Watermelon is a supersized relative of the cucumber with an exciting reputation. Is watermelon aphrodisiac?
Unlike most of the foods featured on this site, watermelon does not have a long history as an aphrodisiac food. The closest notion we really have to linking watermelon with sexual arousal is this tantalizing quote by Mark Twain in reference to the pink-fleshed fruit, “It is chief of this world’s luxuries, king by grace of God over all the fruits of the earth. When one has tasted it, he knows what the angels eat.”
And true, we don’t really envision angels as partaking in pursuits of the flesh but the thought that watermelon is among the world’s greatest luxuries elevates the fruit to the status of such aphrodisiacs as caviar and truffles.
I can’t help wondering what Mr. Twain would have thought if he were still alive to hear that watermelon may function as nature’s little blue pill.
The benefits of watermelon sexually
In the summer of 2008, a research discovery pointed to the benefits of watermelon as a possible key to sexual fulfillment.
Dr. Bhimu Patil and the Texas A&M’s Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center specifically studied one of watermelon’s phytonutrients, citrulline. Thanks to Dr. Patil we now know that citrulline, like a popular erectile dysfunction medication, has the power to relax blood vessels and potentially treat erectile dysfunction.
RELATED: Watermelon is One of the 10 Best Foods for Men’s Sexual Health
Is watermelon good for impotence or erectile dysfunction?
The body converts citrulline to L-arginine, which, as Dr. Patil explains, “boosts nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels, the same basic effect that an erectile dysfunction pill has, to treat erectile dysfunction and maybe even prevent it.”
In other words, by relaxing blood vessels naturally, watermelon potentially can increase blood flow to the penis.
Watermelon rind for sexual health
Citrulline is more concentrated in the rind than in the flesh of the watermelon fruit. And although nobody really knows how much watermelon you should eat for ed, researchers are diligently working on developing a variety with rind-quality concentrations of citrulline in the flesh of the fruit. I’ve not yet seen evidence of the performance-enhancing fruit on the market. But there is no doubt that it is coming soon to a test tube near you.
In the meantime, it is possible to take citrulline supplements to improve blood flow. But it is recommended that you consult with your doctor before adding this non-essential amino acid to your diet in supplement form. (There are possible side effects of taking citrulline and possible interactions with other medications.)
More reasons watermelon is an aphrodisiac food
Prior to the citrulline discovery, one of the best-known benefits of watermelon was that it was valued as a natural source of lycopene. In fact, it’s one of the best natural sources of lycopene available. It even outweighs tomatoes in the lycopene department. (Lycopene is primarily thought of as essential for heart health. But it’s also beneficial for prostate health).
But there are some other interesting reasons why watermelon is considered an aphrodisiac.
Watermelon can also help keep you hydrated. It might surprise you to learn, but hydration is linked with sexual health and boosting libido. And although watermelon is a food, it is 92% water. (It’s also a source of fiber. So in addition to helping you stay hydrated and look sexy, it can help you feel sexier by potentially banishing bloat.)
RELATED: Why You Need to Hydrate
You might be surprised to learn that this summer fruit is also a source of potassium. And if you’ve visited our section on nutrients for sexual health, you know that studies show that potassium is a key nutrient in enhancing cardiovascular activity. And like I always say, what’s good for your heart is great for your sex life.
Watermelon is a food of seduction
Yet even without knowing watermelon sex benefits, it is easy to see why watermelon is a food of seduction. It is (generally) valentine’s pink or even red in color. And this aphrodisiac fruit’s flesh is an emblem of summer, hot days in the sun and lots of skin.
Even in the manner in which it is eaten, fleshy, red watermelon is sexy. It is a food for which it is not only accepted, it is expected that the seeds will be expelled from the mouth through puckered-up lips. If ever there were a fruit that could inspire sexual arousal, the watermelon is it.
So, it could be suggested that impromptu seed-spitting contest may be excellent icebreakers for singles on the prowl at the softball league summer BBQ. Think about it…an entire game focused solely on the skills of mouths.
Some of my favorite watermelon aphrodisiac recipes:
Watermelon Soup with Jicama Salsa
Grilled Watermelon Salad with Baby Arugula and Goat Cheese
Discover more of the world’s greatest aphrodisiacs
Featured image by congerdesign.
This article was written in 2016 and most recently updated in April, 2021.
Amy is considered a leading authority on aphrodisiacs. Her work in aphrodisiacs is quoted in publications including National Geographic, The New York Times, Epicurious, Wine Enthusiast, Health and Playboy magazines. She speaks internationally on aphrodisiac foods and has brought her knowledge of aphrodisiac history and science to national television shows including The Today Show and CBS Early Show. She is a frequent guest on relationship and lifestyle radio and podcast shows and has been interviewed by BBC and NPR radio, Cosmopolitan radio and popular podcasts including My Dad Wrote a Porno.
Amy is also a freelance food, wine and health researcher and writer as well as a wine competition judge. Her work has appeared in publications ranging from Variety to The Daily Meal. She is an MSN content provider. And she is also a former wine editor for Gayot.com and wine & spirits editor of Las Vegas magazine.
Fun fact: Amy was the creator of the first ever comprehensive food and wine apps, Amy Reiley's Pocket Gourmet and Amy Reiley's Pocket Vineyard for Palm.
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A timely question, this is something researchers are trying to discover.
For what quantity can one take to get the effects