Viagra in Fruit Form - Watermelon is a Natural Aphrodisiac

Oh, that juicy, pink flesh. The cool, smooth, sweet smell of the skin. It looks so enticing as it drips from those refined fingertips. Mmm, watermelon. Look no further than the produce section if lust is on the shopping list. New studies show that watermelon can have the same blood flow benefits as the wildly popular erectile dysfunction drug Viagra. Bypass the chocolate covered strawberries and bring home some watermelon if it's romance you seek. Watermelon is a natural aphrodisiac.

How Does it Work?
Watermelon contains an ingredient called citrulline. Citrulline reacts with enzymes to trigger the body's release of a chemical called arginine. The result of increased arginine levels is relaxed blood vessels, scientists at Texas A&M say the effect is similar Viagra.

While citrulline is found in all parts of the watermelon, the rind is 60 percent richer in the ingredient. And even higher doses are found in yellow-fleshed watermelons.

Before you decide to nix the melon at the company picnic this summer, realize that watermelon doesn't work exactly like Viagra. It isn't organ specific like the prescription drug is. But watermelon is a tasty and refreshing way to invigorate circulation without any drug side effects.

Other Uses
A U.S. Department of Agriculture study corroborates the claims saying watermelon can also help with angina, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems. It's a fantastic homeopathic supplement to medical treatment.

Side Effects
It would take a lot of watermelon to increase the body's level of arginine, about six cups worth. And watermelon has a bit of a diuretic effect, not to mention all that water that might have a person running to the loo more frequently. Watermelon is also high in sugar which could affect those with blood sugar issues.

Did you know?
Watermelon was a homeopathic treatment for people with kidney problems before dialysis became widely available.
In the early twentieth century, researcher C. Fred Andrus developed the first oblong, stackable watermelon. Before that, watermelons were round and prone to cracks and bruises during shipping.
Watermelons are native to the Kalahari Desert in Africa. They were first brought to North America aboard slave ships.
Because watermelons are so fragile, they can only be harvested by hand.