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Watermelon yields Viagra-like effect 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. Watermelon contains 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 watermelon. 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." Todd Wehner, who studies watermelon breeding at North Carolina State University, said anyone taking Viagra shouldn't expect quite the same result from watermelon. "It sounds interesting, but it's not a substitute for medical treatment," Wehner said. The nitric oxide can also help with angina, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems, according to the study, which was paid for by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. More citrulline - about 60 percent more - is found in watermelon rind rather 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. 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, Okla. 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 a lot," Perkins-Veazie said. Watermelon is famed for its diuretic effect. Another issue is the amount of sugar that much watermelon would spill into the bloodstream - a jolt that could cause cramping, Perkins-Veazie said. Patil said he would like to do future studies on how to reduce the sugar content in watermelon. The relationship between citrulline and arginine might also prove helpful to those who are obese or suffer from type-2 diabetes. The beneficial effects - among them the ability to relax blood vessels, much like Viagra does - are beginning to be revealed in research. Dr. Cinque's comments: Reduce the sugar content of watermelon? What an idiot! Just eat less of it, for goodness sake, if you're worried about the sugar. But don't be purposely cultivating bland watermelons. There's plenty enough bland ones that come along all by themselves. Not every watermelon is a winner, as I'm sure you'll agree. Moreover, watermelon really is not that high in sugar anyway. If you check the USDA tables, you will find out that watermelon has a total sugar content in the 7 percent range. Guess what: that's less than grapefruit! And it's much less than apples, oranges, grapes, etc. Watermelon tastes sweeter than it actually is. And regarding the alleged Viagra-like effect, I don't know anything about it, but if it will get men to eat more watermelon, then I say: let the legend grow! It's for certain that men will be doing their sex lives some good by protecting their prostates with the lycopene from watermelon anyway. But as far as food sources of arginine go, the all-time king is the family of nuts. Nuts are the highest dietary source of arginine, bar none. So, eat your nuts, boys, for they'll make a man out of you. E-mail to a friend Previous Article Next Article |
