Finally, an explanation for watermelon’s popularity
Wednesday, July 1st, 2009
It’s sweet, lowers blood pressure and gives us erections:
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 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.
(Photo courtesy of Drinks 2 Drink)
