A slice of cool, fresh watermelon is a juicy way to top off a summer cookout and one that researchers say has effects similar to Viagra - but don't necessarily expect it to keep the fireworks 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. "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.
Archive for Monday, July 7, 2008
Scientists: Watermelon yields Viagra-like effects
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Daytrader23 (anonymous) says…
Natural foods do the same thing as chemically made up pills?My God, who would have ever thought such a thing. Ask your doctor if fruits and vegetables are right for you.Side effects may include longer life, more energy and a smaller waistline.