Useful properties of watermelon: from rind to seed. Watermelon rind. Watermelon rinds - healing properties and secrets of use. What are the health benefits?

Sweet sugar watermelon- a storehouse of various useful things.

Watermelon rinds - benefits and harms

But it turns out that you don’t even have to throw away the watermelon rinds - they also have benefits.

The benefits and harms of watermelon rinds

It would seem that what could be useful here? However, experts have found that the green crust also contains useful material:

  • in fact, all the trace elements and vitamins that can be found in the watermelon pulp are also in the rind (vitamins: groups B, A, C, PP, beta-carotene; trace elements: calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and phosphorus);
  • there is less sugar and water, but there are much more amino acids, chlorophyll and fiber;
  • Watermelon rinds contain fiber and cellulose, so their benefits are especially noticeable in normalizing the activity of the gastrointestinal tract.

Thus, they are no less important for our health than watermelon pulp.

Many people just think that the green shell of the bright, sweet, handsome watermelon is no good. However, experts are in no hurry to throw it in the trash. Decoctions of them are used to cleanse the gastrointestinal tract, and also as diuretics and choleretic agents, expectorants and pain relievers.

Watermelon rinds, the benefits of which have been proven, can also cause harm if used incorrectly.

Their use can cause irreparable harm to health in several cases:

  • rinds were removed from watermelon grown “out of season” or stored for a long time;
  • watermelon is grown using a large amount of chemicals - in this case, most of the toxins that accumulate in the berry go into the peel;
  • Recommendations for the dosage of components when preparing decoctions and infusions are not followed.

Real experts understand that watermelons themselves, their seeds and rinds can bring both benefit and harm, so you need to be extremely careful when choosing this sweet giant berry.

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Watermelon rinds- a good diuretic for edema, if there are problems with the kidneys, heart and blood vessels. They are also useful for gout, obesity and hypertension.

Diuretic effect of watermelon peels may occur even when consumed in the form of jam and candied fruits. By increasing urination, they do not irritate the kidneys and urinary tract. They are useful to use to strengthen the body after a serious illness, difficulty urinating, kidney and liver stones, dropsy. Watermelon rinds will also help with constipation, because they contain a lot of fiber, which enhances intestinal motility and makes bowel movements easier. This product is suitable even for children.

As a diuretic Pour 20 g of fresh or dry peels with 1 glass of boiling water, leave for an hour, strain. Drink 1/2 glass 3 - 4 times a day.

If there are kidney stones and to remove salts from the body during gout, take the powder from the green top layer of the peels, diluting in warm water or with water and honey, from 1 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons 2 - 3 times a day before meals. The dose must be selected individually. Another good recipe for kidney stones: pour 2 tablespoons of powder from the green top layer of crusts into 0.5 liters of boiling water, leave for 45 minutes, strain.

The benefits and harms of watermelon: from the juicy core to the striped rind

Take 1/2 cup 3-4 times a day after meals.

For urolithiasis Cut the watermelon rinds, sprinkle generously with sugar and leave for a while. Pour the released juice into a dark bottle and store in the refrigerator. Drink 1 tablespoon with tea.

For liver diseases pour 2 tablespoons of dry crushed watermelon rinds into 0.5 liters of boiling water, leave until cool, strain. Drink 1/2 glass 5 times a day 30 minutes before meals.

At cholelithiasis pour 150 g of dry crusts into 1 liter of boiling water, simmer over low heat for 30 minutes, leave until cool, strain. Take 1 glass 3-4 times a day before meals.

For dysbacteriosis Pour 1 tablespoon of crushed peels with 1 glass of boiling water, boil for 10 minutes over low heat, leave for 10 minutes, strain. Drink 1/3 glass 3 times a day.

For constipation Pour 500 g of fresh peels into 0.5 liters of boiling water and simmer under the lid over low heat for 30 minutes. Leave until cool, strain. Drink 1/2 cup warm 2-3 times a day.

To remove salts from the body In the evening, pour 2 tablespoons of crushed peels into a thermos with 0.5 liters of boiling water, strain in the morning and drink several times throughout the day.

