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Watermelon, You Don't
| Been shy about testing Viagra. Try watermelon instead. A Texas scientist says the fruit contains bioactive compounds that relax blood vessels, much like Viagra.
“The more we study watermelons, the more we realize just how amazing a fruit it is in providing natural enhancers to the human body,” says 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.” According to scientists, the phyto-nutrient, citrulline, in watermelon is converted to arginine in the body. “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. Arginine boosts nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels, the same basic effect that Viagra has, to treat erectile dysfunction and maybe even prevent it.” “Watermelon may not be as organ specific as Viagra,” Patil said, “but it’s a great way to relax blood vessels without any drug side-effects.” |
