Watermelon may offer Viagra-like effects

[calvindale]

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A slice of cool, fresh watermelon is a juicy way to top off a Fourth of July cookout and one that researchers say has effects similar to Viagra — but don't necessarily expect it to keep the fireworks all night long.

Watermelons contain an ingredient called citrulline that can trigger production of a compound that helps relax the body's blood vessels, similar to what happens when a man takes Viagra, said scientists in Texas, one of the nation's top producers of the seedless variety.

Found in the flesh and rind of watermelons, citrulline reacts with the body's enzymes when consumed in large quantities and is changed into arginine, an amino acid that benefits the heart and the circulatory and immune systems.

Arginine boosts nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels, the same basic effect that Viagra has, to treat erectile dysfunction and maybe even prevent it. Watermelon may not be as organ-specific as Viagra, but it's a great way to relax blood vessels without any drug side effects. The nitric oxide can also help with angina, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems, according to the study.

More citrulline — about 60 percent — is found in watermelon rind than in the flesh. But scientists may be able to find ways to boost the concentrations in the flesh. Citrulline is found in all colors of watermelon and is highest in the yellow-fleshed types. But One would need to eat about six cups of watermelon to get enough citrulline to boost the body's arginine level, and the problem you have when you eat a lot of watermelon is you tend to run to the bathroom more.
Watermelon is a diuretic and was a homeopathic treatment for kidney patients before dialysis became widespread. Another issue is the amount of sugar that much watermelon would spill into the bloodstream — a jolt that could cause cramping.

The relationship between citrulline and arginine might also prove helpful to those who are obese or suffer from type-2 diabetes. The beneficial effects — among them the ability to relax blood vessels, much like Viagra does — are beginning to be revealed in research.


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[rose]

This is so funny especially if i go to a restaurant or a friends house and i see a guy eating watermelon the idea of Viagra will always pop up
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[Hashiki]

I do not like watermelon that much and I can not imagine eating six cups of it. The fact that it is diuretic also is a big no no as you will spend the night going back to the bathroom to relieve yourself instead of doing more important things...
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[Darweshi]

How much is six cups of watermelon anyway? Is it equivalent to one half of an average sized watermelon?

I love eating watermelon and it is now turning out that there are more health benefits to this tasty and amazing fruit!