July 6, 2008 | Sex Life

Watermelon: nature's Viagra

Next time your little man isn't cooperating, you may want to reach for some juicy watermelon. Researchers have discovered that the juicy red fruit can affect your body much like Viagra does. 

Watermelons contain an ingredient called citrulline that creates a compound to relax the body's blood vessels. This is similar to what happens when a man takes Viagra, say scientists in Texas. Citrulline reacts with the body's enzymes if consumed in large quantities and changes into arginine, which benefits the heart and the circulatory and immune systems.

"Arginine boosts nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels, the same basic effect that Viagra has, to treat erectile dysfunction and maybe even prevent it," said Bhimu Patil, a researcher and director of Texas A&M's Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center. "Watermelon may not be as organ-specific as Viagra, but it's a great way to relax blood vessels without any drug side effects."

The down side: all those extra trips to the restroom. (A bonus for anyone into watersports.)