No Money for Viagra? Try Eating Watermelons

According to researchers, watermelon may be much more beneficial than originally thought. Though the fruit is 92% water, the other 8% is rich with nutrients that benefit the heart, immune system, and even sexual function. Dr. Bhimu Patil of Texas A&M's Food Improvement Center explains that watermelon contains a compound called citrulline, which can act like the drug Viagra when it enters the body.

Enzymes convert the citrulline into the amino acid arginine. Arginine in turn increases the quantity of nitric oxide in the bloodstream, thereby relaxing blood vessels and increasing blood flow throughout the body. Viagra does the same thing, but specifically targets particular organs. This effect also makes watermelon a healty choice for those with high blood pressure, angina, and other heart problems.

In addition to this, watermelon contains higher levels of lycopene, an important anti-oxidant for the skin, heart, and prostate, than tomatoes, which were originally thought to be the best source of lycopene.