The Watermelon's Hidden Benefit

Ok, here's the plan: You will enter a watermelon-eating contest like any regular reveler. Eat as much of the juicy red flesh as you can, but after someone is declared the winner and the ribbons are handed out, volunteer for clean up duty. Trust us, your Fourth of July celebration will have more fireworks than ever.

Researchers at Texas A&M University have found that the watermelon's true glory lies not in its sweet red center, but in the bitter green rind. In fact, they have discovered something that could soon improve your sex life.

The watermelon rind contains a chemical called citrulline, which has the effect of relaxing the body's blood vessels, much the same as that little blue pill, Viagra.

"We've always known that watermelon is good for you, but the list of its very important healthful benefits grows longer with each study," Bhimu Patil, Ph.D., director of Texas A&M's Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center told Sciencedaily.com. (Tee hee, he said, "grows longer.")

So, this Fourth of July weekend, pay a little bit more attention to your traditional holiday treats. We heard apple pie could make a great aphrodisiac and sparklers make a great addition to your red, white and blue pasties. [Science Daily]