For insomnia, coronary disease hearts Take watermelon rind powder 1/2 teaspoon, stirred in 1/2 glass of water or kefir, 2 times a day between meals.

If watermelon rinds are taken regularly, it can lead to a decrease in potassium levels in the body. To compensate for its deficiency, you need to eat foods rich in potassium: dried apricots, prunes, raisins, nuts. Exacerbation of gastrointestinal tract is also possible. intestinal diseases, flatulence.

A well-known berry from the pumpkin family, the melon crop, watermelon, captivates with its juicy, aromatic pulp.

The benefits of watermelon rinds

But watermelon rinds are often ignored and simply thrown away. Therefore, it is useful to know why they are good and in what form they can decorate the summer (as well as winter and off-season) menu.

What can you tell us about the features of watermelon rinds and their benefits?

The entire watermelon rind is considered edible, except for the thin green skin, which creates the classic striped color of the fruit. The taste of the rind is refreshing, distinctive, neutrally pleasant, but most people will prefer the watermelon pulp dripping pink juice to it. So the crust is valued mainly for its beneficial properties, not its taste.

Although, after some processing, watermelon rinds are very appetizing, and candied fruits, jam and pickled snacks can be prepared from them in jars in the manner of ordinary cucumbers, and jam and pickled preparations can be prepared by mixing the rinds and pulp.

In folk medicine, the crusts are also used in the form of decoctions and infusions, they are dried (then ground into powder and consumed internally, for example, with honey) and the juice is squeezed out of them (but they will not be able to quench your thirst like fresh juice from the pulp - this is just a natural medicine) .

The rinds of ordinary (pink-red) and yellow watermelons are equally useful.

The energy value of watermelon is low - 25-35 kcal per 100 g of pulp, and the rind is not far from this level, but only while it is fresh - the same jam from it contains about 235 kcal per 100 g.

As for comparing the composition and benefits of watermelon rinds and pulp, they are largely identical, and the former contain even more chlorophyll, fiber and amino acids, of which highest value has a non-essential amino acid citrulline, which, although not involved in protein synthesis for muscle tissue growth, but:

Promotes the removal of ammonia from the body, especially a lot produced during intense physical activity, which, in particular, prevents the feeling of fatigue and muscle pain after these exercises;

Acts as a vasodilator (by increasing nitric oxide levels), which improves blood flow and oxygen supply to tissues, and normalizes high blood pressure.

The carotenoid pigment lycopene, which creates the red color of the pulp, is contained in the crust, of course, less, but it still improves the condition of the skin - by participating in cell renewal, the production of collagen and elastin for its youth, and protecting it from solar radiation.

Watermelon rinds contain vitamins A, C, several from group B and E, as well as minerals - potassium, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, calcium, sodium, silicon.

And it is also worth noting choline (B4) - it enhances the effect of folic acid, and when paired with lycopene, it acts as a powerful antioxidant - strengthens the immune system and protects the body from premature aging and the risks of cancer.

What diseases will benefit from watermelon rinds?

One of the main properties of watermelon is a diuretic, it is also found in the rinds of the berries and is characterized by the following features:

Unlike many diuretics, watermelon does not flush potassium from the body;

Eating watermelon, even in large quantities, does not irritate the urinary tract;

If in the kidneys and bladder stones have not yet formed, but there is sand, watermelon helps remove it;

The removal of excess fluid is accompanied by a decrease in inflammatory processes in genitourinary system, the disappearance of such unpleasant symptom, such as increased urination and decreased swelling (especially caused by heart and kidney diseases).

Eating watermelon rinds makes a good contribution to the prevention of cardiac diseases.

Due to the combination of coarse dietary fiber (fiber) and compositional features, watermelon rinds heal the gastrointestinal tract, including:

Restoration of disturbed intestinal microflora;

Normalization of digestive processes;

Reducing stomach pain;

Treatment of constipation;

Healing of minor mucosal injuries.

At the same time, a comprehensive cleansing of the body from toxins and waste is carried out.

