There were no serious side effects, and the rats that ate watermelon extract did not experience an increase in weight.
Can watermelon help with erectile dysfunction?
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Men have long experimented with remedies to treat erectile dysfunction and have had mixed results. Though research is still in its preliminary stages, some studies suggest that watermelon may be a viable substitute for Viagra.
The advent of Viagra and other erectile dysfunction (ED) treatments revolutionized the world of sexual medicine. No longer did men with certain medical conditions or age-related ED have to resign themselves to unsatisfying sex lives.
However, ED drugs do not work for every man. Some men experience side effects, while the drug is unsuitable for others , such as men with certain types of chest pain and heart disease.
For men who cannot take Viagra, watermelon is a safe alternative that is unlikely to cause serious side effects. Learn more with this article.
Watermelon is a natural source of citrulline. Citrulline is an amino acid that may support better erections.
Viagra works by increasing blood flow to the penis, allowing a man to more easily get an erection when he is aroused. Citrulline may do the same thing, although it works in a different way to Viagra.
Preliminary 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.
Because watermelon is mostly water, the highest concentrations of citrulline come from concentrated watermelon juice.
Men who want to try watermelon as a natural Viagra may find better results with watermelon juice.
Share on Pinterest Research suggests watermelon may be a safe alternative to Viagra.
Research into the effects of citrulline and watermelon is relatively new. Most studies have been small or looked only at animals. As such, it is too early to say there is conclusive proof that watermelon can act as a natural Viagra.
Preliminary research is promising, and there are few or no risks associated with consuming watermelon. This means that most men can safely try watermelon juice or citrulline supplements as an alternative to Viagra.
A 2011 study followed 24 men with mild ED. The men took a placebo for 1 month. For another month, they took a citrulline supplement.
Just two of the men taking a placebo saw their erections return to normal hardness levels. But half of the men who took citrulline experienced improvements that brought their erections to normal hardness levels.
Men who took citrulline also had more sex, averaging 1.37 sessions of intercourse per month before treatment, and 2.3 per month after treatment. None of the men experienced side effects.
A 2013 study gathered data on rats with ED due to low blood flow to the penis. This disorder, called arteriogenic erectile dysfunction, is a common cause of erectile problems in humans.
Rats that took a citrulline water supplement experienced improvements in erectile function compared with rats that received a placebo and rats that underwent surgery on their blood vessels. This finding suggests that citrulline may improve blood flow, potentially improving erections.
A 2014 study evaluated male rats treated with watermelon flesh extract. Rats who consumed watermelon were more likely to mount females and start intercourse. This increase in libido, the study’s authors concluded, suggests that watermelon might also be a viable treatment for ED.
There were no serious side effects, and the rats that ate watermelon extract did not experience an increase in weight.
Research published in 2017 sought to further understand the role of citrulline and arginine in erectile function. Researchers measured levels of both amino acids in 122 men with ED.
They found lower levels of one or both amino acids in men with ED, particularly in men with arteriogenic erectile dysfunction. This suggests that increasing levels of either citrulline or arginine, or both could improve erectile function.
Men should note 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. If another issue, such as nerve damage or a serious relationship problem, is causing a man’s ED, merely increasing blood flow may not be much help.
While research on animals often applies to humans, this is not always the case. Studies finding positive results in rats may point toward the value of citrulline in treating ED, but they do not prove that it works in humans.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have not approved citrulline as a treatment for ED. Many more trials are necessary before doctors can determine whether or not citrulline works.
Benefits of Watermelon for Men
Loaded with potassium, magnesium, lycopene and amino acids, watermelon is one of the most nutritious summer fruits. In fact, it’s often referred to as “natural Viagra.” Some studies suggest that it may help with erectile dysfunction and boost sexual health.
Watermelon and Workout Performance
Whether you want to get leaner and fitter or keep your immune system strong, watermelon is a great choice. It provides fewer calories than most fruits and packs high doses of vitamin C. Plus, it’s over 90 percent water, keeping you energized and hydrated.
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The USDA reports that each serving (one wedge) boasts more than 25 percent of the daily recommended vitamin C intake and 9 percent of the daily recommended allowance of vitamin A. It’s rich in potassium, magnesium and calcium. These minerals balance fluid and electrolyte levels, support nerve, muscle and brain function and promote cardiovascular health.
What you may not know is that watermelon also provides amino acids, such as lysine, arginine, tyrosine and leucine. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. These nutrients aid in muscle growth and repair, produce “feel good” chemicals and serve as a source of energy. If you work out regularly, amino acids can help you recover faster from training and fuel your gains.
Sure, watermelon won’t replace your post-workout snack or protein shakes, but it can speed up muscle repair. Not to mention that it’s lower in sugar and calories than most snacks. Additionally, potassium and other electrolytes in this fruit may help prevent muscle cramps, reduce fatigue during exercise and keep your bones strong, points out the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
Watermelon — A Natural Viagra?
This summer fruit is a powerhouse of nutrition. Some studies point out that watermelon benefits for men may include a better sex life and improved prostate health. These effects may be due to its high content of citrulline, arginine and lycopene.
According to a January 2017 review published in Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, watermelon may help increase arginine levels in the bloodstream and reduce blood pressure in adults with prehypertension or hypertension. Researchers attribute these benefits to l-citrulline, a non-essential amino acid that is converted to arginine in the body.
Citrulline increases vasodilatation and may improve cardiometabolic health, as reported in a July 2018 research paper featured in the journal Nutrients. Furthermore, it may protect against endothelial damage, reduce inflammation and decrease arterial stiffness.
A February 2017 study published in the journal Andrology suggests that l-citrulline may play a role in men’s sexual health. Male subjects with erectile dysfunction (ED) had lower levels of citrulline, arginine or both. These findings indicate that increasing levels of these amino acids may help improve ED symptoms.
Another study, which had only 20 participants, supports this theory. Researchers have found that combining L-citrulline and trans-resveratrol may improve erection firmness, sexual satisfaction and the ability to maintain erections in men with ED. The results were published in the December 2018 issue of Sexual Medicine. The study was small, though, so further investigation is needed.
Based on the current evidence, it’s fair to say that watermelon won’t replace Viagra anytime soon. However, it may improve men’s sexual health, among other benefits. Lycopene, one of its key antioxidants, helps reduce oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, which in turn, may boost male fertility.
Eat Watermelon for Prostate Health
As mentioned earlier, watermelon supports prostate health, largely due to its high antioxidant content. According to a June 2014 review published in the EXCLI Journal, this fruit is one of the best natural sources of readily available lycopene. Red-fleshed varieties provide about 40 times more lycopene than tomatoes.
This antioxidant may protect the prostate gland against iron-induced oxidative stress, as reported in the above review. It also decreases lipid peroxidation, which further enhances its beneficial effects on prostate health. In one study, men with the highest lycopene intakes had a 25 percent lower risk of prostate cancer and a 44 percent lower risk of other cancers.
One serving of watermelon delivers 12689.6 micrograms (12.6 milligrams) of lycopene, according to the USDA. The International Food Information Council Foundation reports that consuming at least 12 milligrams of this antioxidant daily may help reduce high blood pressure. To reap the benefits, aim for about 0.5 milligrams of lycopene per kilogram of body weight.
This nutrient is found in a wide range of fruit and vegetables, not just watermelon. Sun-dried tomatoes, fresh tomatoes, red grapefruit, papaya, red bell peppers, red cabbage, mangoes, asparagus and guavas are all excellent sources of lycopene. Incorporate these foods into your diet for prostate health and general well-being.
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