With about 92% water, watermelon got its name perfectly fine. It is also loaded with vitamins A and C, potassium, magnesium, and other important nutrients. Hence it becomes one of the most crucial fruits to gorge on. It is one of the healthiest snacks one can have and remain hydrated for a long time.
But, is watermelon good for erectile dysfunction as well? There are a lot of rumors about watermelon being a natural Viagra for men. Let us bust the myth and reality surrounding watermelon for erection.
How Watermelon helps in Improving Erectile Dysfunction Condition?
1. The Citrulline in Watermelon
Most of us eat the pink juicy and fleshy part of this fruit and throw away the hard green covering or the rind. Well, what if you are told that it is completely edible? Here is why you should not throw it and rather have it.
Watermelon is a natural source of citrulline which is an amino acid; that promotes the dilation of blood vessels, which again is helpful for getting better erections.
Viagra is known to work by increasing the blood flow to the penis, which allows a man to attain a strong penile erection on getting sexual stimulation.
Citrulline may do the same thing, although it works in a different way from Viagra. Rather, taking L-citrulline supplements can improve erections without many of the potential side effects associated with Viagra. Research suggests that the body may convert citrulline to another amino acid, called arginine. Arginine converts to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide opens the blood vessels wider, increasing blood flow to the penis and improving erections.
So next time, spice up the watermelon rind with some lemon juice and chili flakes, and have it for better heart health and sex life.
However, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved citrulline as a treatment for ED. Further, research and evidence are necessary to conclude the full potential of citrulline for erection issues.
2. Watermelon and High Blood Pressure
Another study shows that watermelon extract supplements are able to help obese adults control their blood pressure. However, citrulline supplements are likely to be more effective in reducing high blood pressure in people with hypertension. It is also a potential diuretic, which often is prescribed for people with high blood pressure. Again there is Lycopene, which helps in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol while diminishing the thickness of artery walls.
Controlling high blood pressure is important as it is one of the factors that lead to erection issues. Hence, this is another way in which watermelons can affect one’s sex life and improve it.
How many Watermelons to take for ED?
Many experts believe that around 3-4 cups of watermelon per day can do the trick as it can match the citrulline levels found in Viagra. Being low in calories, it offers only 46 calories per cup. So even calorie-conscious men would find it easy to go.
Is Watermelon as effective as Viagra?
The answer is No! Watermelon rind isn’t nature-powered Viagra, but some research shows that it may help men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. Its libido-boosting powers come from the amino acid citrulline, which is concentrated in the rind.
It should be noted that watermelon is likely not as effective as Viagra, and may not work for men who have not been able to get an erection with Viagra. This is because watermelon increases blood flow to the penis, just like Viagra.
Dosage strengths available for Viagra:
Viagra is available in the strengths as mentioned below: