By BETSY BLANEY, Associated Press Writer
AP - Friday, July
4
LUBBOCK, Texas - A slice of cool, fresh watermelon is a
juicy way to top off a Fourth of July cookout and one that
researchers say has effects similar to Viagra but don't necessarily
expect it to keep the fireworks going all night long.
Watermelons contain an ingredient called citrulline that can
trigger production of a compound that helps relax the body's blood
vessels, similar to what happens when a man takes Viagra, said
scientists in Texas, one of the nation's top producers of the
seedless variety.
Found in the flesh and rind of watermelons, citrulline reacts
with the body's enzymes when consumed in large quantities and is
changed into arginine, an amino acid that benefits the heart and
the circulatory and immune systems.
"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 Bhimu Patil, a researcher and
director of Texas A&M's Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center.
"Watermelon may not be as organ-specific as Viagra, but it's a
great way to relax blood vessels without any drug side
effects."
Todd Wehner, who studies watermelon breeding at North Carolina
State University, said anyone taking Viagra shouldn't expect the
same result from watermelon.
"It sounds like it would be an effect that would be interesting
but not a substitute for any medical treatment," Wehner said.
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