Diseases, endocrinologists. MRI
Site search

Watermelon: calorie content, benefits and harm to the human body, watermelon diet. The benefits and harms of watermelon for the health of the body

People having various diseases Gastrointestinal tract, such as gastritis, pancreatitis, ulcers and others, people are often interested in what diseases of the stomach and other organs digestive system can you eat watermelon, and how dangerous it is for the already delicate intestines.

Why does this question arise so often? Everything is explained by the fact that watermelon is a healthy, tasty and juicy berry that contains large share fructose and glucose, as well as proteins, phosphorus, iron and other microelements beneficial to the body.

Watermelon for gastritis: is it possible?

Gastritis is an inflammation of the intestinal walls, which is accompanied by severe pain, nausea, bloating, flatulence and aversion to food. With this disease, heartburn often appears due to eating low-quality foods. Sometimes a watermelon is just that harmful product, if you eat a large amount at one time.

A patient diagnosed with gastritis can only eat foods that do not irritate the intestines. In this case, a ripe and juicy berry is ideal, as it does not cause sharp pain and heaviness in the stomach. It must be remembered that you cannot consume more than two slices of the product at a time.

Excessive passion for watermelon can cause an exacerbation of the disease, gastritis can develop into erosive form. That is why you should be careful when consuming watermelon.

What are the benefits of watermelon for gastritis?

Gastritis leads to worsening general condition and weakening of the body's immunity. With such a disease, a person simply needs vitamins and useful microelements, which are contained in sufficient quantities in watermelons. The juice from this berry helps restore the walls of the stomach, and the acid it contains reduces signs of inflammation.

You can also eat watermelon rinds, which are rich in substances that have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. The fiber contained in watermelon pulp promotes proper absorption of food and improves appetite.

How to choose the right watermelon?

To prevent gastritis from developing into acute form, you need to purchase watermelon from trusted manufacturers. They do not use various growth enhancers and harmful fertilizers when growing berries. Even for healthy person It is dangerous to eat watermelon with a high content of nitrates. Therefore, it is better not to take risks and eat only fresh fruits.

If the result of the test for nitrates turns out to be unsatisfactory (the number in the corresponding column of the document is more than 60), then it is better to wait with the purchase, otherwise there is a risk of poisoning or causing gastritis again.

Watermelon for stomach ulcers: why not?

In the treatment of all stomach diseases, diet is an important component. If you have a stomach ulcer, your diet should not consist of foods that irritate the walls of the stomach. Therefore, the answer to the question “Can I eat watermelon if I have a stomach ulcer?” will be definitely negative.

Of course, this sugar fruit has many beneficial properties, but eating it when peptic ulcer contraindicated.

How does watermelon affect the stomach with ulcers?

There are a number of reasons why you should not eat berries if you have a peptic ulcer. These include:


In general, watermelon can enhance clinical picture diseases. Therefore, you should absolutely not indulge in this product if you have a history of stomach ulcers. And if you really want to, you first need to consult a doctor and follow all his recommendations.

Is it possible to eat watermelon if you have pancreatitis?

Lovers of this delicacy barely have time to wait until August to enjoy the juicy berry. But can people with pancreatitis eat enough of these ripe and sweet fruits?

Inflammation of the pancreas does not involve consumption fresh berries, fruits and vegetables. The fibers in their pulp can cause increased flatulence, colic and bloating, as well as diarrhea.

In some cases, with chronic pancreatitis and progressive treatment, you can include watermelon in the patient’s menu, but only after the inflammatory process has subsided.

With pancreatitis in the remission phase, it is already allowed to gradually enjoy the juicy fruit. Even in cases of impaired carbohydrate metabolism with pancreatitis, watermelon will not harm, because it has a low glycemic index. The berry is predominantly fructose, so no additional insulin is required. Watermelons are eaten in any form, but pickled fruits can lead to exacerbation of pancreatitis.

In case of acute pancreatitis, the daily intake of watermelon can be determined by a doctor; in case of pancreatitis in the remission phase, you can eat up to 1.5 kg of pulp per day. It all depends on the tolerance of the product. And when acute pancreatitis Watermelon is strictly contraindicated.

Is it possible to eat watermelon if you have cholecystitis?

For cholecystitis and pancreatitis, you can only eat fresh watermelons. Developed cholecystitis provokes stagnation of bile in the bladder and prevents its participation in the digestion process.

