Scientists say they have discovered that watermelons have a similar effect than the drug Viagra but without the negative side effects. Watermelons have an ingredient called citrulline which can cause the production of a compound that helps relax the body's blood vessels, similar to what happens when a man takes Viagra, said scientists based in Texas.
Citrulline is found in the flesh and the rind of the fruit and turns into arginine when it reacts with enzymes of the body.
Bhimu Patil, a researcher and director of Texas A&M's Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center, where the study took place, said watermelons might not be as organ-specific as Viagra, but theyt can be still helpful in dealing with erectile dysfunction problems.
"Arginine boosts nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels, the same basic effect that Viagra has, to treat erectile dysfunction and maybe even prevent it," said Patil.
Based on the study, which was financed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the nitric oxide can also help with heart disease, angina, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems.
The greatest amount of citrulline is found in the yellow-fleshed watermelons, while the fruit's rind is also richer in this compound. It takes about six cups of watermelon to increase the level of arginine in order to achieve the beneficial effect.
Watermelon has a diuretic effect and has been used in the past as a natural treatment for people suffering from kidney problems.
Watermelons might also be helpful to those suffering from type-2 diabetes. Lower amounts of citrulline are also found in cucumbers and cantaloupe and in the milk casein. The greatest amounts of citrulline are found in walnut seedlings, but typically they are too bitter for human consumption.
Worldwide, there are over 1,200 varieties of watermelon. About 200-300 varieties are grown in the U.S. and Mexico, although there are about 50 varieties that are very popular.
Organic seedless and seeded watermelons can be grown without the use of agricultural chemicals. Compared to many other fruit and vegetable crops, watermelons are not heavily attacked by either insects or diseases. Weeds can be controlled by mechanical cultivation, by the use of natural mulches or by the use of biodegradable plastic mulch. Soil fertility for watermelon crops can be increased by additions of compost, animal manure, green manure cover crops and other natural fertilizers.