The Fourth of July holiday celebration is now over and we’re entering the dog days of summer. Watermelon offers a cool and refreshing break from the summer heat. However, research shows that the succulent fruit may also heat up your libido. According to sciencedaily.com, scientists found that watermelon has ingredients that “deliver Viagra-like effects to the body’s blood vessels and may even increase libido.”
Dr. Bhimu Patil, director of Texas A&M’s Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center in College Station said that watermelon contains citrulline – whose beneficial functions are now being unraveled – which gives the body the ability to relax blood vessels, much like Viagra does.
“Scientists know that when watermelon is consumed, citrulline is converted to arginine through certain enzymes. Arginine is an amino acid that works wonders on the heart and circulation system and maintains a good immune system,” Patil said. “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.”
So conduct your own summertime experiment. Cool down and hydrate with healthy slices of watermelon and judge for yourself the added hot benefits.
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