With cholecystitis, it is important to follow a diet and adhere to a certain diet. If the patient overeats, abuses alcohol, or does not follow a nutritional schedule, his condition begins to worsen. This is where they come in handy medicinal properties watermelon, namely fiber. It helps cleanse the body and normalize the gastrointestinal tract. However, we must not forget about the gradual introduction of the product into the diet.

  • Calorie content: 30 kcal (2%).
  • Carbohydrates: 7.5 g (3%).
  • Fat: 0.2 g (0%).
  • Protein: 0.6 g (1%).
  • Fiber: 0.4 g (2%).
  • Vitamin A: 569 IU (11%).
  • Vitamin C: 8.1 mg (13%).
  • Choline: 4.1 mg.
  • Betaine: 0.3 mg.
  • : 50 mg.

The benefits of watermelon for human health

Eating watermelon helps keep the body hydrated, helps prevent cancer, reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, promotes heart health, and more. Here are the benefits of watermelon for human health:

1. Keeps the body hydrated

Water consumption - important way keep your body hydrated.

However, eating foods high in water content may also help.

Interestingly, watermelon is 92% water ().

High water content is one of the reasons fruits and vegetables help you feel long time fullness in the stomach after eating them.

Additionally, cucurbitacin E has been studied for its ability to inhibit tumor growth (,).

Summary:

Several compounds in watermelon, including cucurbitacin E and lycopene, have been studied for their potential in cancer prevention.

4. Helps improve heart health

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide ().

Lifestyle factors, including diet, can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Some nutrients in watermelon are especially beneficial for heart health.

Research shows that lycopene may also help blood pressure. It may also help prevent cholesterol oxidation ().

In obese postmenopausal women and men, research suggests that lycopene may also help reduce arterial wall stiffness and thickness (,).

Watermelon also contains citrulline, an amino acid that can increase nitric oxide levels in the body. Nitric oxide helps expand blood vessels, which helps lower blood pressure ().

Other vitamins and minerals in watermelon are also good for your heart. These include vitamins A, B6, C, magnesium and potassium ().

Summary:

Watermelon contains several heart-healthy compounds, including lycopene, citrulline, and several vitamins and minerals.

5. May Reduce Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Inflammation is a key factor in the development of many chronic diseases.

Watermelon may help reduce inflammation and oxidative damage because it is rich in the anti-inflammatory antioxidants lycopene and vitamin C ().

In a 2015 study, laboratory rats were given a watermelon supplement in powder form in combination with an unhealthy diet. Compared to the control group, they had lower levels C-reactive protein(a marker of inflammation) and reduced oxidative stress ().

In an earlier study, people were given lycopene-rich tomato juice with added vitamin C. Overall, their inflammatory markers decreased and their antioxidant levels increased. Watermelon contains both lycopene and vitamin C ().

As an antioxidant, lycopene may also promote brain health. For example, it may help delay the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease ().

Summary:

Lycopene and vitamin C are anti-inflammatory antioxidants found in watermelon. Inflammation is associated with the development of many chronic diseases.

6. May Help Prevent Macular Degeneration

Found in several parts of the eye, lycopene helps protect against oxidative damage and inflammation.

It may also help prevent age-related degeneration macular spot(macular degeneration). This is a common eye problem that can cause blindness in older people ().

Lycopene's role as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound may help prevent the development of macular degeneration and the worsening of the disease.

Summary:

Lycopene may help maintain eye health and protect against macular degeneration through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions.

7. May Help Relieve Sore Muscles

An amino acid present in watermelon called citrulline can reduce muscle pain.

Interestingly, watermelon juice appears to increase the bioavailability of citrulline.

In one small study, athletes were given pure watermelon juice, watermelon juice mixed with citrulline, or a drink with citrulline. Both watermelon drinks resulted in less muscle pain and more rapid recovery heart rate compared to citrulline itself ().

The researchers also conducted an experiment examining the absorption rate of citrulline. Their results indicate that citrulline absorption is most effective when it is consumed as a component of watermelon juice.

Other studies have also looked at citrulline's potential to improve physical endurance and exercise performance. So far, citrulline has not improved exercise performance in the amounts studied, but it remains an area of ​​research interest ().

Summary:

Watermelon juice has some potential as a post-workout recovery drink. Citrulline may be partially responsible for the muscle pain-reducing effect.

