Did you read this article over the holiday about the health benefits of watermelon?
By BETSY BLANEY
"Associated Press Writer
LUBBOCK, Texas — A slice of cool, fresh watermelon is a juicy way to top off a Fourth of July cookout and one that researchers say has effects similar to Viagra — but don't necessarily expect it to keep the fireworks going all night long.
Watermelons contain an ingredient called citrulline that can trigger production of a compound that helps relax the body's blood vessels, similar to what happens when a man takes Viagra, said scientists in Texas, one of the nation's top producers of the seedless variety.
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.
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 U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Citrulline is found in all colors of watermelon and is highest in the yellow-fleshed types, said Penelope Perkins-Veazie, a USDA researcher in Lane, Okla.
She said Patil's research is 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," Perkins-Veazie said."
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This reminds me of the old Tom T. Hall song,
Old Dogs and children, and watermelon wine
"Ain't but three Things in this World
That's worth a solitary Dime,
But old Dogs and Children
And Watermelon Wine."
5 comments:
HA! We had some good, seedless watermelon on the fourth, but I didn't notice anyone "standing at attention" afterward.
LOL LOL Kenju :)
I don't want to go into too much detail...but this 'may' be true!
it's been a while since visiting and your comment at TGB today caught my attention. and this remarkable information would have passed me by. thanks! -naomi
Yeah! I saw that article recently. Sounds like watermelon would be good for all of us despite our need for frequent "trips down the hall." Had forgotten about the reference to the yellow meat melons as our stores mostly get red meat melons.
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