Watermelon Viagra: A Natural Connection
The refreshing watermelon fruit is full of vitamins and nutrients which may also have a "Viagra-like effect on blood vessels," according to researchers from Texas A&M. This claim is also backed up by Science Daily.
Watermelon Viagra: A Natural Connection
The nutrients in watermelon can "deliver Viagra-like effects to the body's blood vessels and may even increase libido," according to Science Daily.
"Watermelon may not be as organ-specific as Viagra," said Bhimu Patil, director of Texas A&M's Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center, according to Science Daily. "But it's a great way to relax blood vessels without any drug side-effects."
There are three photo-nutrients which are delivering these healthy effects: lycopene, beta carotene and citrulline.
The Watermelon Viagra Nutrients
There are certain nutrients in watermelon that make it healthy and can help enhance libido. One of those nutrients is citrulline, according to the Texas A&M researchers. The citrulline is contained in the rind, which is considered inedible my most people.
How Does Watermelon Viagra Work?
The connection is being made between watermelon and Viagra because of the watermelon's citrulline. The citrulline actually relaxes blood vessels in the body, the same way Viagra does, according to Science Daily.
The process is slightly complicated, and includes the ability of cirtrulline to create arginine, which helps remove ammonia from the body, according World's Healthiest Foods.
Citrulline
In addition to relaxing blood vessels, the citrullline is also known to promote energy.
Beta Carotene
Another healthy phyto-nutrient in watermelon is Beta Carotene. Beta carotene can also be found in red peppers, carrots, paprika, grape leaves, chili powder, and sweet potatoes, according to a query on Nutrition Data.
Lycopene
Lycopene can be found in watermelon and in other fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, rose hips, guavas, grapefruits and persimmons.
Sources
AJC, "Watermelon the new Viagra?"http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/accessatlanta/chatter/entries/2008/07/02/watermelon_the.html
Nutrition Data, http://www.nutritiondata.com
Science Daily, http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080630165707.htm
Science Daily, "Want Citrulline? Try Watermelon," http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070814185634.htm
Science Daily, "Watermelon May Have Viagra-effect," http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080630165707.htm
World's Healthiest Foods, Watermelon, http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=31#healthbenefits
Published by Pam Gaulin - Featured Contributor in Arts & Entertainment and Lifestyle
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