Erectile function often links to self-esteem among men. Unfortunately, a large number of men experience problems in the bedroom.
Up to 70% of men experience these symptoms by the age of 40. Younger men can also experience erectile dysfunction. About 5% of those under 40 suffer from poor erectile function1. Viagra is one of the most common treatments for erectile dysfunction.
Prescription medications, such as sildenafil (Viagra), can help stimulate blood flow back to the penis to help resolve ED. There are also many herbal supplements and natural remedies that can be alternative treatments for ED.
The active ingredient in Viagra is sildenafil. While effective, Viagra can have several side effects. This includes flushing, headaches, abnormal vision, muscle pain, and more2. These side-effects are unpleasant. This is why a lot of men are looking for a natural Viagra.
Watermelon has been suggested as a natural alternative to Viagra. This is due to certain natural chemicals that are present in the fruit.
We take a look at whether watermelon may improve erectile function in men. We also consider alternative supplements that may help to reduce the effects of erectile dysfunction.
Is Watermelon A Natural Viagra?
Watermelon is a popular fruit around the world. It is often considered a summer fruit and is served in various ways. There are a few suggestions that chemicals in watermelon might act as a natural viagra alternative.
The really interesting things about watermelon happen at the micronutrient level. Watermelons contain a non-essential amino acid called L-Citrulline (also found in garlic, fish, and legumes).
The body converts this to the essential amino acid, arginine, which is a precursor to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is the compound responsible for dilating the blood vessels, resulting in lower blood pressure and better blood flow.There are a few nutrients that are naturally present in watermelon. This includes vitamin C and A. About a cup of watermelon provides 21% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C.
Watermelon also contains potassium and magnesium. There are a few B vitamins in watermelon too. This includes vitamin B1, vitamin B5, and vitamin B53. This fruit is also an excellent way of keeping the body hydrated. This is because about 92% of watermelon consists of water4 – just as the name suggests.
L-Citrulline Supplement
These are not the compounds that are of interest when considering a watermelon as a natural Viagra for men. Instead, we need to turn our focus to a different compound than in watermelon.
Citrulline may be a good natural viagra option for men for improving erectile function. This could potentially enhance the quality of an erection.
Once ingested, the body converts citrulline into arginine. The arginine amino acid is a precursor for a gaseous molecule known as nitric oxide. This is the gaseous substance in the body that causes blood vessels to dilate.
With this in mind, there is some logic to the idea of improving erections with watermelon. The citrulline converts to arginine. The arginine then creates nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps to dilate blood vessels. In turn, blood circulation improves.
A weak erection can be due to reduced blood flow. When blood circulation improves, more blood can flow into the penis when a man has an erection. The rigidness of the erection may improve, along with the duration. L-Citrulline Supplements.
Problems with watermelon as a natural viagra
One of the problems with watermelon as a natural viagra is that the concentration of citrulline is quite low. Even though there is a logic behind the idea, a man may not truly experience an improved erection when he eats some watermelon.
This is because a higher concentration of citrulline may be needed to provide effective results. to treat erectile dysfunction. The alternative option would be to consider using an L-Citrulline supplement.
L-citrulline primarily refers to a synthetically produced type of citrulline. It is still an amino acid that can convert into arginine in the body. L-citrulline supplements will contain a higher concentration of the amino acid compared to eating a few slices of watermelon. This means the amino acid will create more arginine in the body.
In turn, there will be more nitric oxide too. Blood vessel dilation improves at a more significant level. Studies are currently limited. Some studies showed improvements when men took L-citrulline supplements6.
These studies focused on men with mild symptoms of erectile dysfunction. Thus, mild ED could potentially improve with the use of these supplements. Men with more severe ED may not experience the same benefits, however.
Foods that contain citrulline
Other Sources Of L-CitrullineWatermelon is only one of the many foods that contain citrulline. Men who want to give citrulline a try can also include other foods in their diet. A combination of these foods will provide the man with a higher concentration of citrulline. This might be a useful strategy to reduce milder symptoms of ED.
- Gourds
- Pumpkins
- Cucumber
While these foods do not contain as much citrulline as watermelon, they still make a worthy addition. These foods contribute additional nutrients to the body. Thus, they ultimately help the man adopt a more balanced diet.
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Benefits vs. risks of watermelon
Watermelon is a versatile fruit that can be enjoyed as a healthy snack or added to a meal. It offers a wealth of health benefits, including:
- Heart health: Studies have shown that Watermelon’s high levels of lycopene are effective at protecting cells from damage and may help lower the risk of heart disease. A study published in the American Journal of Hypertension found that watermelon extracts helped reduce hypertension and lower blood pressure in obese adults.
