Watermelon has recently garnered attention as a natural viagra or remedy for erectile dysfunction. But what evidence exists that watermelon may boost male sexual performance and desire? Let’s explore the science objectively.
Does Watermelon Increase Libido In Men?
Watermelon contains high levels of nutrients important for health like vitamin C, vitamin A, magnesium, and potassium. It also provides a compound called citrulline that may support better erections.
Citrulline is converted to arginine in the body, which increases the production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps blood vessels relax and improves circulation, key factors in sexual response.
This has prompted claims that watermelon works like Viagra to stimulate libido and performance in men. However, the limited research requires careful analysis before drawing conclusions.
How It Could Help Male Sexual Function?
In theory, watermelon may aid male sexual performance through these mechanisms:
However, the direct evidence linking watermelon intake alone to improved erections or libido in humans is limited.
Dosage For Libido/ED Effects
Studies use dosages ranging from:
🍉 2-3 cups fresh watermelon providing about 150 mg citrulline.
🍉 1-1.5 g L-citrulline supplements from extracted watermelon.
🍉 Up to 6 g/day L-citrulline in men with mild erectile dysfunction.
These dosages may increase nitric oxide production and support circulation, but effects on sexual function require more research.
What Research Shows?
- An 8-week study in middle-aged men with hypertension showed citrulline lowered arterial stiffness with 3.3 g/day. But sexual function was not assessed.
- A pilot study in women found 6 grams of citrulline daily increased arousal and orgasm frequency. Further male studies are needed.
- Multiple studies confirm watermelon juice acutely increases plasma arginine levels. But this doesn’t necessarily translate to sexual enhancement.
- Evidence directly linking watermelon or citrulline to improved erectile response and libido in humans is currently very limited.
Considerations For Men
- Effects likely depend on the cause – watermelon may help mild ED but not psychological or hormonal factors.
- Requires taking high citrulline doses consistently to increase nitric oxide levels.
- May take several weeks of use for benefits like better blood flow to accrue.
- Best used alongside other lifestyle improvements for ED like limiting alcohol, managing weight, and reducing stress.
- Not a substitute for medications when prescribed for ED – discuss with your doctor.
Other Benefits Of Watermelon
In addition to potential male sexual enhancement still requiring more evidence, watermelon:
➜ Provides hydration with high water content
➜ Contains antioxidants like lycopene, beta-carotene and vitamin C
➜ Offers the essential amino acid citrulline not found in many foods
➜ May support lower blood pressure due to citrulline widening blood vessels
➜ Has been studied for benefits for exercise performance and recovery
Conclusion
While watermelon and its component citrulline show theoretical potential to enhance blood flow and support male sexual response and arousal, human studies directly assessing effects on libido are limited.
Further research is still needed, but no harm exists in enjoying some refreshing watermelon as part of an overall healthy lifestyle. Those with cardiovascular issues should consult a doctor before attempting supplementation.
FAQs
Research showing benefits for blood vessels uses amounts equivalent to 2-3 cups of fresh watermelon or 1-3 g concentrated citrulline.
Watermelon may improve erections slightly by increasing nitric oxide as Viagra does. However, its effects are far less potent and studied. It is not an equivalent.
Watermelon is not known to affect testosterone levels. It may improve circulation which could aid libido. But it does not correct hormonal imbalances.
Extracted citrulline may be more convenient and provide higher concentrations. But whole fruit provides other useful nutrients like vitamins and minerals.
Watermelon is considered safe for most people. But citrulline may interact with drugs for erectile dysfunction, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular conditions.
