Scrap the Viagra…Eat Watermelon

We love eating fresh and cool watermelon…especially during the summer months. The taste is great, the hydration is necessary, and the seed spitting contests are just down right out of control.

New research suggests that watermelon can actually do more than just hydrate and satsify cravings…it can have effects that are similar to the popular men’s supplement viagra.

And How is THAT?

Watermelon contains citrulline, which is an ingredient that helps to relax blood vessels while hydrating all at the same time. This is a similar effect to viagra and can react with the body’s enzymes when consumed in large doses.

The more watermelon consumed, the more arginine is created. Arginine is an amino acid that promotes a healthy heart as well as cicrulatory and immune system function. It contributes to the production of nitric oxide.

Researcher Bhimu Patil states the already known fact that “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.”

That Sounds Great…Now What?

Well don’t go calling your doctor and pharmacy just yet to cancel your viagra prescription. It probably won’t completely react as well as viagra (depending on the dosage) and you may want to test the waters a bit first.

It’s certainly in interesting concept and definitely something you’ll want to try out when you get home from work tonight, but it’s not a substitute for medical treatment.

Other Interesting Facts

You may want to know a few of these other ideas so you’ll be smiling while you ponder and eat your watermelon simultaneously during the hot summer months:

1) nitric oxide lowers blood pressure and promotes heart health
2) citrulline is found in both the rind and flesh of watermelon
3) citrulline is the highest in yellow-flesh watermelon
4) eat six cups of watermelon for full benefits of arginine
5) watermelon is a diuretic (keeps sodium low and body-water regulated)
6) natural sugar in watermelon helps the viagra-like effects

Where Else Can I Get Citrulline?

Citrulline can be found in other similar food group items such as cucumbers, cantaloupe, and casein style proteins…but it’s not as abundant as it is in watermelons; so eat up big boy!

So the only question left to ask is: “Who’s eating watermelon tonight?”