... after scientists determine that it might just... well... seed the sex life.... so to speak:
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.
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."
AARP soon to decry the shortage of watermelons in Florida.
Trust me on this.
And a happy Fourth of July to you and all the readers of BH, Rick!!!
Posted by: Tim Chesterton | Friday, July 04, 2008 at 12:34 AM
Well the price of watermelon is already ridiculous and has been for about two years now. Watermelons are going for between $6 $9 apiece. And they aren't even the long one's that we use to get. now they have these round basketball shaped melon and ones that are not much bigger than a large cantaloupe. And they are asking $5 apiece for those.
So I guess that Viagra might be cheaper.
Posted by: Locutisprime | Saturday, July 05, 2008 at 01:00 AM
On the farm, we grew lots of watermelons and every farmer had mucho kids. Now, I know the relationship between watermelons and kids. Ain't life wonderful?
Posted by: arejaymack | Saturday, July 05, 2008 at 03:54 PM
LOL. That is what I said on the 2nd of July here. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/855201/watermelon_will_rise_and_not_just_in.html
Posted by: Matthew Kee | Wednesday, July 09, 2008 at 11:41 PM