Thread: KW gets a chubby with watermelon

Reuters
EAT UP: A slice of watermelon can have similiar effects to viagra, new research shows.
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A slice of cool, fresh watermelon has effects similar to Viagra, researchers say.
Watermelons contain the ingredient citrulline, which can trigger production of a compound that helps relax the body's blood vessels, similar to what happens when a man takes Viagra, say scientists in Texas.
Found in the flesh and rind of watermelons, citrulline reacts with the body's enzymes when consumed in large quantities and is changed into arginine, an amino acid that 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 Centre.
"Watermelon may not be as organ- specific as Viagra, but it's a great way to relax blood vessels without any drug side effects."
Todd Wehner, who studies watermelon breeding at North Carolina State University, said anyone taking Viagra should not expect the same result from watermelon. "It sounds like it would be an effect that would be interesting but not a substitute for any medical treatment," he said.
The nitric oxide can also help with angina, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems, according to the study, which was paid for by the United States Department of Agriculture.
More citrulline – about 60 per cent – was found in watermelon rind than in the flesh, Mr Patil said, but that could vary. Scientists might find ways to boost the concentrations in the flesh.
Citrulline was found in all colours of watermelon but was highest in the yellow-fleshed types, said Penelope Perkins-Veazie, a USDA researcher.
She said Mr Patil's research was valid, but with a caveat: One would need to eat about six cups of watermelon to get enough citrulline to boost the body's arginine level.
"The problem you have when you eat a lot of watermelon is you tend to run to the bathroom more," she said.
Watermelon is a diuretic and was a homoeopathic treatment for kidney patients before dialysis became widespread.
Another issue is the amount of sugar that much watermelon would spill into the bloodstream – a jolt that could cause cramping, she said.
Mr Patil said he would like to do further studies on how to reduce the sugar content in watermelon.
Citrulline is present in cucumbers and cantaloupe, at very low levels, and in the milk protein casein. The highest concentrations of citrulline were found in walnut seedlings, Ms Perkins-Veazie said.
"But they're bitter and most people don't want to eat them."

Now we know the secret to his outstanding "One a night" performance

I ate two over the weekend with the missus and didn't bone her once.

Load of toss

Originally Posted by mrsquirrel

Load of toss

There's your problem Mrs Q