Do you love watermelon? If so, you should know that America’s favorite summer fruit has recently been found to have some interesting "side effects."
Watermelon is packed with a variety of phytonutrients, including citrulline. In the body, citrulline is converted to arginine – an amino acid with many benefits for the heart and circulatory system … and one that may surprise you.
"Arginine boosts nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels, the same basic effect that Viagra has," says Dr. Bhimu Patil, director of Texas A&M’s Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center.
Dr. Patil notes that extra nitric oxide could not only help men who have "performance" problems, but also those who need increased blood flow to treat angina, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular problems.
To maximize the benefits of watermelon, leave the uncut melon at room temperature, then chill just before serving. And don’t be shy with your bites. Most of the citrulline is found in the white rind, not the red flesh.
[Ed. Note: It truly is possible to have the healthy life you've always wanted just by making a few simple changes to your diet and lifestyle. Learn how to feel better and live longer right here.
And for delicious, healthy recipes that taste nothing like "health food," check out nutrition expert Kelley Herring's website, HealingGourmet.com.]
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