Diet & Fitness Blog

I've always liked watermelon for a number of reasons:

-- It's loaded with nutrients (vitamins A and C, lycopene)
-- It's low in calories and it's mostly water.

And now, I can add another reason to my list:

-- The fruit's Viagra-like effects on the body (Step aside, oysters.)

According to new research from Texas A&M's Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center, an ingredient in watermelon can lead to a spike in the body's levels of nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow -- similar to the effects of the famous blue pill. Citrulline, the ingredient, is found mostly in the watermelon's rind and converts into the amino acid arginine, benefitting the circulatory system.

But, before you buy all the watermelons at your local grocery store, consider this: You'd need to eat about six cups of the fruit before you see -- or feel -- any effects. With watermelon being mainly made up of water, you'll probably spend a lot more time in the bathroom than in the bedroom.

That's no reason to give up on watermelon, though: It's still a diet-friendly treat for those hot summer days ahead of us. Plus, research shows that citrulline might prove helpful for people suffering from Type 2 diabetes. The ingredient can also be found in other fruits such as cantaloupes and cucumbers, but at much lower levels.

Ultimately, you can't lose with watermelon. However, I wouldn't give your loved one a watermelon as an anniversary gift. Trust me -- it's not very romantic.

Think the research is far-fetched? Have you tried it? Share your thoughts below by leaving a comment!

Labels: food, health, news, relationships

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