Watermelon is rich in beneficial nutrients for health, including potassium, magnesium, lycopene, and the amino acid citrulline.
The Benefits of Watermelon Juice for Men’s Health
Some studies suggest that watermelon and watermelon juice act as a “natural Viagra,” potentially aiding in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (a condition where men are unable to achieve or maintain an erection) and enhancing sexual health in men, thereby helping them feel more vigorous in intimacy.
Improving Erectile Function
Preliminary research indicates that watermelon is a source of natural citrulline amino acid. After absorption, the body can convert citrulline from watermelon into another amino acid called arginine. Arginine is subsequently transformed into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps dilate blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the penis and improving erectile function in men.
The research also states that pure watermelon juice may provide more citrulline.
A study published in 2017 further explored the roles of citrulline and arginine in improving erectile function. Researchers measured the levels of both amino acids in 122 men with erectile dysfunction.
The results showed that men with erectile dysfunction had significantly lower levels of citrulline or arginine, especially those with erectile dysfunction due to arterial issues. This finding also indicates that supplementing with citrulline or arginine may help improve erectile function.
Watermelon juice.
Another small study published in the journal Sexual Medicine in 2018 indicated that supplementing with citrulline, found in watermelon, could improve erectile function and the ability to maintain an erection in men with erectile dysfunction.
Additionally, lycopene, one of the important antioxidants found in watermelon, has been shown to help reduce oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, potentially enhancing male fertility.
Protecting Prostate Health
The prostate is a small gland located just below the bladder that helps produce semen. If prostate ailments are not treated promptly, they can directly affect male sexual function, leading to reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and infertility.
However, the antioxidant lycopene, found in red foods like watermelon, can help protect the body from oxidative stress, thereby safeguarding prostate health. A cup of watermelon juice (355ml) contains 9-13mg of lycopene, making watermelon a rich source of this nutrient.
Research conducted by experts from the Department of Urology at Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University (China) indicates that a diet high in lycopene may help reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer.
Experts from the Department of Medicine at Emory University, Atlanta (USA), the Department of Nutrition and Epidemiology at Harvard University (USA), and the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (USA) point out that lycopene can reduce cell damage and slow the production of cancer cells.
Watermelon is also a source of zinc, an important nutrient for the body.
Boosting Testosterone Production
Watermelon is also a source of zinc, an essential nutrient for the immune system and metabolic processes. Zinc plays a crucial role in testosterone production, helping to improve sperm quality, promote spermatogenesis, maintain libido, and enhance male fertility.
In an interview with Express, Dr. Eric Berg recommended that men drink a glass of watermelon juice every day. Dr. Berg noted that to gain additional benefits from watermelon and watermelon juice, individuals should juice the white rind along with the flesh of the watermelon.
