Watermelon is one of Americans’ most-loved summer fruits and a longtime favorite at picnics and cookouts. New research from the Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center at Texas A&M University might make you wish you had filled up on watermelon at your Fourth of July barbecue instead of feasting on chocolate cake. An amino acid found in watermelon is being touted as a natural remedy for erectile dysfunction. I’ve looked at the evidence to help you decide if the claims are a true solution or just another eye-catching headline.
Watermelon and Erectile Dysfunction
Food scientists have known for some time that watermelon is rich in the amino acid, citrulline. Until recently, however, it was believed that most of the citrulline was found in the largely inedible rind of the melon. New research now indicates that the deep rosy flesh of the watermelon also contains high levels of citrulline.
What is so special about this particular amino acid? Citrulline is automatically converted to arginine, another amino acid, by the body. Arginine, in turn, has a positive impact on nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide is critical because it causes blood vessels to relax and dilate, which is necessary for achieving erection.
While virtually no one disputes arginine’s role in proper erectile functioning, some authorities on sexual medicine aren’t convinced that the general public with ED issues should rush out and consume huge amounts of watermelon. Furthermore, no one yet knows how much watermelon it would take to produce levels of arginine that would possibly have any impact on ED.
Even though research on arginine has been done before, new studies are now coming forward with more scientific data on citrulline and ED with the hopes that it would improve vascular flow in people with heart disease. Nutrition, people who drank 8 ounces of watermelon juice everyday saw only an 11% increase in arginine levels. While we don’t yet know how much watermelon it would take to treat ED, the amino acid citrulline is crucial for healthy erectile function.
Health Benefits of Watermelon
While eating watermelon may or may not be the next line of defense for ED, it is a highly nutritious and beneficial food. Aside from being sweet and refreshing, watermelon is low in calories. Having a slice or two of watermelon for dessert instead of sugary treats will help your weight loss effort.
Watermelon is rich in vitamins and antioxidants besides citrulline. It contains 24% of your daily vitamin C requirement and 11% of your vitamin A needs. The vitamin A is in the form of beta-carotene, which has been proven to decrease your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Studies also show that vitamin C and beta-carotene may reduce the risk of heart disease and colon cancer, and alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Lycopene, another antioxidant also found in tomatoes, has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases. All these nutrients fight free radicals, the substances in the environment that cause inflammation, cholesterol build up and other health problems.
New medical findings such as this suggest that many potential benefits of foods are waiting to be discovered. Though more research is needed to determine whether or not watermelon is a true solution for ED, and in what quantity, I am convinced that eating watermelon is a smart move for your health. Whether you hope to give your libido a boost or fight disease, feasting on this delicious food certainly cannot hurt.
