By Amy Moore

The News staff writer

If you’re looking to make fireworks in the bedroom this Fourth of July, watermelon, not oysters, should be on your shopping list.

A study released by Texas scientists shows that watermelons contain an ingredient called citrulline that can trigger production of a compound that helps relax the body's blood vessels, similar to what happens when a man takes Viagra.

“I don’t believe it, but I wouldn’t mind testing the theory — I love watermelon,” James Wise, 44, of Nederland said before enjoying a hearty piece of Independence Day’s popular fruit.

Found in the flesh and rind of watermelons, citrulline reacts with the body's enzymes when consumed and is changed into arginine, an amino acid that benefits the heart and the circulatory and immune systems.

“Arginine boosts nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels, the same basic effect that Viagra has, to treat erectile dysfunction and maybe even prevent it,” Bhimu Patil, a researcher and director of Texas A&M's Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center, said. “Watermelon may not be as organ specific as Viagra, but it's a great way to relax blood vessels without any drug side-effects.”

Melinda Jones understands how the process works but said that eating healthier in general is a good way to increase libido.

“When you feel better physically, you’re more prone to want to,” the Nederland woman said of being sexually active. “But the encouragement helps.”

The nitric oxide also can help with angina, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems, according to Patil.

More citrulline — about 60 percent — is found in watermelon rind than the flesh, Patil said, but that can vary. But scientists may be able to find ways to boost the concentrations in the flesh, he said.

Citrulline is found in all colors of watermelon and is highest in the yellow fleshed types.

Patil's research is valid but comes with one side effect that could put a damper on any romantic settings — one would need to eat about six cups of watermelon to get enough citrulline to boost the body's arginine level, a task that would have the would-be lover running back and forth to the bathroom.

Another issue is the amount of sugar that much watermelon would spill into the bloodstream — a jolt that can sometimes cause cramping, a researcher said.

Todd Wehner, who studies watermelon breeding at North Carolina State University, said anyone taking Viagra shouldn't expect the same result from watermelon.