Watermelon: Another sex drive booster?

Watermelon may be another fruit that can boost human sex drive when regularly consumed.

According to an article by Science News, researchers at Texas A&M University believe that some of the nutrients contained in watermelon may deliver Viagra-like benefits to blood vessels and may also increase libido.

The research suggests that the beta-carotene, lysine and citrulline in watermelon are responsible for this possible added benefit.  Citrulline is converted to arginine in the body, and arginine boosts nitric acid levels, which in turn relax the blood vessels. This is essentially the same effect that Viagra has.

Other than as sex booster, watermelon is a good source of several vitamins, such as vitamin A, which is important for eye health and also strengthens immunity by helping the white blood cells fight infection.

Another is vitamin B6, which helps the immune system to produce the antibodies needed to fight disease and also plays a role in the metabolism of proteins.

The vitamin C in watermelon helps the immune system fight off infections and viruses and protects the body from free radicals, which can accelerate the aging process. Watermelon also contains a small amount of potassium.

Lycopene is the pigment that gives red color to produce such as tomatoes, pink and red grapefruit and watermelon. It also acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from the oxygen-related damage that is a result of normal cell functioning. Watermelon contains more lycopene than any other fruit or vegetable, reports the Watermelon Promotion Board.

And according to Livestrong.com, watermelon contains 92 percent water to hydrate your body. One cup of raw watermelon contains 170 mg of potassium and only 2 mg of sodium. Potassium and sodium are minerals that help regulate your blood pressure and fluid balance. 

Whereas sodium increases blood pressure, potassium can play a role in lowering blood pressure, according to an American Heart Association Nutrition Committee report published in "Circulation" in August 1998. Reducing your blood pressure lowers your risk of kidney disease.

Moreover, eating watermelon increases your levels of nitric oxide and lowers your risk of kidney disease. Watermelon, particularly the rind, is a rich source of citrulline, according to research from the United States Department of Agriculture in University of Missouri, and published in the "Journal of Chromatography A" in June 2005. Citrulline is an amino acid that your body converts to arginine, which is converted to nitric oxide. 

This gas increases blood flow and reduces blood pressure. A deficiency of nitric oxide is associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease, according to research from the University of Florida College of Medicine in Gainesville and published in the "American Journal of Physiology and Renal Physiology" in January 2008. The scientists report that nitric oxide deficiency occurs due to limitations in arginine availability.

Saffron's breakfast buffet includes watermelon fruit and juice

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