Avis Ward

According to Scientists: Watermelon Offers Viagara-like Effects



Posted: Friday, July 04, 2008

by Avis Ward
GeoVi's Home for Pregnant Teens

On July 3rd, scientist reported a new benefit provided by watermelon. A slice of cool, fresh watermelon is a juicy way to top off a Fourth of July cookout and one that researchers say has effects similar to Viagra - but don't necessarily expect it to keep the fireworks going all night long.

Watermelons contain an ingredient called citrulline that can trigger production of a compound that helps relax the body's blood vessels, similar to what happens when a man takes Viagra, said scientists in Texas, one of the nation's top producers of the seedless variety.

Found in the flesh and rind of watermelons, citrulline reacts with the body's enzymes when consumed in large quantities and is changed into arginine, an amino acid that benefits the heart and the circulatory and immune systems.

You can read more about the Healthful Benefits of Watermelon in an article I wrote last summer. But perhaps, for now, you'd like to know more about how watermelon can assist with erectile dysfunction.

"Arginine boosts nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels, the same basic effect that Viagra has, to treat erectile dysfunction and maybe even prevent it," said Bhimu Patil, a researcher and director of Texas A&M's Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center. "Watermelon may not be as organ-specific as Viagra, but it's a great way to relax blood vessels without any drug side effects." More citrulline - about 60 percent - is found in watermelon rind than in the flesh, Patil said, but that can vary. But scientists may be able to find ways to boost the concentrations in the flesh, he said. If you note in the article last summer, there is a recipe given for using the watermelon rind. 

What kind of watermelon is filled with the highest levels of citrulline? Citrulline is found in all colors of watermelon and is highest in the yellow-fleshed types, said Penelope Perkins-Veazie, a USDA researcher in Lane, Oklahoma. She said Patil's research is valid, but with a caveat: One would need to eat about six cups of watermelon to get enough citrulline to boost the body's arginine level. "The problem you have when you eat a lot of watermelon is you tend to run to the bathroom more," Perkins-Veazie said. Watermelon is a diuretic and was a homeopathic treatment for kidney patients before dialysis became widespread.

 
Since Monday, I have enjoyed watermelon throughout the day, into the night. I can vouch for its diuretic capabilities. You won't get me to say anything related to these latest findings. But I will say, "I told you so!" Watermelon is a very delicious and nutrient-rich fruit. Now, there are additional benefits to help watermelon growers around the world!
 
by Avis Ward
 
AP Medical provided information for this article.
 
Avis is founder of El Elyon Outpouring Center, an Empowerment Outreach Ministry emphasizing God’s Unconditional Love and Grace and GeoVi’s Home for New Life, a nonprofit providing faith, hope, and love to teens, pregnant teens and their babies. She's CEO of Providential Coaching, a Christian Life coaching practice teaching young women how-to turn within for divine direction to learn and follow the plan God has for their lives. She's the host and creator of Devoted Housewives in the House of God, an Internet Radio Talk Show. Speaker, Seminar Leader and an Ambassador of Love. Avis respectfully acknowledges her deceased parents as her role models, and the hero and heroine in her life.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by straight talk
 3 years 304 days ago.
112 fans. Follow straight talk on twitter!
Wow while trying to maintain my innocence and being polite as an older Italian guy that didn't dawn on me as necessary but now that you have made me aware I went and took your advice and went out and purchased a watermelon farm, just in case. With all the best regards, Robert.[ Wink] I hope you are smiling?
» left by Avis Ward 3 years 304 days ago.
132 fans.
Robert, I'm not only smiling, but laughing and blushing. Being the polite mature black gal that I am, it didn't dawn on me an older Italian guy would go out and buy the whole watermelon farm! *smacking self* But of course, who else but an Italian guy?!? *wink back* I 'know' you are laughing, yes? Thanks for the laughs and your time, my friend. Sending my very best back to you. -Avis
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