The benefits of a watermelon can hardly be overstated, especially in hot weather, if chosen correctly. Otherwise, watermelon can harm the health of children and adults. So how can watermelon be harmful and useful? And who shouldn't eat this summer berry?
Berry or pumpkin?
Traditionally, watermelons are considered a berry, the largest and juiciest, but still some biologists argue. Some call it a false berry, others a pumpkin. And there is no complete understanding.
The homeland of watermelons is Africa, so heat is needed for the normal growth of these berries. Wild watermelons still grow on the territory of Africa, which bear little resemblance to cultivated plants. Previously, the pulp of watermelons was pale pink, and the usual berries with red pulp appeared only towards the end of the 20th century.
This precious berry was known in ancient times. Watermelon seeds have been found in the tombs of the pharaohs and there are references to this juicy berry on the wall paintings. Only in the X century this berry spread to China, and on the territory of Russia they appeared only in the XIII-XIV centuries. These berries were grown in many countries of the world, and still festivals are often held and even monuments have been erected. This is not surprising, because the fruits have a unique sweet taste, have a whole list of useful qualities, are used in traditional medicine, not to mention the possibility of using them in cooking and in the art of carving.
What else are watermelons useful for?
- 90% of watermelon is water, which is why they are so useful in hot weather, as they quench thirst. And its sweet taste is so popular with children and it perfectly replaces soda and sweet juices. There is virtually no protein or fat in watermelons, but there are plenty of carbohydrates that provide energy.
- Adults during intense workouts, children playing outdoors, a slice of watermelon or a small smoothie quickly replenishes their water reserves and provides energy for further milestones.
- Watermelon is a valuable source of lycopene, a pigment and a precursor of vitamin A, but during biochemical processes it does not turn into a vitamin, but continues to act as an antioxidant. Lycopene neutralizes the action of free radicals, which helps to slow down aging and more.
- The pulp of watermelon contains a large amount of folic acid, which is very important for the reproductive health of men and women, especially during the planning phase of pregnancy. This acid is also very important for the skin condition. For children, folic acid is very useful, because it is necessary for the development and maturation of the nervous system.
- Due to the high concentration of magnesium, watermelons are very useful for patients suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system. This element improves the functioning of nerve and muscle fibers and is particularly suitable for patients subject to stress and depression.
- The pulp of watermelon also contains citrulline, a substance that promotes the expansion of blood vessels, increases libido. Therefore, watermelons are recommended for men to enhance their intimate life.
- Watermelons have a pronounced diuretic effect, that is, they contribute to the elimination of excess fluid. But this is not just "water", watermelons give a feeling of satiety, so it is in August, September that the popularity of the watermelon diet increases.
- Watermelon seeds are even healthier and more valuable sources of pulp. They have a high concentration of folic and niacin, magnesium. But these seeds are best eaten dried.
Watermelons and medicine
As a raw material for medicinal oils, traditional medicine uses exclusively seeds, from which the oil extract is obtained. Due to its diuretic effect, this oil can be recommended for patients to remove sand from the kidneys. However, you must first consult a doctor who will take into account the indications and contraindications, possible side effects.
The pulp and peel are used by alternative medicine in many countries. According to some concepts, watermelons relieve edema, resist hypertension, prevent constipation, etc. In Chinese medicine, watermelon is believed to remove all diseases from the body, stimulate skin regeneration.
How can watermelon be harmful?
As stated above, watermelon is a mixture of water and fast carbohydrates. But despite the low calorie content, overeating can raise the glycemic index, which is not very good for patients with diabetes and pre-diabetic conditions.
The fact is that in order to remove sugar, the body is forced to spend a large amount of water, and the watermelon itself has a diuretic effect. And, contrary to popular belief, with the help of watermelons, not "waste and toxins" are removed, but minerals.
Another side effect associated with a diuretic effect is the provoking of stones. Therefore, watermelon should be limited to people suffering from urolithiasis.
Watermelon is not recommended for children under 3 and it's all about the composition of the pulp. Watermelon is not an allergenic product, but nitrates are often found in their composition. An adult organism may very well do it, but a child's cannot. By the way, for the same reason, adults are not advised to eat watermelon up to the rind, where harmful substances are concentrated.
Well, the main danger of watermelons is poisoning, which is very difficult to treat. And the reason is only nitrates and pesticides, which can cause severe and severe poisoning, and the first signs appear after 1-2 hours. Therefore, it is not recommended to buy watermelons before August. But if it is an early ripening fruit, then a safety certificate must be requested from the sellers. This is the only way to avoid poisoning.
During transportation and storage, a huge number of microbes can accumulate on the surface of watermelons. And before cutting the watermelon, it must be thoroughly rinsed under running water.