8. Watermelon is good for skin and hair

Vitamins A and C in watermelon are very important for healthy skin and hair.

Vitamin C helps your body produce collagen, a protein that keeps your skin elastic and gives your hair its strength.

Summary:

Several nutrients in watermelon are beneficial for your hair and skin. Some help maintain skin elasticity, while others protect against sunburn.

9. May Help Improve Digestion

Watermelon contains a lot of water and a small amount of fiber, which are important for proper digestion.

Fiber can provide bulk feces, while water helps move food efficiently through the digestive tract.

Eating water- and fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, including watermelon, can be very beneficial for normal bowel function.

Summary:

Fiber and water are important for healthy digestion. Watermelon contains both of these components.

Harm of watermelon to human health

If you consume watermelon in reasonable quantities, it should not cause serious side effects. However, if you consume large amounts of fruit daily, you may have problems with too much lycopene or potassium.

According to American Cancer Society, consuming more than 30 mg of lycopene per day may cause nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, and bloating.

People with severe hyperkalemia (too much potassium in the blood) probably shouldn't consume more than 150 grams of watermelon per day, which contains more than 170 mg of potassium.

According to National Institutes of Health, hyperkalemia can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and other problems with cardiovascular system, as well as a decrease in muscle control ().

Including plenty of water-rich foods like watermelon in your diet can be tempting for those looking to lose weight because it helps you feel fuller in your stomach, which allows you to naturally reduce your calorie intake.

We know that people who eat more fruits and vegetables tend to have a healthier body weight. However, nutrition experts do not recommend eating only watermelon. You will lose weight, but this mass will be mostly muscle mass. In other words, you will be able to lose weight by breaking down your own muscle mass.

Also, we should not forget about the presence of sugar in watermelons. Although this sugar is natural, watermelon contains quite a large amount of it.

5 Side Effects of Eating Watermelon

Eating watermelon can cause a number of side effects. Here's how watermelon is harmful to human health:

1. May Cause Diarrhea and Other Digestive Problems

Watermelon is an excellent source of water and good source dietary fiber. However, consumption in large quantities may cause digestive problems such as diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, gas, etc.

Another common cause of such problems is the content of lycopene, which is the carotenoid pigment that gives watermelon its bright red color.

2. May Increase Glucose Levels

If you are suffering diabetes mellitus, the risk exceeds permissible norm Glucose consumption also increases with watermelon consumption. Eating large amounts of watermelon can increase your blood sugar levels.

Although watermelon is a healthy fruit, it has a high score of 72. If you have diabetes, you should consult your doctor before consuming it on a daily basis.

3. May increase the risk of developing liver inflammation

People who regularly drink alcohol should avoid consuming large amounts of watermelon as high level lycopene can interact with alcohol, which also causes liver inflammation. Excessive oxidative stress in the liver can be harmful.

4. May cause overhydration or water intoxication

Water intoxication, or overhydration, is a condition where your body receives excess water, resulting in hyponatremia ( low level sodium in the blood).

Consuming large quantities of watermelon can increase the water level in our body.

If excess water is not eliminated from the body, it can lead to increased blood volume, which further causes swelling in the legs, exhaustion, weakened kidney function, etc.

5. May Cause Cardiovascular Problems

Watermelon is known to contain good quantity potassium, which is a vital nutrient that plays numerous roles in maintaining a healthy body.

It keeps our heart healthy and strengthens our bones and muscles. However, too much potassium can lead to cardiovascular problems, such as cardiac arrhythmia, low frequency pulse, etc.

How much watermelon can you eat per day?

According to professional nutritionists, 100 grams of watermelon contain about 30 calories.

Considering it's mostly water, it's easy to eat even 500 grams, which means you've just eaten 150 calories.

Considering that watermelon is easy on the stomach, you can consume it in large quantities.

In addition, it contains 6 grams of sugar per 100 grams, 500 grams of watermelon will contain as much as 30 grams of sugar. Ideally, most people should get between 100 and 150 grams of sugar per day from all foods they eat.

Eating watermelon is good for your health, but consuming it in excess can be unhealthy.

Summarize

  • Watermelon is an amazingly beneficial fruit for human health. It is high in water content and also provides the body with many other important nutrients, including lycopene and vitamin C.
  • The presence of these nutrients in watermelon means that it is not only a delicious low-calorie treat, but also very useful product for Your health.
  • However, as with other foods, you should eat it in moderation as excess consumption can lead to some of the side effects mentioned above.

