The aphrodisiac power of watermelon

In the summer of 2008, a research discovery pointed to 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 Viagra, has the power to relax blood vessels. You see, the body converts citrulline to L-argenine, which, as Dr. Patil explains, “boosts nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels, the same basic effect that Viagra has, to treat erectile dysfunction and maybe even prevent it.”

Citrulline is more concentrated in the rind than in the flesh of the fruit. So, of course, researchers are diligently working on developing a variety with rind-quality concentrations in the flesh of the fruit. I’ve not yet seen evidence of the Viagra fruit on the market. But there is no doubt that it is coming soon to a test tube near you.

Previous to the citrulline discovery, watermelon was valued as one of the finest natural sources of lycopene available. In fact, 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).

A food of seduction

Yet even without knowing its nutritional impact, it’s easy to see why watermelon is a food of seduction. It is valentine pink in color. And watermelon’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, 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.

So, it could be suggested that impromptu watermelon seed spitting contest may be excellent ice breakers for singles on the prowl at the softball league summer BBQ. Think about it… an entire game focused solely on the skills of mouths.

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