The benefits of a watermelon can hardly be overestimated, especially in the heat, if chosen correctly. Otherwise, watermelon can harm the health of both 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 fake 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. On the territory of Africa, wild watermelons still grow, which bear little resemblance to cultivated plants. Previously, the pulp of watermelons was pale pink in color, and the usual berries with red pulp appeared only at the end of the 20th century.
This valuable berry was known in ancient times. Watermelon seeds were found in the tombs of the pharaohs, and there are references to this juicy berry in 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 century. These berries were grown in many countries of the world, and festivals are still often held and monuments have even been erected. This is not surprising, because the fruits have a unique sweet taste, they have a whole list of useful qualities, they are used in traditional medicine, not to mention the possibility of using them in cooking and the art of carving.
What else are watermelons good for?
- 90% of watermelon is water, which is why they are so useful in the heat, as they quench your thirst. And its sweet taste is so popular with children and it perfectly replaces sweet sodas and 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 outside, a slice of watermelon or a small smoothie will quickly replenish their water reserves and provide energy for future achievements.
- Watermelon is a valuable source of lycopene, a pigment and a precursor to vitamin A, but during biochemical processes it is not converted into a vitamin, but continues to act as an antioxidant. Lycopene neutralizes the action of free radicals, helping to slow down aging and more.
- Watermelon pulp contains a large amount of folic acid, which is very important for the reproductive health of men and women, especially during the planning stage of pregnancy. This acid is also very important for the condition of the skin. 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 especially recommended for patients prone to stress and depression.
- Watermelon pulp also contains citrulline, a substance that promotes the expansion of blood vessels and improves libido. Therefore, watermelons are recommended for men to improve their intimate life.
- Watermelons have a pronounced diuretic effect, that is, they contribute to the removal of excess fluid. But this is not just "water", watermelons give a feeling of fullness, therefore, it is in August, September that the popularity of the watermelon diet increases.
- Watermelon seeds are even healthier and more valuable sources than pulp. They have a high concentration of folic and niacin, magnesium. But these seeds are best eaten dry.
Watermelons and medicine
As raw material for medicinal oils, traditional medicine exclusively uses seeds, from which the oil extract is obtained. Due to its diuretic effect, this oil can be recommended to patients to remove sand from the kidneys. However, you should first consult a doctor who will take into account the indications and contraindications, possible side effects.
The pulp and bark are used in alternative medicine in many countries. According to some concepts, watermelons relieve edema, resist hypertension, prevent constipation, etc. In Chinese medicine, it is believed that watermelon eliminates all diseases of the body, stimulates the regeneration of the skin.
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 increase the glycemic index, which is not very good for patients with diabetes and prediabetes.
The fact is that in order to eliminate 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 "slags and toxins" are removed, but minerals.
Another side effect associated with a diuretic effect is the induction of stones. Therefore, watermelon should be limited to people suffering from urolithiasis.
Watermelon is not recommended for children under 3 years old and it is all about the composition of the pulp. Watermelon is not an allergenic product, but nitrates are often found in its composition. An adult organism may well cope with them, but a child's cannot. By the way, for the same reason, adults are not recommended 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 serious and serious poisoning, and the first signs appear after 1-2 hours. Therefore, it is not recommended to buy watermelons before August. But if it is about early ripening fruits, then you need to demand a safety certificate from sellers. This is the only way to avoid poisoning.
During transportation and storage, a large number of microbes can accumulate on the surface of watermelons. And before cutting the watermelon, it must be thoroughly rinsed under running water.