Watermelon comes from South Africa. It is there that it can still be found growing wild. But people began to specifically grow this fruit back in the days of Ancient Egypt.

However, in our area until the 19th century, watermelon was considered a very rare delicacy. Now he has become part of our Everyday life. Every summer we enjoy this amazing gift nature, growing it in the country or simply buying it in a store.

It cannot be said that watermelon is very rich in vitamins, but it contains several essential substances for humans that bring significant benefits to the body.

First of all, watermelon is valued for its high content of the carotenoid lycopene - 100 g contains 90% of this substance from daily requirement person. Lycopene is the most powerful antioxidant currently known.

It's no secret that antioxidants protect our body from many diseases and, first of all, from cancer.

If we talk about the minerals that make up watermelon, rubidium is the leader here (more than 70% of daily norm per 100 g). Watermelon is also rich in silicon, cobalt, silver, boron and potassium.

Watermelon is not high in calories - 30 kcal per 100 g, but you still shouldn’t abuse it.

Many people believe that since watermelon is practically just water (100 g contains 90 g of water), you can eat it unlimitedly. In fact, it contains a lot of glucose and fructose, so you shouldn’t lean too much on it, especially if you’re on a diet.

Medicinal properties of watermelon in medicine

  • Watermelon has a strong diuretic effect, so it can eliminate excess liquid from the body.

This property can relieve people from edema caused by heart and kidney diseases.

  • This fetus is also capable of succumbing to hypertension.

In order to overcome the manifestations of this disease, you need to eat 150 g of watermelon pulp every day during the season.

  • Since watermelon is rich in alkali, but does not contain any salt, it helps with kidney diseases - nephritis, cystitis and others.
  • Watermelon is also beneficial for the liver, because it removes toxins from it.
  • Watermelon - indispensable assistant for people with anemia.

In cosmetology

The easiest way to refresh your facial skin and tone it with watermelon is to freeze watermelon juice in the freezer, and then wipe your face with a piece of the resulting ice.

Please note that you do not need to wash off the juice from your face for 15-20 minutes.

You can also make a wonderful lotion by mixing watermelon juice and peach juice in equal parts. This product is suitable for any skin type.

Another useful cosmetic product that can be prepared from watermelon is a mask.

Here is just one example of such a mask that tones the skin:

  • cook half a glass of thick semolina porridge in milk;
  • While the porridge is still warm, add one egg yolk and two teaspoons vegetable oil, honey, watermelon juice;
  • mix everything thoroughly, sprinkling the mixture with half a teaspoon of salt;
  • You need to keep the mask on your face for half an hour.

Harm of watermelon and contraindications for use

You should not eat watermelon in the following situations:

  • The fruit is contraindicated for people with impaired urine flow.
  • During diarrhea or colic.
  • People with large stones in the body.

Diuretic effect watermelon will move the stones out of place, which will cause strong fighting sensations.

  • You should not eat watermelon immediately after salty foods, as salt will retain water in the body and cause swelling.
  • Watermelon is not recommended for diabetics.

People with this disease can eat watermelon only in the smallest quantities.

  • You can’t eat watermelons pumped with nitrates.

If you are not sure about the purity of a watermelon, eat only its core. There least likely meet nitrates.

Medicinal recipes

Traditional healers very often use watermelon in the treatment of various diseases.

  • To save yourself or your child from ARVI

Mix watermelon juice and juice in equal proportions, preferably freshly squeezed.

This will literally wash the infection out of the patient’s body.

  • For sore throat and pharyngitis.

You need to gargle with watermelon juice four times a day. You need to repeat the procedure for four days.

Of course, there is no need to heat the juice, but it is also important to ensure that it is not too cold.

Also, if you have a sore throat, you can gargle with juice every hour. watermelon rinds, scrolled in a meat grinder. This procedure is relevant in the first, very hard days diseases.

  • To cope with anemia.

You need to drink 3-4 glasses of watermelon juice daily throughout the season.

  • To get rid of colitis.

You need to stock up on dried watermelon rinds. For a liter of boiling water you will need 100 g of dry watermelon rinds. You need to infuse them for two hours in a thermos. You should drink the medicine at least five times a day, half a glass.

The benefits of watermelon seeds

Not only the pulp of watermelon is useful, but also its seeds. In terms of their qualities, they can easily compete with healing ones.

