If you picked up a newspaper today (July 3, 2008) you probably read the headlines in the Health section: “Watermelon is like Viagra!”

Well, okay—it probably didn’t say that, but that’s what the headlines’ gist is about. And there’s some truth to the rumor, or so it appears.

Watermelons contain citrulline which is chemical compound that can trigger production the amino acid arginine. Arginine is a precursor of nitric oxide, which is one of the keys to why Viagra and other ED drugs work the way they do. Nitric oxide (NO) relaxes blood vessels. Of course ED drugs “target” certain organs (one in particular) with more precision, but increasing NO is the foundation behind the little blue pill’s magic.

“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 at 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.”

Citrulline is found in both the flesh and rind of watermelons. Of course one could get a greater benefit from L-Arginine supplements, or even NO supplements, but watermelon is cheaper and, of course, offers many health benefits not found in pills.

If you read my free Special Report, “The 7 Super Supplements” (you can get a copy by clicking on the link at the end of this article) you will remember that I included a supplement called “Nitrix” on my Top 7 list. On hindsight I would put this as #8, with L-Glutamine taking its place. But it’s still a pretty cool supplement.

Nitrix (and all other NO supplements) are simply nitric oxide boosters. I have a feeling that these companies would really promote the nifty “side effect” more prominently if they had any research to do so, or if the FDA wouldn’t come crashing down their doors.

From my personal experience, I can tell you that NO supplements do help in the performance department. I do not have a comparison to base that upon as I’ve never been prescribed Viagra or anything like it, but to be blunt: Mr. Happy is a bit more happy on NO.

Watermelon may be a cheaper way of achieving a similar goal, but there’s just no way the amount of citrulline can compare with high dosage NO supplementation, or for that matter supplementing with L-Arginine.

A more conservative opinion is offered by Todd Wehner, who studies (who knew?) watermelon breeding at North Carolina State University. Todd claims the red juice is no substitute for the blue pill. “It sounds like it would be an effect that would be interesting but not a substitute for any medical treatment.”

Still, watermelon cannot hurt—and it’s one of the healthier things you can put in your body. Who knows? With extra watermelon may find your 4th of July a bit more…randy. Just don’t overdo it or you’ll be in the bathroom more than the bedroom.

For a copy of my free report, The 7 Super Supplements, visit my 7 Minute Muscle homepage. Just add your email and name to the dropdown and I’ll email you a copy today. NOTE: I do not sell supplements, so my opinions are based on empirical data and personal/professional experience alone.

[jB]