Watermelon: The New Natural Viagra?

What have scientists discovered about the many wonders of watermelon? Some say that the red fruit is very helpful in improving sexual function. Read on for some interesting and uplifting details.

According to scientists, the wonder of watermelon is not its taste, as most of us would believe. It is the ingredient, citrulline that can trigger the production of a compound that aids in the relaxation of the body’s blood vessels, similar to the effect produced when a man takes Viagra. For a man who doesn’t care for watermelon, this could be problem specific, as it is estimated that at least six slices must be ingested in order to achieve the same effect as one Viagra tablet. Also, the effects are not directed to just one organ. (Does this mean that egos, heads, toes and fingers can also swell? Only further research will tell.) Citrulline is found in the flesh and rind of the watermelon and transforms into an amino acid known as arginine, which should not be confused with anything South American or any place near Rio de Janeiro. This acid reacts with the body’s enzymes when consumed in large quantities and greatly benefits the heart, immune and circulatory systems. According to Bhimu Patil, director of Texas A & M University Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Centre: Arginine boosts nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and has the same basic effect that Viagra has to treat erectile dysfunction and maybe even prevent it…. Watermelon is a great way to relax blood vessels without any drug side effects.

Todd Wehner, who studies watermelon breeding at North Carolina State University said: Anyone taking Viagra shouldn’t expect the same results from watermelon. It sounds like it would be an interesting effect, but it isn’t a substitute for medical treatment. More time and research is needed to pinpoint exact results, but in the meantime, at that next picnic or barbecue, why don’t make sure to include some watermelon. It can’t hurt, can it?