The Fruit That Works Like Viagra

Here’s a stimulating study: researchers at Texas A&M University found that watermelon may have similar effects as Viagra. The scientists credit a variety of ingredients that collectively stimulate blood vessels and may increase libido.

Watermelon contains a variety of nutrients like beta carotene and phytonutrients like lycopene (which research incidentally also links to a healthy prostate) and citrulline. Lesser-known citrulline is still being studied to determine its health effects but researchers find that it relaxes blood vessels in the same way Viagra does.

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.”

When citrulline is consumed, it is converted to arginine in the body. Arginine is an amino acid that is well known for its beneficial heart, circulation, and immune system effects. It is also beneficial for obesity and type 2 diabetes. Dr. Patil adds: “Watermelon may not be as organ specific as Viagra but it’s a great way to relax blood vessels without any drug side-effects.”

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Louis O.

5:54AM PDT on May 20, 2013

Love that watermelon :-) even more now)))

May 20
send a green star

Duane B.

11:02AM PDT on May 16, 2013

Thank you for sharing.

May 16
send a green star

holly m.

4:49PM PDT on May 11, 2013

one more reason to love watermelon....

May 11
send a green star

Uddhab K.

10:57PM PDT on May 9, 2013

Thank you.

May 9
send a green star

Jane B.

6:12AM PDT on May 5, 2013

"watermelon may have similar effects as Viagra."

May have? Well, does it or doesn't it? How MUCH watermelon do you have to eat for watermelon to have "similar effects"? Does it take a mountain like that colon blow stuff?