Lola
Welcome. My name is Julie. I'm 29 years old. I'm a clinical laboratory scientist and wannabe artist. And I love Drake. AIM: thefunkydiva26 Myspace Duct Tape Wallets	gallery 1

Another reason to eat lots of watermelon this weekend!

2008-07-03 10:39:45 ET Scientists: Watermelon yields Viagra-like effects By BETSY BLANEY, Associated Press Writer full article LUBBOCK, Texas - A slice of cool, fresh watermelon is a juicy way to top off a Fourth of July cookout and one that researchers say has effects similar to Viagra — but don't necessarily expect it to keep the fireworks all night long. 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, said scientists in Texas, one of the nation's top producers of the seedless variety. Found in the flesh and rind of watermelons, citrulline reacts with the body's enzymes when consumed in large quantities 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," said Bhimu Patil, a researcher and director of Texas A&M's Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center. "Watermelon may not be as organ-specific as Viagra, but it's a great way to relax blood vessels without any drug side effects." Todd Wehner, who studies watermelon breeding at North Carolina State University, said anyone taking Viagra shouldn't expect the same result from watermelon. "It sounds like it would be an effect that would be interesting but not a substitute for any medical treatment," Wehner said. The nitric oxide can also help with angina, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems, according to the study, which was paid for by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. More citrulline — about 60 percent — is found in watermelon rind than in 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, said Penelope Perkins-Veazie, a USDA researcher in Lane, Okla. She said Patil's research is valid, but with a caveat: One would need to eat about six cups of watermelon to get enough citrulline to boost the body's arginine level. "The problem you have when you eat a lot of watermelon is you tend to run to the bathroom more," Perkins-Veazie said. Watermelon is a diuretic and was a homeopathic treatment for kidney patients before dialysis became widespread. Another issue is the amount of sugar that much watermelon would spill into the bloodstream — a jolt that could cause cramping, Perkins-Veazie said. Patil said he would like to do future studies on how to reduce the sugar content in watermelon. The relationship between citrulline and arginine might also prove helpful to those who are obese or suffer from type-2 diabetes. The beneficial effects — among them the ability to relax blood vessels, much like Viagra does — are beginning to be revealed in research. Citrulline is present in other curcubits, like cucumbers and cantaloupe, at very low levels, and in the milk protein casein. The highest concentrations of citrulline are found in walnut seedlings, Perkins-Veazie said. "But they're bitter and most people don't want to eat them," she said. 6 comments

OMG

2008-07-01 11:51:17 ET Why won't she just shut the fuck up already!!??? Annoying trainee is annoying. 5 comments

Random caturday stuff

2008-06-29 00:35:19 ET Today I heard the song that inspired my screen name, Lola, by the Kinks, while playing black light mini golf with Drake and a mutual friend. I was way too happy about it. Black light mini golf rocks. Drake and his friend tied at 42. We watched "Wanted" today as well; it was a bit over the top, and I've had enough of Angelina Jolie, but it was entertaining at least. Today I also received a letter from the lawyer handling the estate of my late grandmother, informing me that my father, who died two years ago, and all of his children, have been specifically excluded from her will. I'm still in shock. I thought there were no hard feelings among us. I feel hurt, like I've been disowned by the family. I could care less about her money. To end on a lighter note, Drake asked me for a picture of myself for his desk at work. How adorable is that? Now all I have to do is find a picture that he likes :) 5 comments

You should all see this movie this weekend!

2008-06-19 22:56:38 ET Funny, entertaining, great characters and cameos too. Oh and be sure to try this for someone special.

Zohan

2008-06-17 10:26:21 ET Classic Adam Sandler fans should go see this movie! 7 comments

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