Men 65+: Watermelon for ED Over 65 – Helpful Habit or Just a Myth?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects many men over 65. With age, blood flow, nerve function and hormone levels change, making it harder to get or maintain an erection. Lately, “nature’s Viagra” buzz has turned to watermelon, thanks to its natural amino acids. But how much truth is there to the idea that eating watermelon can improve ED? Let’s unpack the evidence, practical advice and when to seek professional help.

Understanding Erectile Dysfunction in Men Over 65

Erectile dysfunction isn’t just a normal part of aging—it often signals underlying health issues.

Common contributing factors:

• Reduced blood flow from atherosclerosis or high blood pressure
• Nerve damage (from diabetes or surgeries)
• Lower testosterone levels
• Certain medications (for blood pressure, depression, prostate enlargement)
• Lifestyle factors (smoking, excess alcohol, obesity, inactivity)

Because ED can flag cardiovascular problems, diabetes or hormone imbalances, it’s important to take it seriously rather than dismiss it as “just aging.”

How Nitric Oxide, L-Arginine and L-Citrulline Work

To achieve an erection, you need good blood flow to the penis. Nitric oxide (NO) is a molecule your body uses to relax blood vessels, improving circulation. Two key amino acids feed into NO production:

• L-Arginine: Direct precursor to nitric oxide.
• L-Citrulline: Converted by your kidneys into L-arginine, boosting NO more sustainably.

Because L-citrulline avoids rapid breakdown in the gut and liver, it often raises blood levels of L-arginine more effectively than taking L-arginine itself.

Why Watermelon?

Watermelon is one of the richest natural food sources of L-citrulline. A typical cup (about 150 g) of watermelon flesh contains roughly 250 mg of L-citrulline. It also offers:

• Hydration (over 90% water)
• Vitamins A and C (antioxidant support)
• Lycopene (may support cardiovascular health)

But to reach therapeutic doses studied in research, you’d need to eat or drink large amounts.

What the Research Says

Acute Citrulline Boost from Watermelon Juice

Reference: Collins JK et al. (2007) J Nutr

• In a small pilot study, adults drank 500 mL of watermelon juice standardized for citrulline.
• Plasma L-arginine concentrations rose significantly within an hour.
• This shows watermelon juice can acutely boost the raw material for NO production.

Pharmacokinetics of L-Citrulline vs. L-Arginine

Reference: Schwedhelm E et al. (2011) Br J Clin Pharmacol

• Oral L-citrulline (3 g) increased plasma L-arginine more than an equivalent dose of L-arginine.
• L-citrulline led to steadier arginine levels, whereas direct L-arginine spiked then fell quickly.
• Suggests citrulline-rich foods or supplements may be more effective at supporting NO.

Relevance to Older Adults

• While these studies show potential, they didn’t specifically test men over 65 with ED.
• Watermelon contains citrulline, but typical servings (1–2 cups) provide only a few hundred milligrams—far below the grams used in trials.
• To match a 3 g L-citrulline dose, you’d need around 12 cups (nearly 2 kg) of watermelon flesh in one sitting—impractical for most.

Practical Takeaways

Is watermelon a magic bullet for ED? Not quite. But it can be a healthy part of an overall plan. Here’s how to use it wisely:

• Enjoy 1–2 cups of fresh watermelon as a hydrating, nutrient-rich snack.
• If you want higher citrulline levels, consider a quality L-citrulline supplement—check doses around 1–3 g per day.
• Combine watermelon with other NO-supportive foods: beets, spinach, nuts and citrus fruits.
• Maintain healthy eating habits: a balanced diet supports blood vessel health better than one single “superfood.”

Broader Lifestyle and Medical Options

Watermelon alone won’t solve ED in most men over 65. You may also consider:

• Exercise: Regular cardio and pelvic floor exercises enhance blood flow and muscle tone.
• Weight Management: Losing excess weight improves hormone balance and circulation.
• Smoking Cessation: Tobacco narrows blood vessels—quitting can boost NO levels.
• Alcohol Moderation: Excessive drinking impairs nerve and blood vessel function.
• Medication Review: Talk with your doctor about side effects and alternatives.
• Medical Treatments:
  • PDE-5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil)
  • Testosterone therapy (if levels are low)
  • Vacuum devices, injections or surgical options

Addressing underlying conditions—like diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol—often improves erectile function as a secondary benefit.

When to Seek Help

ED can be more than a quality-of-life issue—it can signal serious disease. If you experience:

• Sudden ED
• Pain during erections
• Other troubling symptoms (chest pain, shortness of breath)

you should evaluate promptly. You might start with a free, online symptom check for erectile dysfunction to help clarify your concerns before seeing a clinician.

Always discuss new or worsening symptoms with a healthcare professional. If you have chest pain, severe shortness of breath or any life-threatening issues, seek emergency care immediately.

Summary

• Watermelon contains L-citrulline, a building block for nitric oxide.
• Studies show juice can raise blood arginine levels, but therapeutic doses require impractical amounts of fruit.
• For men 65+, watermelon is a healthy snack but not a standalone ED treatment.
• Combine watermelon with lifestyle changes—exercise, diet, weight control—and consult your doctor about supplements or medications.
• Use a free, online symptom check for erectile dysfunction to guide your next steps, then speak to a doctor about anything serious or life-threatening.

No single food cures ED. But as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, watermelon can play a supporting role. Always talk to your doctor before starting supplements or making major changes—especially if you have heart disease, liver issues or are on multiple medications.