I know it’s the wrong time of the year for watermelon but keep this in mind for summer! If you can’t wait, have a look at our article on the other libido boosting food oysters (click here).
Watermelon makes it into the ‘libido enhancing foods’ list due to the compound L-citrulline, an amino acid that boosts nitric oxide levels. Nitric oxide helps your arteries relax and function better, improving blood flow throughout your body. Not only is this good for numerous reasons, but it can potentially increase blood flow to your clitoris, improving sensitivity and response.
Unfortunately studies directly examining the effect L-citrulline (or watermelon) on female libido aren’t available. However, knowing that your kidneys convert L-citrulline into L-arginine, then into nitric oxide is the key. As mentioned earlier, nitric oxide is the guy we’re after.
The increased blood flow that comes with nitric oxide is believed to enhance sexual responsiveness by amplifying genital blood flow and smooth muscle relaxation. With increased blood flow comes increased sensitivity, and with increased smooth muscle relaxation comes comfort. Theoretically, this should mean that sex can quite quickly become more pleasurable.
While eating watermelon isn’t necessarily going to turn up your desire, it can potentially and significantly increase your sensitivity and response. When a reliable sexual response has been found, the desire shouldn’t be too far away.
Of course, watermelon is a fruit, and you shouldn’t go nuts with fruit. Keep your fruit intake sensible (we recommend no more than 2 serves of fruit per day) so that your sugar response remains ideal. Maybe make watermelon one of those daily fruits.
Watermelon is a tricky fruit when you are considering sugars. It has a high GI (glycaemic index), but a low GL (glycaemic load). Basically, if you are concerned about the sugars, eat it in moderation. Again, don’t go too nuts for watermelon, but you can enjoy it daily.
With that in mind, due to its high-water content, watermelon is great for hydration and satiety. Watermelon is over 90% water, but it is delicious nutrient soaked water.
Watermelon has a significant amount of vitamins A, B6, and C, as well as lycopene, antioxidants and amino acids (like L-citrulline!). These nutrients are not only great for antioxidant benefits, but it is also beneficial for energy, inflammation, muscle soreness and skin health.
Keep watermelon in mind for summer and reap the benefits.
About The Author - Samantha Mainland
Samantha is a highly educated Naturopath having graduated from both Southern Cross University with a Bachelor of Naturopathy, and University of Tasmania with a Bachelor of Medicine Management with Professional Honours in Complementary Medicine.