before they ripen which allows the latex to seep onto the seed coats.

Traditionally poppy seeds have been used for relaxation improving sleep quality but no medical consensus or scientific evidence supports the use of poppy seeds as a cure for insomnia. 

The Medical Dialogues Fact Check Team spoke with Dr. Prem Aggarwal, MBBS, MD, DNB (Cardiology), Director, Sanjeevam Hospital. He said, "While watermelon and poppy seeds offer nutritional benefits, it's important to recognize that they cannot cure hypertension. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a chronic condition that affects millions globally and cannot be cured. However, it can be effectively managed with lifestyle modifications and medication. Key strategies for managing hypertension include adopting a balanced diet, limiting salt intake, engaging in regular exercise, managing stress, and following prescribed medications. Relying solely on seeds or other natural remedies for blood pressure control is neither safe nor effective. Although these seeds can complement a healthy diet, they should never replace evidence-based medical treatments. Consulting with doctor is crucial to developing a comprehensive plan to manage hypertension and reduce the risk of complications."

Dr. Rahul Chawla, MBBS, MD, DM (Neurology), Associate Consultant, Neurology, PSRI Hospital said, "Watermelon and poppy seeds are often used as natural remedies for insomnia due to their nutrient content, particularly magnesium in watermelon seeds and calcium, magnesium, and zinc in poppy seeds. These nutrients can support relaxation and better sleep quality, but there is no strong scientific evidence that consuming these seeds alone can cure insomnia. They should not be relied upon as a sole treatment. Persistent sleep issues should be addressed with professional medical advice for effective management."       

Medical Dialogues Final Take   

Limited scientific evidence and no medical consensus support the claim that watermelon seeds can cure hypertension or treat insomnia. Similarly, no credible evidence has been found to substantiate the use of poppy seeds for curing hypertension or insomnia. While these seeds may offer some nutritional benefits, the specific claims regarding their effects on cardiovascular health, blood pressure, and sleep disorders as cure remain unproven. Hypertension and insomnia are serious medical conditions that require evidence-based treatments. Individuals should consult doctors for proper diagnosis and management rather than depending on unverified natural remedies.

Hence, the claim that watermelon seeds and poppy seeds can cure hypertension and insomnia is FALSE.

References

1. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension
2. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/insomnia
3. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/insomnia/causes
4. https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/hypertension/patients-can-take-these-steps-lower-their-high-blood-pressure#:~:text=While%20there%20is%20no%20cure,as%20prescribed%20by%20their%20physicians.
5. Rosenberg R, Citrome L, Drake CL. Advances in the Treatment of Chronic Insomnia: A Narrative Review of New Nonpharmacologic and Pharmacologic Therapies. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2021 Aug 6;17:2549-2566. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S297504. PMID: 34393484; PMCID: PMC8354724.
6. https://www.ijfans.org/uploads/paper/ede37f386d2437632bc42d33b4093c00.pdf
7. https://www.ffhdj.com/index.php/ffhd/article/view/836
8. https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/unwashed_poppy_seed.pdf
9. Massa NM, Silva AS, Toscano LT, Silva JD, Persuhn DC, Gonçalves Mda C. Watermelon extract reduces blood pressure but does not change sympathovagal balance in prehypertensive and hypertensive subjects. Blood Press. 2016 Aug;25(4):244-8. doi: 10.3109/08037051.2016.1150561. Epub 2016 Mar 7. PMID: 26947668.
10. https://wjpr.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/article_issue/69dadcdd984d696e8b9ee8825817cd3d.pdf
11. https://ufhealth.org/news/2023/can-eating-poppy-seeds-affect-drug-test-results-addiction-and-pain-medicine-specialist#:~:text=Poppy%20seeds%20come%20from%20a,can%20induce%20drowsiness%20and%20sleep
12. https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/unwashed_poppy_seed.pdf