Watermelon contains L-citrulline, which some studies suggest may help with erectile dysfunction. Learn how watermelon may be an alternative ED treatment worth trying.
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As men get older, erectile dysfunction may become a frequent problem during sex. Prescription ED medications are often the first treatment recommended.
These drugs help allow more blood to flow into the penis, making an erection more likely. But for those looking for another option, watermelon has the potential to be an effective alternative.
Watermelon contains L-citrulline, which some studies suggest may help with treating erectile dysfunction.
Watermelon is generally safe for most people to consume. It may raise blood sugar levels, so men with diabetes should consult with a doctor before consuming the fruit.
Other fruits that may be helpful in treating ED include blueberries, pears, and apples.
It features an amino acid called L-citrulline, which is believed to help stimulate blood flow to the penis. Here’s what to know about watermelon and ED.
Watermelon contains a nonessential amino acid called L-citrulline. When consumed, our body transforms L-citrulline into another amino acid, L-arginine.
L-arginine increases nitric oxide, a compound that relaxes blood vessels. This effect is similar to Viagra relaxing blood vessels in the penis.
As a result of this relaxation, blood flow improves, making it easier for men to achieve an erection upon arousal.
A study by the journal, Urology, concluded that oral L-citrulline supplementation improved erection hardness in men who had mild ED.
In theory, since watermelon contains L-citrulline, the fruit could be able to help men with ED have an erection.
In one study, researchers gave male rats watermelon extract to test its effect on their sexual activity. It was determined that watermelon had increased the male rat’s sexual activity.
While all of this research is promising, it should be noted that watermelon may not be as effective as Viagra.
Men who haven’t been able to get an erection with ED meds likely won’t see results from consuming the fruit.
Erectile dysfunction may be occurring due to other issues unrelated to lack of blood flow. Some of those causes can include:
Additionally, many studies conducted on animals don’t always apply to humans. As of this writing, L-citrulline has not been approved by the FDA as a treatment for erectile dysfunction.
In addition to citrulline, watermelon is a rich source of antioxidants, such as lycopene and beta-carotene. These antioxidants help protect the body against cell damage and inflammation.
Combined with the vascular benefits of citrulline, watermelon consumption could contribute to overall penile health, indirectly supporting the mitigation of ED symptoms.
In general, watermelon is safe to consume as long as one doesn’t have any allergies to it. No serious side effects have been reported when eating the fruit.
It may cause blood sugar levels to rise, so men with diabetes should consult with their physicians before consuming it.
Watermelon's potential to alleviate ED is promising, but how can it be effectively incorporated into a healthy diet? Fresh watermelon is ideal, as it retains all its natural nutrients.
Consuming a slice daily can be beneficial. The white part of the watermelon rind is rich in citrulline as well, so don't shy away from it.
It should also be noted that a study found that yellow and orange varieties of watermelon have more citrulline than red.
Seeded and seedless watermelons didn’t have any differences related to L-citrulline levels.
There are other fruits that contain lycopene, which one study found to be helpful with improving erectile function. Fruits that have lycopene include:
Berries are another fruit that might also help with ED. Research published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition noted that men consumed the most flavonoids had a 9-11% reduction of ED occurrence.
The chance of ED was reportedly reduced by up to 19% in those who ate these flavonoid-rich fruits:
Blueberries are also known to be effective at providing anxiety relief, which may help men who suffer from ED due to performance anxiety.
Beyond its potential for treating erectile dysfunction, consuming watermelon may bring about other health benefits. Some of them include:
Erectile dysfunction can affect many aspects of a man's life, but nature offers us solutions in unexpected places. Watermelon, with its high citrulline content, could offer a natural way to help mitigate the symptoms of ED.
Including this nutritious fruit in your diet may not only help with ED but also contribute to your overall health.
As always, consult your healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet or health regime.
Remember, every step you take towards a healthier lifestyle counts in the long run. Start your journey today with the simple act of enjoying a juicy slice of watermelon.
Our team has over a decade of experience in the sexual wellness field and are experts in sexual dysfunctions, like premature ejaculation. We help couples and individuals better understand treatment options available for different types of sexual needs and educate the public on all things related to intimacy. All of our authored content is medically reviewed for accuracy and reliability.
Absorption Pharmaceuticals LLC (Promescent) has strict informational citing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic or research institutions, medical associations, and medical experts. We attempt to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references and only citing trustworthy sources. Each article is reviewed, written, and updated by Medical Professionals or authoritative Experts in a specific, related field of practice. You can find out more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
Medina P, Segarra G, Vila JM, Domenech C, Martínez-León JB, Lluch S. Effects of sildenafil on human penile blood vessels. Urology. 2000 Sep 1;56(3):539-43. doi: 10.1016/s0090-4295(00)00622-1. PMID: 10962340. Accessed on May, 22, 2023.
Cormio L, De Siati M, Lorusso F, Selvaggio O, Mirabella L, Sanguedolce F, Carrieri G. Oral L-citrulline supplementation improves erection hardness in men with mild erectile dysfunction. Urology. 2011 Jan;77(1):119-22. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2010.08.028. PMID: 21195829. Accessed on May, 22, 2023.
"Effects of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Flesh Extract on Sexual Behavior of Male Rats - ResearchGate." Researchgate.net, 2014, https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Phukphon-Munglue/publication/271073831_Effect_of_Watermelon_Citrullus_lanatus_Flesh_Extract_on_Sexual_Behavior_of_Male_Rats/links/54bcfec70cf218da938fe6f8/Effect-of-Watermelon-Citrullus-lanatus-Flesh-Extract-on-Sexual-Behavior-of-Male-Rats.pdf. Accessed on May, 22, 2023.
Lobo V, Patil A, Phatak A, Chandra N. Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health. Pharmacogn Rev. 2010 Jul;4(8):118-26. doi: 10.4103/0973-7847.70902. PMID: 22228951; PMCID: PMC3249911. Accessed on May, 22, 2023.
"Bioavailability of Citrulline in Watermelon Flesh, Rind, and Skin Using a Human Intestinal Epithelial Caco-2 Cell Model - MDPI." Mdpi.com, 2023, www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/13/8/4882. Accessed on May, 22, 2023.
Rimando AM, Perkins-Veazie PM. Determination of citrulline in watermelon rind. J Chromatogr A. 2005 Jun 17;1078(1-2):196-200. doi: 10.1016/j.chroma.2005.05.009. PMID: 16007998. Accessed on May, 22, 2023.
Gao JX, Li Y, Zhang HY, He XL, Bai AS. Lycopene ameliorates erectile dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Pharmazie. 2012 Mar;67(3):256-9. PMID: 22530309. Accessed on May, 22, 2023.
Cassidy A, Franz M, Rimm EB. Dietary flavonoid intake and incidence of erectile dysfunction. Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Feb;103(2):534-41. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.115.122010. Epub 2016 Jan 13. PMID: 26762373; PMCID: PMC4733263. Accessed on May, 22, 2023.
"8 Foods that Help with Anxiety and Stress - PSYCOM. Psycom.net, 2019, www.psycom.net/foods-that-help-with-anxiety-and-stress. Accessed on May, 22, 2023.
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