Home > The M.O. > Archives > 2008 > July > 03 > Entry
Fruit as Viagra?
Fourth of July parties may get a lot more exciting this year. According to researchers, Watermelons, a staple among picnickers and barbecue enthusiasts during the summer, contain an ingredient called citrulline, that may have similar effects to the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra.
Apparently “citrulline reacts with the body’s enzymes when consumed in large quantities and is changed into arginine,” which relaxes the body’s blood vessels, much the way Viagara does, according to scientists in Texas, says this AP story.
From the article:
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. “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.”
But don’t expect to eat a slice of Watermelon and then sit back and wait for the proverbial fireworks. According to USDA researcher Penelope Perkins-Veazie, one would have to eat about six cups of the fruit to get enough citrulline to get the body’s arginine level to get the desired effect. That’s a lot of watermelon. And, as its name implies, watermelon has a very high water content, so even if you slugged down a whole watermelon, you may find yourself in the bathroom more often than the bedroom.
According to the article, “citrulline is found in all colors of watermelon and is highest in the yellow-fleshed types.” So, if you’re bored on this Fourth of July weekend, head over to the grocery and watch a bunch of 50-somethings fight to the death over yellow-fleshed watermelons.
Of course, beyond the elusive enhancement, the study reveals there may actually be some health benefits associated with relationship between citrulline and arginine, such a reduction of blood pressure and an agent to fight diabetes.
Yea, yea, yea.
Viva watermelon!
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Comments
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By adi
July 3, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
citrulline’s tight
By adi
July 3, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
nice
By Brandon
July 3, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
The Luling Watermelon thump is going to be insane this year.
By QuityyZyttt
February 17, 2009 5:28 AM | Link to this
My happy face! :)