The resulting powder should be diluted with milk in proportions of 1 to 10. You will have to drink the medicine in large quantities– two glasses twice a day. There is no need to eat milk.

Think about how many times you have returned from the market with a huge, beautiful watermelon, cut it in anticipation of a sweet feast, and ended up with a tasteless and unripe fruit.

Our tips will help you avoid such situations in the future:

  • The first thing you need to pay attention to is the size of the watermelon.

A small fruit will most likely not be sweet, but there is no need to take a large one.

The fact is that our country does not have the climate to grow giants, so the huge watermelon was probably fed with something not entirely healthy. The ideal solution is an average watermelon weighing 5-7 kg.

  • The tail must be dry.

It’s generally better not to take a watermelon without a tail.

  • You can also lightly tap the watermelon.

Ripe fruit will make a hollow sound.

  • It is better not to take a watermelon that has been cut to check its ripeness.

Fruits like sponges absorb dust and all the harmful things on the street.

  • It is better to buy watermelons from trusted sellers.

Never go back to someone who sold you bad fruit.

  • A perfectly smooth watermelon rarely turns out to be very tasty and sweet.

The best fruit will be the one that looks a little unsightly.

  • Finally, there are small, portable devices that can help determine whether watermelon contains nitrates.

Such devices are not cheap, but if you are a true fan of watermelons, you can get a similar device.

Be careful when choosing a watermelon and do not deny yourself this sweetness in the summer. Consuming throughout the season will provide your body with lycopene and many minerals.

Today even a child knows that juicy watermelon belongs to the category of berries. However, not many people know about the maximum weight of the fetus, which is included in the Guinness Book of Records. In 2009, it was recorded that the largest watermelon in the world weighs 122 kg. Agree, impressive value. If we add to this undeniable benefit berries, you might be completely shocked. Today we will talk about value and possible harm from watermelon consumption.

Calorie content of watermelon and application in dietetics

A slice weighing about 100 grams. concentrates 24 Kcal. Considering that most of the mass is occupied by water, the value is not critical. This indicator forces many people to include watermelon in their diet menu.

Against this background it happens complete cleansing kidneys, because the berry has diuretic properties. Weight loss is achieved by accelerating all metabolic processes, removing old waste, and preventing fat absorption.

Followers of strict diets have even created a weight loss technique that allows you to get rid of extra pounds in a matter of days. The diet says that by 10 kg. body weight is 1 kg. watermelon If your weight is 70 kg, you can eat as much as 7 kg per day. watermelon In this situation, you will lose about 6 kg in a week.

The benefits of watermelon

  1. Folic acid, contained in watermelon, improves the structure of DNA and also forms the fetus during pregnancy. This element takes an active part in the production of red blood cells. Folic acid is recommended for people undergoing chemotherapy.
  2. The diuretic effect allows a person to cleanse the kidneys and at the same time remove all toxic substances. This action is also considered a powerful prevention against stones, sand in the kidneys and bladder.
  3. Watermelon cleanses intestinal tract even from the oldest congestive phenomena that provoke constipation and other ailments of this kind. The berry enhances absorption useful elements food into the blood.
  4. Magnesium relieves even chronic fatigue. It removes feelings of anxiety, apathy, excessive irritability. The substance controls the psyche and emotional state.
  5. The berry is considered an excellent antidepressant. It will easily relieve the consequences of the stress suffered and will make the person immune to extraneous irritants.
  6. Daily consumption of even 2 slices of watermelon increases the body's defenses. This quality is extremely valuable for categories of citizens who suffer from low immune system from nature.
  7. The pulp contains a lot of coarse dietary fiber, which is needed to create the correct microflora in the intestines. The berry also reduces cholesterol, thereby preventing heart and vascular diseases.
  8. Watermelon is approved for diabetics. He has average glycemic index, therefore does not exceed sugar levels. By monitoring glucose levels, patients can manage full life without harm to health.
  9. Lycopene is included in the berry. The substance is used in the production of drugs for oncological diseases of the prostate, lungs, mammary glands, intestines, and stomach. We can say that watermelon prevents cancer.
  10. Watermelon is used in therapeutic treatment stomach diseases, including gastritis. With prolonged and frequent use Ulcers on the mucous membranes are healed, and the course of the disease is alleviated.
  11. The berry has a pleasant feature of reducing the likelihood of developing senile dementia in elderly people. Watermelon is also used to prevent Parkinson's disease.
  12. The magnesium contained in watermelon is extremely necessary for the heart muscle and central nervous system. The berry improves your mood and allows you to tune in to a positive wave. Watermelon prevents ischemic heart disease, tachycardia, stroke with heart attack.
  13. Not many people know that the most powerful diuretic effect is provided by the consumption of the white layer of watermelon, which is located near the pulp. To remove swelling and remove toxins, eat homemade watermelons. They are not loaded with nitrates.

