Erectile dysfunction could be cured with watermelon

“This effect can improve blood flow to the penis, which is just how Viagra works to treat or prevent erectile dysfunction.”

A scientific study in 2011 concluded that citrulline consumption had a ‘significant positive impact’ for people suffering with mild erectile dysfunction.

Researchers gave men with mild erectile dysfunction a placebo for one month and a citrulline supplement for another month recording the hardness of their erection and the amount of times they had sex.

Scientists tested a total of 24 patients, with an average age of 56. The results showed: “The improvement in the erection hardness score from three - mild erectile dysfunction to four - normal erectile function - occurred in 2 (8.3 per cent) of the 24 men when taking placebo and 12 (50 per cent) of the 24 men when taking L-citrulline.”

Lily said: “Interestingly we now know that red watermelons contain even more lycopene than tomatoes.

“Lycopene has also been shown to help relax blood vessels and increase blood flow to the penis, just like viagra.

“It is important to note however, that as lycopene is a fat-soluble antioxidant, it is absorbed best when combined with fat.”

Experts also advise that eating watermelon with healthy fats such as avocado, seeds or yoghurt can increase the absorption rate of lycopene by as much as five to seven times. 

However, unlike Viagra, watermelon consumption comes with no side effects if it is eaten in moderation.

Lily said: “Watermelon is a great alternative for those who are not medically fit to take erectile dysfunction medications.”