posted Tue. April 13 18:25 pm zoomata staff

Men in Southern Italy have long claimed the red Tropea onion makes lovemaking easy, a scientist has now proved it is a natural form of Viagra.

Pasquale Potenza, who emigrated to Argentina as a youth, may have remembered whispered tales about the amorous side effects of the sweet onion of his native Calabria. After years of research, the biochemist at the University of Buenos Aires discovered that the Tropea onion contains nitric oxide, the active ingredient used in the little blue pill to regulate blood vessels and sustain erections.

“I’m not exactly sure what the implications may be,” said the researcher, whose last name happens to mean “potency” in Italian. “It will take complex studies to see whether it could be used on a pharmaceutical level — the connection is there though.”

Brought to Italy over two thousand years ago most likely by the Phoenicians, this type of onion has long been known to have excellent medicinal qualities. Pliny the Elder famously sung its praises — claiming these onions could cure vision, induce sleep, heal mouth sores, dog bites, toothaches and rheumatism.
Modern Italians are more likely to use a small amount to flavor an omelet or soup, but they have convinced the EU the Tropea onion is worthy of Protected Geographical Indication (I.G.P.) food status.
If Potenza’s research turns out to be commercially viable, they may find all sorts of new uses for it. @1999-2009 zoomata.com Related resoures:
Cucina Di Calabria: Treasured Recipes and Family Traditions from Southern Italy