- Hydration: As we have discussed, watermelon is mostly made up of water, by 92% in fact. This makes it a great way of hydrating the body and enjoying a low calorie snack.
- Inflammation: Watermelon may help lower inflammation and oxidative damage, as it’s rich in the anti-inflammatory antioxidants lycopene and vitamin C
- Prevent mascular degeneration: Watermelon contains lycopene, which is found in several parts of the eye where it helps protect against oxidative damage and inflammation.It may also prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This is a common eye problem that can cause blindness in older adult.
Risks
Watermelon is generally a very safe fruit to consume with few known side effects.
However, as with everything, moderation is key and if you eat an abundance of the fruit daily, however, you may experience problems from having too much lycopene or potassium.
The consumption of more than 30 mg of lycopene daily could potentially cause nausea, diarrhea, indigestion and bloating, according to the American Cancer Society.
Other Supplements That Can Boost Libido
Citrulline is not the only supplement that may help to improve erectile function. A lot of men with erectile problems find that they have a low libido. It is important to note that an erection starts in mind. The man is sexually stimulated.
The brain then sends a message to the penis. In turn, blood flows into the penis, and an erection occurs. When a man has a low libido, he is likely to experience a poor erection. By focusing on improving libido, there may also be improvements in erectile function.
With this in mind, it is essential to consider supplements that may help to boost the man’s libido.
Tribulus Terrestris
Some publications have suggested that Tribulus Terrestris increases testosterone. This has not been proven through scientific research. However, there are a few studies that suggest the supplement may still hold benefits for male sexual health.
One study7 states that the look at Tribulus Terrestris as an androgen booster is outdated. Instead, the study suggests we need to turn our focus to the aphrodisiac properties of the herb.
The researchers explain that this plant extract may effectively enhance sexual desire in men. There are several biological mechanisms involved in this effect. The boost in sexual desire might be a strategy to improve erectile function.
Maca
Maca root is becoming a relatively popular natural remedy. This plant root extract has several medicinal properties. Maca is a type of Peruvian plant. It is primarily grown within the Andes mountains.
The plant is classified as a cruciferous vegetable. This means it is related to common vegetables, including kale and cabbage. It has been suggested as a beneficial herb for both men and women. One of the most common uses is to help enhance libido. Multiple studies have also taken a look at these claimed benefits.
One of the first studies to show the libido-boosting effective maca was done in 20028. Up to three grams of maca was provided to participants each day. The results were compared to a placebo group. There was a significant improvement in libido among the people who took the maca supplement. Other studies have provided similar results too.
One of these was published in the BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies Journal9. The researchers noted that further clinical trials are needed. Still, study participants did experience an enhancement in their sexual desire.
Red Ginseng
Red ginseng is an ingredient often advised to help boost energy and endurance. This ingredient can also be found in many male enhancement supplements. This is because the chemicals found in red ginseng may stimulate sexual desire.
In turn, a man may experience a boost in their libido. This might help with sexual dysfunction. Red ginseng is also known to enhance physical strength and boost stamina. These are essential factors that can be helpful during sexual intercourse.
It ensures the man is able to last longer during sex.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek has been advised for quite a large number of potential health benefits. This product is sometimes used as a way to assist in controlling blood sugar levels.
Some men take fenugreek supplements to boost their sexual health. The use of fenugreek might help to improve sex drive. The stimulation of the man’s sex drive could help them experience an improvement in their erectile function too.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is most commonly used as a nootropic ingredient. There are chemicals in the plant that helps to dilate blood vessels. This helps to relax the blood vessels. When blood vessels relax, blood circulation improves.
This is an essential factor in a man’s ability to have a healthy erection. Studies suggest that this action may also make ginkgo Biloba a worthy aphrodisiac to try. One study10 refers to the plant as a multifaceted therapeutic agent. It may stimulate sexual desire.
At the same time, there may be an increase in blood flow to the genitals. This could enhance the rigidity of the erection too. The extract may improve blood pressure as well.
Horny Goat Weed
Horny goat weed is also called epimedium.
It is a common active ingredient found in male enhancement supplements. Sometimes, it is also referred to as Yin Yang Huo. Some publications suggest that horny goat weed may enhance erectile function.
While studies are limited, there is evidence that the plant extract may enhance sex drive.