Seeds of large berries in their own way positive properties resemble pumpkin ones. They are often used to treat most ailments.

  1. The grains help cure jaundice, eliminate bleeding, relieve inflammatory processes. To prepare the potion, mix ground seeds with milk at room temperature. Stick to a ratio of 1 to 10. Use in the morning on an empty stomach.
  2. To reduce the temperature during fever, make watermelon milk. Grind the seeds in a mortar, mix with filtered water in a ratio of 1 to 9. Add sugar, take 30 grams once every 2 hours.
  3. To make a face mask with a rejuvenating effect, make powder from dry watermelon seeds. Mix with kefir into porridge, apply and wait for a quarter of an hour.

The benefits of watermelon peel

  1. The peel has no less valuable composition. The product has found application in folk medicine. The peel effectively copes with some ailments.
  2. If you experience discomfort and sharp pains in the head, accompanied by pulsation, it is recommended to use watermelon rind. Tape a piece of peel to your temples for a while.
  3. The composition helps in the treatment of colitis. Cut the product into small cubes and place in a heat-resistant container. Pour 100 gr. raw materials 500 ml. boiling water Leave for 3-4 hours, drink 5 times a day.
  4. For kidney stones, an excellent diuretic is used in the form of watermelon peel powder. The composition cleanses bladder, ureter and helps with chronic cystitis, jade.

The benefits of watermelon for men

  1. Texas scientists conducted a series of studies, from which they found that watermelon is rich in cirtullin. The substance as a result of synthesis is converted into arginine. The enzyme dilates blood vessels.
  2. From this, experts concluded that watermelon is the strongest remedy for stimulating potency. The berry is many times superior modern drugs directed action. Thus, regular consumption of watermelon saturates your sex life.

  1. Eating berries helps rapid decline weight. It's no secret that watermelon is famous for its strong diuretic effect. It cleanses the body of excess fluid.
  2. Berry is a low-calorie product, but it can suppress hunger for a long time. Research has shown that fasting days spending time with watermelon is much more comfortable.

The benefits of watermelon during pregnancy

  1. During pregnancy, watermelon can be eaten in moderation. High content folic acid in the berry allows the baby to develop properly. Sometimes specialists separately prescribe vitamins in the early stages.
  2. During the season, you should carefully choose a watermelon; do not rush to purchase early berries. Peak ripening without chemicals occurs in August and September. Consult your physician before consumption.

Harm of watermelon

  1. Besides useful qualities, the berry can cause harm. It is important to consider that the pulp is low in calories, but the glycemic index is average. Watermelon, once digested, causes a strong appetite.
  2. It is prohibited to consume berries for colitis and diarrhea. If you have problems with urine flow, refrain from eating the pulp. If there are abnormalities in kidney function, it is recommended to consult a doctor. The specialist will give precise instructions.
  3. Watermelon is contraindicated for pyelonephritis, otherwise problems with the course of the disease may arise. Consumption of fruits in any quantity is prohibited if you have kidney stones. The diuretic effect can provoke the movement of tumors.
  4. If you have diabetes, you can consume watermelon in small quantities. To avoid consequences, consult your doctor. It is not recommended to eat watermelon if you have problems with the prostate and pancreas.
  5. Most often, watermelons are grown using nitrates, so do not rush to introduce berries into the diet of a child under 3 years old. Start with 100 gr. in a day.

For a healthy person, watermelon will bring undoubted benefits. It is important to choose a proven product. When eating berries, be sure to check the contraindications and the lack of them.

Video: the incredible effect of watermelon on the body

As a child, I always said that my favorite food was watermelon.

He beckoned with Scheherazade’s tales, he seemed to sense the sweetness of distant countries, desert dunes, the word “luxury”, unknown to me at that time, and a feeling of the richness of life. “This is what angels eat,” wrote Mark Twain.

I still agree with him))

Of course, now I know how watermelon is beneficial for the body. Because to be puzzled by questions proper nutrition and it is impossible to miss this product!

