During mid-2008, Texas A&M University conducted a study on watermelon, and what they found was that watermelon contained certain components that can deliver a Viagra-Like effect. It enhances the body's blood circulation and increases semen production.
Dr. Bhimu Patil, Texas A&M's Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center (Director). Image courtesy of Texas A&M University
Watermelon is a delicious and thirst-quenching fruit.
Today, it is known to the man as nature's Viagra due to its property to enhance sex drive as a result of enhanced blood flow.
The research had been featured on various online news outlets like ScienceDaily.com and The Telegraph.
Dr. Bhimu Patil added;
We’ve always known that watermelon is good for you, but the list of its very important healthful benefits grows longer with each study.
Additionally, later studies performed proved that watermelon has a long list of health benefits to offer such as improving heart health, and weight control pointed this article.
Even the USDA conducted a research for it and found numerous health benefits it offers to those who consume it regularly.
We think there are a lot of potential uses for watermelon that are just beginning to be explored,” says Perkins-Veazie. “It can be a so-called functional food—one that can help prevent certain diseases.
What Makes The Watermelon An Aphrodisiac
The bioactive and naturally occurring compounds in watermelon called phytonutrients provide incredible health benefits to the body.
In fact, many of these phytonutrients can be found other fruits and vegetables, as well. Watermelon contains beta-carotene, lycopene, and citrulline which is the potent phytonutrient discovered lately.
Citrulline is a kind of phytonutrient that has the ability to relax the blood vessels in the entire body, including those blood vessels found in the penis. It offers the same effect as Viagra can.
About 60 percent of citrulline is found in the peel of watermelon, although this can vary. All watermelon colors contain citrulline. On the other hand, yellow-fleshed types watermelons have a higher concentration citrulline in the flesh.
It is suggested to consume 6 cups of watermelon to achieve the enough amount of citrulline to increase arginine level in the body. The one disadvantage of consuming a lot of watermelons will result to frequent visit to the bathroom.
How Watermelon Achieves The Viagra-Like Effect
The goal of achieving a Viagra-like effect is to address the issue of erectile dysfunction or impotency. Although, there are many factors affecting impotency, increasing the Nitric Oxide(NO) can have a substantial help in improving blood flow.
Additionally, this would also help in treating high blood pressure, certain cardiovascular problems, and angina.
Upon the consumption of watermelon, its citrulline content is converted to arginine by certain enzymes in the body. Arginine is one type of amino acid that is beneficial to the heart, the body's circulatory system and boosts the body's immune system.
The connection between citrulline and arginine helps maintain the health of the heart as well as beneficial to those who suffer from Type-2 diabetes and obesity.
It is the arginine that boosts the nitric oxide level in the body. When this happens, it relaxes the blood vessels improving blood circulation achieving the same effect just as Viagra.
This process helps treat and prevent erectile dysfunction. Moreover, arginine helps the cycle of urea. It removes the toxic compounds such as ammonia in the body.
Eating Watermelon Prior To Sex
It may not be comfortable to eat a lot of watermelons prior to having sex. However, having to eat it from time to time along with other aphrodisiac foods can help maintain the level of necessary nutrients in the body to achieve better sex drive.
In addition, male enhancement supplement like Male Extra pill now contains arginine. This means that a supplement can be taken in order to boost arginine level and nitric oxide.
In 2011, a study shown that oral L-citrulline supplementation has been helpful and effective on men with mild erectile dysfunction. Although it was not as effective as the PDE-5 medications like Viagra, L-Citrulline had no side effects.
When combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle, it could be an appropriate long-term solution for erection issues as well as improve sexual and cardiovascular health.