MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Surprise, surprise: when in summer try watermelons

Apparently watermelons are rich in Citrulline, according to Texas A&M

A juicy slice of watermelon may be more than just delicious; it could be the answer to problems with erectile dysfunction, or ED. The idea of eating watermelons for erectile dysfunction treatment might sound absurd but it is a reality according to latest medical reports from the US.

Researchers at Texas A&M University recently found that watermelon is rich with an amino acid called citrulline, which dilates and relaxes the blood vessels like Viagra and other drugs used to treat ED. Previously, scientists believed that most of the citrulline in watermelon was in the rind but new studies have proven otherwise.

So what can eating watermelons do for ED and how does it work?

When citrulline is consumed, it converts to the amino acid arginine. This in turn increases the levels of nitric oxide in the blood. Nitric oxide helps to dilate and relax the blood vessels.

Nevertheless there are still plenty of question marks surrounding the consumption of watermelons for ED treatment. Scientists still aren't sure how much watermelon one would need to consume in order to be effective in treating ED.

Scientists do know that a four ounce serving of watermelon contains 150mg of citrulline but in order to achieve Viagra-like effects no one knows how much citrulline needs to be consumed.

Some respected members of the medical community scoff at the idea of eating watermelons for ED treatment. According to them, the vast majority of men who suffer from ED are not deficient in arginine and nothing proves that eating watermelons rich in citrulline will improve penile dysfunction.

Bhimu Patil, the director of the lab that conducted the studies, says that regular watermelon consumption may prevent ED. Another benefit of regular watermelon consumption is that it can lower your blood pressure.

Perhaps it is premature to say that watermelon is effective for ED treatment but it doesn't hurt to try either way. Watermelon is rich in potassium, lycopene, and beta-carotene and it is low in calories.