Despite the popular belief that watermelon consists only of water and sugar, this is not true; it contains a lot useful substances and antioxidants.

From this article you will learn:

How is watermelon beneficial for our body?

Watermelon (lat. Citrúllus lanátus) - annual herbaceous plant, a species of the Watermelon (Citrullus) genus of the Pumpkin family (Cucurbitaceae).

Chemical composition of watermelon

What is useful for watermelon and what does it contain:

The pulp of watermelon fruits contains from 5.5 to 13% sugars (fructose, glucose and sucrose). By the time of ripening, fructose and glucose predominate, and sucrose accumulates during watermelon storage.

  • proteins;
  • pectins,
  • calcium,
  • sodium,
  • phosphorus,
  • potassium,
  • iron in organic form;
  • vitamins B1, B2 PP, folic acid,
  • carotene, ascorbic acid, salts of magnesium, potassium, iron, manganese, nickel, alkaline substances.

Watermelon seeds contain up to 25% oil, according to physical and chemical properties similar to almond.

Judge for yourself:

  • one glass filled with pulp contains 20 percent of the daily value of vitamins A and C,
  • organic acids, calcium, sodium, magnesium and other minerals necessary for humans
  • and also provides more antioxidant properties than any other fruit or vegetable.

Well, the ability to quench thirst is provided by pure natural water, of which this fruit actually consists of 92%

Calorie content of watermelon

It has only 9 grams of sugar, zero grams of fat and 43 calories.

Useful properties of watermelon

Now watermelons are grown all over the world, the main harvest is harvested from July to September, so the appearance of earlier or later fruits (if they are not from countries where summer all year round) involves the use of greenhouses and fertilizers, so the benefits remain minimal.

Its composition provides healing properties: it cleanses the body, saturates it with moisture and vitamins, helps to “maintain” weight and is an excellent replacement for sweets, even for diabetics.

There are also more specific health benefits.

WITH therapeutic purpose Both the pulp and the rind and seeds are used.

Watermelon has a very strong diuretic (watermelon pulp does not irritate the kidneys and urinary tract), anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, choleretic and restorative effects.

Significantly enhances intestinal motility and normalizes metabolic processes.

Watermelon is very useful for the liver: intoxication, hepatitis A, cirrhosis, cholelithiasis, chronic cystitis.

Watermelon should be eaten for constipation, sluggish digestion, and putrefactive processes in the esophagus.

So, what are the benefits of watermelon:

  • normalizes digestion
  • reduces calorie intake
  • removes toxins and impurities
  • promotes hematopoiesis
  • reduces the risk of diabetes and heart disease
  • improves metabolism and condition
  • has a beneficial effect on the liver and kidneys
  • normalizes blood pressure
  • facilitates the course (don’t forget about vitamin C)
  • has a diuretic effect.

In general, we can talk about increased immunity and tone of the body, and general improvement with regular use of this product.

It also has similar properties, but melon contains a lot of it, so it is not recommended for diabetics or those on a diet.

What are the benefits of watermelon juice?

Both and freshly squeezed watermelon juice are approximately the same in effectiveness, although juice is not very popular in our country.

But in vain, it has a certain advantage over pulp, since it is much more convenient to drink preventively or once for medicinal purposes.

Rubbing the skin of the face and neck with ice cubes from watermelon juice has a wonderful effect. After wiping, it is not recommended to wash off the watermelon juice for 15 minutes; only after this time has elapsed do you rinse your face cold water and apply nourishing cream to the skin.

It is enough, for example, to take a glass for heartburn to go away.

Drink watermelon juice 20 minutes before meals or in between meals to recover after serious illnesses, reducing swelling, in the composition complex therapy in case of kidney stone disease, in case of violation water-salt balance, constipation, salt deposition in the bones, intoxication and hepatitis, during chemotherapy.

Peels and seeds are used for the same purposes.

What are the benefits of watermelon seeds?

Watermelon seeds are also very nutritious and are a source of various useful substances - protein, unsaturated fat, capable of removing “bad” cholesterol, minerals and vitamins.

Dried seeds are sprinkled saline solution and fry in a dry frying pan until black. You can simply eat them, add them to salads, muesli and soups.

What are the benefits of watermelon rinds?

Watermelon rinds increase urination, but do not irritate the urinary tract and kidneys.

