Thanks to their vibrant colors and sweet flavor, watermelons are a symbol of the summer season. However, according to a study released by scientists at Texas A&M University, the fruit also contains ingredients similar to those of Viagra, the drug for erectile dysfunction.
This is due to its citrulline content, a substance capable of relaxing blood vessels. According to the researchers, when watermelon is consumed, citrulline is converted into arginine, an amino acid that, among other things, “boosts nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels, the same basic effect that Viagra has, to treat erectile dysfunction and maybe even prevent it.”
The only problem is that citrulline is found in the highest concentration in the rind of the watermelon. Scientists are currently investigating the possibility of producing new varieties of the fruit with higher concentrations of citrulline in the flesh.
Bhimu Patil, director of the Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center at A&M University: “The more we study watermelons, the more we realize just how amazing a fruit it is in providing natural enhancers to the human body.”
In addition, he pointed out that the list of its benefits lengthens with each study. “Watermelon may not be as organ specific as Viagra, but it’s a great way to relax blood vessels without any drug side-effects,” the expert added.
