Watermelon May Have Effects Similar to Viagra
Herbie Hancock’s 1962 jazz hit “Watermelon Man” takes on a whole new meaning from this little-known fact: One of its ingredients triggers production of a chemical that works similar to Viagra.
And the millions of watermelons being enjoyed across the nation this Fourth of July weekend just might help men get their groove back.
In fact, the ingredient, citrulline, might not only treat erectile dysfunction but also help prevent it. In the body, citrulline is converted to arginine, an amino acid known to improve the heart and circulatory system and to boost the immune system.
It helps erectile dysfunction by relaxing blood vessels, similar to Viagra’s effect.
“The citrulline-arginine relationship helps heart health, the immune system and may prove to be very helpful for those who suffer from obesity and Type 2 diabetes,” says Dr. Bhimu Patil, director of Texas A&M’s Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center in College Station. “Arginine boosts nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels, the same basic effect that Viagra has, to treat erectile dysfunction and maybe even prevent it.”
“The more we study watermelons, the more we realize just how amazing a fruit it is in providing natural enhancers to the human body,” Patil says. “Watermelon may not be as organ-specific as Viagra, but it’s a great way to relax blood vessels without any drug side effects.
“We’ve always known that watermelon is good for you, but the list of its very important healthful benefits grows longer with each study,” he says.