They are dried, crushed, poured with boiling water and infused in the amount of two tablespoons per glass.

And then they drink it as a diuretic 3-4 times a day, one hundred milliliters.

If you have a headache, then fresh peels can be applied to the forehead; they, like the pulp, can be used to lubricate burnt and insect-bitten skin.

How is watermelon beneficial for women, children and pregnant women?

Watermelon is good for women, especially in critical days and periods colds– it helps to cope with weakness, pain, blood loss.

And in general it acts as an excellent moisturizer and nutritious product, only from the inside.

Watermelon is indicated for pregnant women due to its large amount of folic acid and its ability to restore vitality, cope with heartburn and remove swelling.

But due to the risk of poisoning, you need to be extremely careful; even a good watermelon should not be consumed in large quantities: for women in a position whose bladder is already compressed, there is no need to increase the frequency of trips to the toilet, and the activation of the intestines can cause unpleasant Feel.

As for children, babies have a high risk of developing allergic reactions even for a high-quality watermelon, so it is not recommended to give watermelon to children under one year old, and up to two or three years old they give only a small piece at a time, no more.

How to choose a watermelonRight?

You must understand that all of the above applies to watermelons without damage, nitrates and other impurities. Otherwise, these berries will only cause harm.

Unfortunately, due to unscrupulous manufacturers and sellers who add all sorts of nasty things to the soil, or even inject syrups and dyes into the watermelon, there is a high risk of running into a fruit that is dangerous to health, which is fraught with severe poisoning, inflammation, and allergic reactions.

Therefore, when buying a watermelon, unless of course you grow it yourself, you should follow the recommendations.

Ideally, watermelon has certificates of conformity if it is purchased in large supermarkets. Or at least in season.

The next thing you need to pay attention to is how the watermelon is stored.

  • It should not lie on the ground, in the sun, or along polluted roads: bacteria, microbes penetrate into the pulp through microcracks, heavy metals, various carcinogens.
  • Next, the fruit must be inspected for dents, cracks, stains, scratches, this also indicates damage and possible contamination. The watermelon should be bright, shiny, and regular in shape.

If all these conditions are met, most likely you are buying a fairly high-quality product.

Now let's move on to taste. There are several signs of ripeness.

Firstly, the contrast of the stripes, secondly, the dry tail, thirdly, a clear and ringing sound when knocking with a fist.

And one more nuance, you will be surprised, but among the watermelons there are boys and girls))) And the girls are sweeter, with fewer seeds.

So, Bottom part For girls, the watermelon is flat, with a large brown circle, and for boys, it is more convex, with a small circle.

Contraindications and potential harm to watermelon

Keep in mind that there are specific contraindications to eating watermelons (we are not talking, of course, about a few pieces as a treat):

  • obstruction of urine outflow
  • large phosphate kidney stones
  • periods of exacerbation of any severe chronic diseases
  • pancreatitis and flatulence
  • any allergic reaction

Just like any fresh fruit, watermelon can cause bloating and fermentation. But this is not at all an intolerance, as many people think, it is simply a misuse.

The fact is that fruits, including watermelon, are best consumed before or instead of meals, but not during or at the end of a meal. Fruits are digested much faster than other foods and simply cannot pass further.

However, my friend objected to me that in Italy her favorite salad is generally dry-cured ham and melon, and salads with seafood and meat in combination with fruit are common in Asia. But let's be honest—there are certain eating habits.

And if fresh fruits If you consume them quite rarely or are not accustomed to them in combination with processed foods, digestive problems most likely cannot be avoided.

Video about the beneficial properties of watermelon

Storing watermelon

If you do not get “year-round” watermelons from Costa Rica or Ecuador, then it is quite possible to save a September watermelon until the New Year.

You need to buy a whole, “healthy”, almost ripe fruit.

It is better if it is a late-ripening variety: Astrakhan striped, Azhinovsky, Volzhsky, for example, since their flesh is dense and the peel is thicker than other varieties.

This watermelon is stored at a temperature of 1-3 degrees and high humidity, but not in the refrigerator, ideally on the balcony or in the cellar.

The main secret is in the storage principle itself. If you leave all sorts of exotic options like burying in ashes, then the most correct thing would be to melt the paraffin, coat it on top and hang it in a net on a hook so that it does not lie.

I hope I’m not tired of you with watermelons))) I love them, so what))

You may also be interested in these posts about healthy fruits.