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Watermelon the new Viagra?

By AJC | Wednesday, July 2, 2008, 07:46 AM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Has the zing gone out of your love life? You might want to try eating a slice of watermelon. Not only is it delicious, but it just might increase your libido.

According to Science Daily, scientists say watermelon has ingredients that deliver Viagra-like effects to the body’s blood vessels.

Here’s a portion of the story from sciencedaily.com:

A cold slice of watermelon has long been a Fourth of July holiday staple. But according to recent studies, the juicy fruit may be better suited for Valentine’s Day. That’s because scientists say watermelon has ingredients that deliver Viagra-like effects to the body’s blood vessels and may even increase libido.

“The more we study watermelons, the more we realize just how amazing a fruit it is in providing natural enhancers to the human body,” said Dr. Bhimu Patil, director of Texas A&M’s Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center in College Station.

“We’ve always known that watermelon is good for you, but the list of its very important healthful benefits grows longer with each study.”

Beneficial ingredients in watermelon and other fruits and vegetables are known as phyto-nutrients, naturally occurring compounds that are bioactive, or able to react with the human body to trigger healthy reactions, Patil said.

In watermelons, these include lycopene, beta carotene and the rising star among its phyto-nutrients - citrulline - whose beneficial functions are now being unraveled. Among them is the ability to relax blood vessels, much like Viagra does.

Scientists know that when watermelon is consumed, citrulline is converted to arginine through certain enzymes. Arginine is an amino acid that works wonders on the heart and circulation system and maintains a good immune system, Patil said.

“The citrulline-arginine relationship helps heart health, the immune system and may prove to be very helpful for those who suffer from obesity and type 2 diabetes,” said Patil. “Arginine boosts nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels, the same basic effect that Viagra has, to treat erectile dysfunction and maybe even prevent it.”

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Comments

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By Marlon

July 2, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this

Thank you, I’ll have two slices. :)

By OILFDSG

July 2, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this

WILL IT HELP A WOMAN’S LIBIDO!!

By OILFDSG

July 2, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this

WILL IT HELP A WOMAN’S LIBIDO!!

By Atlanta Fan

July 2, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this

Does this work for seedless too ?

By gtengineer

July 2, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this

And I always thought it was the blonds in bikinis causing that.

By G Man

July 2, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this

Hmmmm, I am on way to the market now………….

By The Saint

July 2, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

I’m not going to say it, I’m not going to say it…….

By Hayda

July 2, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

Is that a watermelon in your pants or are you happy to see me?

By West Cobb Dad

July 2, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

I still think it’s the blonds in bikinis.

By Jesse

July 2, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this

I told you guys … I told you. That’s why I’m on my way to the market again!

By Harold

July 2, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this

Are you supposed to microwave it to 98.6 F first?

By G-Man

July 2, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

Was this study funded by the powerful Watermelon lobby?

By capt bill

July 2, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

I’m leaving now for Cordele, the watermelon capital of the world. And, Im eating a couple slice on the way back, in case something comes up.

By ace dancer

July 2, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

if you feel the need to put a watermelon in your pants, please place in the front - not the back

By SeeToldYa

July 2, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

Watermelon has not been evaluated and by the FDA and proven…blah, blah, blah.

See, just because natural products have not been tested by the FDA does not mean they cannot be beneficial-it indicates the possibility of profits for Big Pharm is slim. Not to say prescriptions can’t help in some cases, but they should not be the first place we start.

Besides, watermelon does not have side effects such as blurred vision, upset stomach, blah, blah, blah. Thanks for the article!

By Colin

July 2, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

Can anyone explain why there isn’t watermelon juice on the shelves?

By Hmmmmm

July 2, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

Finally an article that’s important. Can you buy a futures contract for watermelon….

By Barrett

July 2, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this

This just in…..fruit is good for you.

By Hmmmmm

July 2, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

This was Bill Clinton’s last bill in office. I guess to make Hillary happy, and all the interns…

By No spin here

July 2, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

For any erections that last over four hours, see the produce manager.

By GoBraves21

July 2, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

My to-be father-in-law is a watermelon farmer! I win.

By That's what I am talkin about!

July 2, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

And the good thing about watermelon is that you don’t have to call your doctor if you have an erection that lasts for more than 4 hours!!

By Dark Knight

July 2, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

Thanks, but no thanks. My ahem member works just fine without any additives or drugs. My father is Nigerian and I was blessed to receive his families genes down below the belt line if you know what I mean.

By Dark Knight

July 2, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

By Drunken Yellowjackets?

July 2, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

It’s even more effective if you spike it with vodka first!

By Drunken Melon

July 2, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

It’s even more effective if you spike it with vodka first!

By davil

July 2, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

Folks in Charkey Cownty has been using prunes for years.

By MeaneyMouse

July 2, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

Ok…so how many watermelons do I have to eat b4 the viagra effect kick in. I’ve eaten 2in 1hour and the only thing thats gotten hard is my stomach. What’s up with that?

By MeaneyMouse

July 2, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Ok…so how many watermelons do I have to eat b4 the viagra effect kick in. I’ve eaten 2in 1hour and the only thing thats gotten hard is my stomach. What’s up with that?

By That's what I am talkin about

July 2, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

It’s perfectly acceptable to have the seeds in your mouth too! Does it work even better if you eat the rind?

By MeaneyMouse

July 2, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

Ok…so how many watermelons do I have to eat b4 the viagra effect kick in. I’ve eaten 2in 1hour and the only thing thats gotten hard is my stomach. What’s up with that?

By davil

July 2, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

Folks in Charkey Cownty has been using prunes for years.

By J.D.

July 2, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

My friends tell me I’d be wasting my time taking anything like that because I’d only get taller.

I think I need new friends…

By diehard melon fan

July 2, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

watermelon juice?????????? (light bulbs goes off……. run to the US PATENT office)

By Chris

July 2, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

Farm boys have known this for years, I say.

By Kevin

July 2, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this

Tell yor Doctor about watermelon.

By Brent

July 2, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

I am renting a truck and heading to Cordele, GA to corner the market on Watermelons.

By bubbaHump3D

July 2, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

You can grow watermelon in your back yard, just eat a slice and spit out the seeds. Cover them with a bit of dirt and in no time more bang, bamn,bang, bang, bank and whopeeee, yeee pheeee!!

By Brokeback Catchcan Man

July 2, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this