The Claim
Consumption of 710 mL/day of watermelon juice providing approximately 1.65 g of L-citrulline for 8 weeks in non-athlete men undergoing endurance training is associated with increased muscle thickness but no improvement in exercise performance.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
In non-athlete men doing endurance training, drinking 710 mL of watermelon juice daily for 8 weeks is linked to greater muscle thickness but no change in exercise performance.
See the scientific wording
Watermelon juice consumption (710 mL/day, ~1.65 g L-citrulline) for 8 weeks in non-athlete men undergoing endurance training is associated with increased muscle thickness but not improved exercise performance, suggesting its primary benefit may lie in recovery and adaptation rather than acute ergogenic enhancement.
When someone drinks watermelon juice, the L-citrulline in it gets turned into arginine in the kidneys. Arginine is used to make nitric oxide, which opens up blood vessels in the muscles. This lets more blood flow through, bringing in oxygen and nutrients while removing waste products. The improved blood flow helps muscles repair themselves faster after exercise and grow thicker over time, even if performance doesn't improve right away.
What the research says
1 studyDrinking watermelon juice every day while training made men’s chest and thigh muscles slightly thicker over time, but didn’t help them run faster or lift heavier — so it helps muscles recover and grow, not boost performance right away.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.