Further natural enhancements include:
- Panax ginseng
- Rhodiola rosea
- DHEA
- L-arginine
- Acupuncture
- Yohimbe
Natural Aphrodisiacs To Include In Diet
Apart from taking natural remedies, a few foods might also be helpful for boosting sex drive. These are often called aphrodisiac foods. There are certain chemicals in these foods that may help to stimulate a man’s sexual desire. When the man has an improved sexual desire, they may find that they become aroused more easily.
Troubles with erectile function may also be reduced. While there are a lot of foods considered to be aphrodisiacs, not all of them may work effectively. We share four of the best options that men should consider below. We also take a look at the specific chemicals and substances in these foods that might make them effective.
Oysters
When talking about aphrodisiac foods, oysters are the food that comes to mind first. This is the most popular type of natural viagra food with aphrodisiac properties. Oysters have been used for many years as a way of stimulating libido. There are a few suggestions about why oysters may be good. The zinc content is often thought to be the primary reason.
Zinc is a mineral. This mineral is essential for the production of testosterone. While testosterone does not have a direct effect on erectile function, it affects libido. With improved testosterone production, sexual desire may be stimulated in the process. The zinc also helps to promote healthier sperm.
Dark Chocolate
Another aphrodisiac food that you should try is dark chocolate. This type of chocolate contains a chemical called phenylethylamine. It is a similar compound that the body makes when two people are in love. It helps to reduce feelings of stress.
Additionally, phenylethylamine also helps to improve mood. High-stress levels and a low mood can quickly diminish a man’s sexual desire. The phenylethylamine content in dark chocolate may help to counter these problems.
Nuts
Certain types of nuts have also been found to be useful. Peanuts are known to be rich in the mineral zinc.
The same applies to almonds and pine nuts. In addition to zinc, these nuts are also high in magnesium. Both magnesium and zinc play roles in testosterone production. This may help to balance hormones in the male body. In turn, there may be an improvement in sexual desire.
Saffron
Saffron is a type of spice. In fact, it is considered the most expensive type of spice that a person can buy. A single pound of saffron can cost as much as $5,000. It takes a lot of labor to produce saffron. This is also one of the aphrodisiac foods that some people try.
Saffron is an antioxidant that can also improve mood. It may also be effective against depression. These effects may help men with erectile difficulties. It may also assist in improving sexual desire in men. This is what makes it a possible herbal Viagra.
Tips To Naturally Increase Libido
It is not always necessary to use prescription drugs or a supplement to improve libido.
Men who experience a low sex drive have a few natural options that they can try out. With the right lifestyle changes, it is often possible to increase libido.
Below are a few crucial strategies that men should consider to improve sexual performance.
- Diet: Diet plays a big part in erectile function and libido. Reducing sugar and saturated fats, often found in processed foods, can help to improve erectile function. This may also enhance libido at the same time. A healthy diet helps with weight management too. Diet also helps control problems like high blood pressure.
- Exercise: Exercise helps to control weight and boosts blood flow. Both of these are important if a man wants to maintain a healthy sex life. Exercise also boosts the overall men’s health.
- Sleep: Sleep deficiency causes several problems in the human body. It increases stress and causes weight gain. Sleep deficiency also increases the risk of depression. These factors can all adversely affect a man’s libido.
- Stress: A lot of chronic stress can also wreak havoc on a man’s desire. Men should try to control their stress. If it seems complicated, the man should consider trying some stress-relieving methods. This may include yoga and meditation.
Conclusion
Some studies have suggested that watermelon could be a natural viagra for men. This is due to the l-citrulline content in the fruit.
The l-citrulline may help to enhance blood flow. In turn, more blood might enter the penis during an erection. More studies are still needed, and taking a supplement may be more effective. Men should also consider other alternative options that are available.
Although you can benefit greatly from eating more watermelons, the quantity you may need for it to be a natural viagra is very difficult to consume. It would also vary with the type and severity of ED. You can find ways to incorporate more watermelon into your diet, as it’s a great source of Vitamin C and vitamin A, but also too much will have you needing to pee a lot.
At this present moment, you’re better off having a look at other natural solutions like Panax Ginseng or Barrenwort, as seen in Male Boost, a herbal viagra tincture I formulated to combat ED and poor libido.
This clinically formulated tincture helps to naturally reinvigorate your sex life. It works to gently raise testosterone levels over time, improving sexual function, stamina, muscle gain and feelings of masculinity, without the risk of hormonal shock caused by sudden testosterone increase. To find out how Male Boost could revamp your sexual health, click here.
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