Watermelon. Credit: sde.ct.gov

SUNDAY July 6, 2008 (foodconsumer.org) -- Researchers from the Texas A&M University have done a great PR stunt and drawn an unusually tense attention from the media to the possible benefits of watermelon to men's health.

What the researchers touted is the presence of a precursor called citrulline of arginine, a common natural amino acid, in watermelon.   Arginine has a range of physiologic functions in the body and some help maintain sexual health and promote sexual performance.

Citrulline is abundantly found in the rind of watermelon. Unfortunately many people do not eat that part of watermelon and it's unlikely they get the amount of citrulline to have an effect.

In the body citrulline is converted into arginine.   One significant function of the amino acid is to act as a precursor in the body for nitric oxide, a gas molecule that relaxes arteries, small blood vessels and ease blood flow, which is known to be important for sexual performance.

According to media reports, six or seven slices of watermelon need to be consumed to have enough citrulline to result in an affect.   Plus, the rind needs to be eaten to have the highest intake of citrulline.   In reality, the amount of watermelon needed to have an effect is so much that men would be busier in bathroom than bedroom.

Arginine is a powerful compound though.   Studies have suggested that taking an arginine supplement for weeks or months would significantly increase the production of sperm and drastically improve erection.   The effective doses range from 2 to 5 grams per day, as studies have showed.

Arginine is present naturally in wheat germ and flour, buckwheat, granola, oatmeal, nuts (coconut, pecans, cashews, walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, hazel nuts, pine nuts, and peanuts), seeds (pumpkin, sesame, sunflower), chick peas, cooked soybeans and chocolate, according to Wikipedia.

A scientist affiliated with foodconsumer.org suggested that instead of eating watermelon, those who want to have a boost in their bedroom performance may consider eating peanuts and other foods that contain high levels of arginine.   In the meantime, they should also eat high amounts of vitamin C and if possible some omega-3 fat.