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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.
You can eat great and still lose weight! Join eDiets for delicious recipes that will make slimming down simple.
Labels: food, health, news, relationships
Comment by 
said... - Monday, August 18, 2008 11:04:00 AM
Although citrulline may have viagra-like components, I would not think it could ever be beneficial for type 2 diabetes since watermelon (with or without the citrulline) has the highest glycemic index of any fruit and should be limited if not avoided by those with diabates. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Comment by said... - Thursday, August 21, 2008 8:35:00 AM
What do you mean by "You can't loose . . . "? Do you imply weight loss or that there is nothing to loose but everything to gain?
Comment by said... - Thursday, October 16, 2008 8:51:00 AM
I believe you have to eat the rind of the watermelon for the viagra effect.
Comment by said... - Monday, October 20, 2008 1:50:00 AM
Duh, anonymous, their using a conclusion with a little humor, "either way you can't loose" it means you have nothing to loose and everything to gain. In general eating all fruits and veggies (other than corn and potatoes) you can't loose and eating tons of these kinds of foods vs. snacks and junk food is a much better option.
Comment by said... - Thursday, February 19, 2009 1:53:00 PM
Thank you... That drives me crazy! Some one calling another person dumb ass while being one themselves. "Loose" and "lose" shouldn't be that difficult to mix up.
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