原帖由 抽刀斷水 於 2008-7-3 09:25 發表 
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Scientists: Watermelon yields Viagra-like effectsBy BETSY BLANEY – 2 hours ago
LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — A slice of cool, fresh watermelon is a juicyway to top off a Fourth of July cookout and one that researchers sayhas effects similar to Viagra — but don't necessarily expect it to keepthe fireworks all night long.
Watermelons contain an ingredientcalled citrulline that can trigger production of a compound that helpsrelax the body's blood vessels, similar to what happens when a mantakes Viagra, said scientists in Texas, one of the nation's topproducers of the seedless variety.
Found in the flesh and rind ofwatermelons, citrulline reacts with the body's enzymes when consumed inlarge quantities and is changed into arginine, an amino acid thatbenefits the heart and the circulatory and immune systems.
"Arginineboosts nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels, the same basic effectthat Viagra has, to treat erectile dysfunction and maybe even preventit," said Bhimu Patil, a researcher and director of Texas A&M'sFruit and Vegetable Improvement Center. "Watermelon may not be asorgan-specific as Viagra, but it's a great way to relax blood vesselswithout any drug side effects."
Todd Wehner, who studieswatermelon breeding at North Carolina State University, said anyonetaking Viagra shouldn't expect the same result from watermelon.
"It sounds like it would be an effect that would be interesting but not a substitute for any medical treatment," Wehner said.
Thenitric oxide can also help with angina, high blood pressure and othercardiovascular problems, according to the study, which was paid for bythe U.S. Department of Agriculture.
More citrulline — about 60percent — is found in watermelon rind than in the flesh, Patil said,but that can vary. But scientists may be able to find ways to boost theconcentrations in the flesh, he said.
Citrulline is found in allcolors of watermelon and is highest in the yellow-fleshed types, saidPenelope Perkins-Veazie, a USDA researcher in Lane, Okla.
Shesaid Patil's research is valid, but with a caveat: One would need toeat about six cups of watermelon to get enough citrulline to boost thebody's arginine level.
"The problem you have when you eat a lot of watermelon is you tend to run to the bathroom more," Perkins-Veazie said.
Watermelon is a diuretic and was a homeopathic treatment for kidney patients before dialysis became widespread.
Anotherissue is the amount of sugar that much watermelon would spill into thebloodstream — a jolt that could cause cramping, Perkins-Veazie said.
Patil said he would like to do future studies on how to reduce the sugar content in watermelon.
Therelationship between citrulline and arginine might also prove helpfulto those who are obese or suffer from type-2 diabetes. The beneficialeffects — among them the ability to relax blood vessels, much likeViagra does — are beginning to be revealed in research.
Citrullineis present in other curcubits, like cucumbers and cantaloupe, at verylow levels, and in the milk protein casein. The highest concentrationsof citrulline are found in walnut seedlings, Perkins-Veazie said.
"But they're bitter and most people don't want to eat them," she said.
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hrujpxAzzPMqoWs2aRVWkFYT0yfwD91MK0NO1 |
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