Watermelon = Natural Viagra?

Watermelon = Natural Viagra?

By Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD, PREVENTION

Confession: I’m hooked on Al Roker’s new Celebrity Family Feud. Last night one of the “families” consisted of the Girls Next Door, and ironically one of the questions was…100 people surveyed, top 5 answers on the board…Name something Hugh Hefner might have on his nightstand? I like playing at home, so I shouted my response at the screen, and it was indeed the #1 answer: Viagra.

But according to researchers at Texas A&M, Hef should consider trading the little blue pill for a big pink melon! Watermelon contains a natural substance called citrulline, which triggers a domino effect that results in “Viagra-like effects.” Essentially it relaxes blood vessels, which increases blood to flow to certain body parts. It may also enhance libido.

Whether you’re looking for a “natural boost,” or a healthy, sweet treat, watermelon is the quintessential summer superfood. It’s:

  • In season, which means it’s at its peak, for both flavor and nutritional value. Watermelon is loaded with several key nutrients like lycopene, an antioxidant linked to lower rates of heart disease and certain cancers, potassium to help control blood pressure, fiber for digestive health, and immune boosting vitamin C – one cup cubed provides 20% of what you need for the day.
  • Low in calories, at just 50 per cup, the size of a baseball
  • Hydrating (92% of its content is water), and
  • Versatile – it’s a perfect stand-alone snack, but you can also incorporate it into sweet or savory recipes. Check out one of my favorite creations below:

Cynthia’s Sassy Watermelon Salsa

1/2 medium cucumber, diced
1 Tbsp red onion, finely chopped
2 tsp fresh cilantro, minced
1 jalapeno, diced
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
1 cup watermelon, cubed

Toss cucumber, onion, cilantro and pepper in lime juice. Stir in watermelon. Chill in fridge about 30 minutes before serving-it’s perfect with grilled Portobello mushroom fajitas or quesadillas, or as a topping for grilled or baked fish.

Thumping a melon won’t tell you if it’s ripe, but there is an important trick! Look for a creamy yellow splotch on the underbelly (if the splotch is white or green, the watermelon was harvested too soon and will never fully ripen).

P.S. Higher concentrations of citrulline are found in the rind, so bite into a little bit of the white part when you dig in!

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