Also, watermelon rinds are useful for the following:

Relief of symptoms of joint diseases;

Treatment of cholestasis (stagnation of bile) as a choleretic agent;

Restoring the full functionality of organs respiratory system after inflammatory diseases.

How else are the benefits of watermelon rinds manifested?

Despite the fact that watermelon has an average and even rather high glycemic index (about 75 units), its rinds, firstly, contain less sugar than the pulp, and secondly, it is mainly easily digestible (does not require this large amount of insulin) fructose.

Thus, the berry is not contraindicated in moderate amount for diabetes and overweight (obesity).

Another advantage of watermelon is that it is entirely a food product. medium degree allergenicity.

Watermelon rinds (especially in the form of sweets) have a positive effect on nervous system— improve mood, help against depression and apathy, increase concentration and the body’s resistance to stressful situations.

Watermelon is one of the the most useful fruits For female beauty, and although in this regard the peels cannot compare with the pulp, all the same, they, in particular, improve the condition of the nails, giving them strength and shine, protecting them from brittleness and delamination.

Can watermelon rinds cause harm?

Not all plants, such as melons (which in addition to watermelon also include pumpkin and melon), are capable of accumulating nitrates in their skins, heavy metals and other harmful substances.

But it is rarely possible to find out everything about the environmental safety of the place where watermelons are grown and what they are fertilized with.

Therefore, in order to consume watermelon rinds without harm, it is recommended that before eating them or preparing them in any way, soak the rinds (after clearing the green peel) in cool water.

In 2-3 hours, the harmful substances will turn into liquid, and all that remains is for the peels to be dried and usefully consumed.

Excessive and prolonged consumption of watermelon rinds (and pulp) can lower the level of potassium in the body and to prevent this phenomenon, and in order not to give up your favorite watermelon, it is recommended to introduce into the diet something that contains plenty of potassium, for example - nuts, dried apricots, raisins, spinach , potatoes (with skin).

You should not get carried away with watermelon rinds in the last stages of pregnancy - despite the fact that internal organs and so they experience increased loads, its pronounced diuretic property can negatively affect a woman’s well-being.

Also, to avoid harm from watermelon rinds, they are strictly contraindicated for:

Tendency to diarrhea and flatulence;

Urolithiasis (the movement of stones may be provoked);

Inflammatory and chronic gastrointestinal diseases in the acute stage (but theoretically, the doctor can lift the ban if health indicators are favorable).

Citrullus vulgaris Schrad.
Pumpkin family - Cucurbitaceae.

Description

An annual monoecious plant with a creeping stem and branched tendrils. The leaves are large, deeply three to five divided. The flowers are unisexual, light yellow. The fruit of watermelon is a spherical false berry. The fruits are large, spherical, less often oval or cylindrical with a smooth surface, with red or pink juicy sweet pulp and numerous seeds. Some varieties have white or yellowish-white flesh. The color of the bark is green, dark green, sometimes white with a pattern in the form of stripes or a grid. Stem length 2–3 m.

Spreading

Watermelon is cultivated in many regions of the Earth with dry and hot climates. The homeland of watermelon is South and Central Africa.

Habitat

Cultivated on melons.

Flowering time

June July.

Collection time

Aug. Sept.

Harvesting method

Crust ripe watermelon shiny. If you knock on it, the sound will be clear and ringing. Store watermelons, laid out on shelves in one row, with the tails up, at a temperature of 0 to 5°C.

Watermelon rinds, seeds and juice, benefits and harms

Chemical composition

Watermelon is a source of pectin, nitrogenous and alkaline substances, fiber, vitamins B1, B2, C, PP, folic acid and provitamin A, as well as salts of manganese, nickel, iron, magnesium and potassium. Watermelon pulp contains up to 12% sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose). Fructose makes up about half of all sugars and determines the sweetness of watermelon. A fruit weighing 3–4 kg contains up to 150 g of pure fructose. The seeds contain up to 25–30% fatty oil rich in vitamin D.

Applicable part

Fruits (pulp and rind) and seeds.

