WATERMELON JUICE – NONCHEMICAL VIAGRA?

Watermelon is one of my all-time favourite summer fruits and I was pleased to discover that apart from its great taste and nutritional benefits it has some additional ‘super-powers’ that can give us men a little boot (not that it’s necessary) between the sheets.  And I don’t mean as an accessory, although I’ve heard stories before….

It appears that watermelon juice can have some Viagra™-like effects.  Italian scientists found that watermelon juice can benefit men suffering from mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. The findings were published in the journal Urology[1].

The scientists stipulated that an amino acid (L-citrulline) in high concentration which is found in watermelon juice works to improve blood flow to the penis without any harsh side effects commonly seen in medications aimed to do the same job.

The researchers witnessed the effects of the amino acid in supplement form in men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. Twenty-four men over the age of 57 who had low scores on the Erection Hardness Score (EHS) took part in the study (excluding the scientists, I suppose :)). As you’d expect from standard experimental protocols, some of the men received a placebo whilst the others received a supplement with L-citrulline.

During the study period, the men’s EHS scores were re-evaluated, along with number of monthly sexual encounters, treatment satisfaction, and any adverse effects experienced. L-citrulline is known for increasing blood flow by dilating blood vessels in similar fashion as Viagra™.

There were significant increases in the EHS scale for the men taking L-citrulline. Furthermore, intercourse number per month increased as well (why am I not surprised? :)).

The researchers concluded, “Although less effective than phosphodiesterase type-5 enzyme inhibitors, at least in the short term, L-citrulline supplementation has been proved to be safe and psychologically well accepted by patients.”

You would be aware that many men do not opt for Viagra™ due to cost and side effects, so finding a natural alternative (in this case watermelon) brings a large relief for those men living with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction.

Previous research also found that ingredients in watermelon also work to boost libido, so even more reason to consume watermelon regularly.

[1] Urology. 2011 Jan;77(1):119-22. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2010.08.028.