You can’t make this stuff up. According to researchers at Texas A&M University, watermelon has chemical properties similar to Viagra.
Here’s what you need to know: Watermelons contain lycopene, beta carotene and citrulline. Those first two are just all-around good for you. But the third chemical property, citrulline, is converted in the body to arginine, which boosts nitric oxide and relaxes blood vessels, which leads to, well, you know.
So forget about that little blue pill. Instead, head over to the produce aisle and grab a couple of melons!
Following is the article:
COLLEGE STATION – A cold slice of watermelon has long been a Fourth of July holiday staple. But according to recent studies, the juicy fruit may be better suited for Valentine’s Day.
That’s because scientists say watermelon has ingredients that deliver Viagra-like effects to the body’s blood vessels and may even increase libido.
“The more we study watermelons, the more we realize just how amazing a fruit it is in providing natural enhancers to the human body,” said Dr. Bhimu Patil, director of Texas A&M’s Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center in College Station.
“We’ve always known that watermelon is good for you, but the list of its very important healthful benefits grows longer with each study.”
Beneficial ingredients in watermelon and other fruits and vegetables are known as phyto-nutrients, naturally occurring compounds that are bioactive, or able to react with the human body to trigger healthy reactions, Patil said.
In watermelons, these include lycopene, beta carotene and the rising star among its phyto-nutrients – citrulline – whose beneficial functions are now being unraveled. Among them is the ability to relax blood vessels, much like Viagra does.
Scientists know that when watermelon is consumed, citrulline is converted to arginine through certain enzymes. Arginine is an amino acid that works wonders on the heart and circulation system and maintains a good immune system, Patil said.
“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,” said Patil. “Arginine boosts nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels, the same basic effect that Viagra has, to treat erectile dysfunction and maybe even prevent it.”
While there are many psychological and physiological problems that can cause impotence, extra nitric oxide could help those who need increased blood flow, which would also help treat angina, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems.
“Watermelon may not be as organ specific as Viagra,” Patil said, “but it’s a great way to relax blood vessels without any drug side-effects.”
The benefits of watermelon don’t end there, he said. Arginine also helps the urea cycle by removing ammonia and other toxic compounds from our bodies.
Source: here
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HUH!
you find the most interesting things
Miz.
That is truly interesting. I always thought that watermelon had little nutritional value. Ginseng can have a noticeable effect on a man’s libido as well- this is not just based on claims made by “chinese medicine”, but based on personal experience.
PS- I wrote a short bit about your earlier cancer post, and linked it back here.
Cheers, keep up the good work!
In high school, I can remember eating watermelon after football practice. A food fight usually ensued on the practice field, with much of the fruit strewn all over the place. Little did we know!
After reading my post today, you should see the look in my wife’s eyes as I eat watermelon in the kitchen.
Who would’ve ever thunk?
Sly,
Thank you for the write up! It is much appreciated.
Have a good day!