Application

In folk medicine, the pulp, rind, seeds and juice of watermelon are used:

  • In febrile conditions;
  • As a strong diuretic;
  • As a mild laxative;
  • As a choleretic;
  • As an anti-inflammatory;
  • As hemostatic agents;
  • As an anthelmintic;
  • For dropsy;
  • With jaundice;
  • For the treatment of colitis in children;
  • For arthritis and gout;
  • With sclerosis;
  • For burns;
  • At skin diseases;
  • For diseases of the liver and gall bladder;
  • With anemia;
  • For sore throat;
  • For pulmonary tuberculosis;
  • At chronic cystitis, jade;
  • For stones in the kidneys, bladder and ureter;
  • With impotence;
  • In case of intoxication.

Contraindications

Use with caution in patients diabetes mellitus. Do not use for the treatment of alkaline urinary tract stones.

Mode of application

Most often, watermelons are used fresh. The fruit pulp and juice quench thirst well. The presence of delicate fiber and pectin substances in watermelon has a beneficial effect on digestion and improves intestinal microflora. It is also useful in the diet of obese patients. The seeds have hemostatic and anthelmintic properties. Watermelon is good for people of any age. Its medicinal properties are widely used in medicine.

Pulp

  • Regular consumption of watermelon provides healthy sleep, peace of mind, and for men - increased potency.
  • A paste of red watermelon pulp is applied to a wound for skin diseases to heal non-healing festering wounds.
  • For diabetes, small doses of watermelon are recommended. This is explained by the fact that ripe watermelon contains a lot of fructose, which is easily digestible and, unlike sucrose, does not cause a load on the insular apparatus of the pancreas. But diabetics should be very careful with watermelons.
  • Watermelons improve the digestion process. Fiber and pectin substances of watermelon pulp promote vital activity beneficial microorganisms in the intestines. Watermelon is rich in alkaline substances that neutralize excess acids coming from staple foods: eggs, fish, meat and bread.
  • In case of kidney stone disease, the alkalinity of urine increases under the influence of substances contained in watermelon, the salts become soluble and are excreted due to the diuretic effect. In this case, watermelon should be eaten in even portions, even at night. However, it should be remembered that stone formation can also occur in alkaline urine (for example, phosphate stones). In this case, do not use watermelon treatment.
  • For urolithiasis, cystitis and nephritis, occurring without water retention in the body, watermelon can be eaten from 2 to 2.5 kg of watermelon per day.
  • Watermelon is an excellent diuretic. It should be eaten for edema associated with diseases cordially- vascular system, kidneys and liver.
  • Watermelon contains folic acid, which is important for cardiovascular diseases. It is involved in the synthesis of amino acids and hematopoiesis, regulates fat metabolism, and has an anti-sclerotic effect, like choline and vitamins C and P contained in watermelon pulp.
  • Watermelon is also useful for anemia, since in addition to folic acid it contains iron salts.
  • Watermelon fiber, enhancing intestinal motility, accelerates the elimination of excess cholesterol, therefore watermelon is useful for atherosclerosis and hypertension.
  • Watermelon is useful for restoring liver function after jaundice.
  • For gallstones, watermelons are used in therapeutic nutrition and also they are good choleretic agent with hepatitis.
  • For diseases of the liver and gall bladder, watermelon removes fluid from the body and nourishes the liver tissue with easily digestible sugars.
  • It is useful to eat watermelon during the period after a long and serious illness, as well as after surgery, especially if it was performed under anesthesia.
  • In the diet of obese patients, watermelon pulp is used to simulate satiety. The pulp is low in calories (about 38 kcal per 100 g).

Crust

Watermelon rinds are used fresh and dried, and a decoction and infusion are also prepared from them.

A thick watermelon rind tied to the forehead and temples helps with headaches and migraines.

The outer green layer of the watermelon rind is thinly cut, finely chopped, dried first in a warm oven, then dried at room temperature. Grind. Take 1 teaspoon 3 times a day before meals, washed down with honey diluted in water: half a teaspoon of honey per 50 ml of warm boiled water. Store dried watermelon rinds in a paper bag. Used for chronic cystitis, nephritis, kidney stones, bladder and ureter as a diuretic.

Decoction of watermelon rinds

1 tablespoon of watermelon rinds is poured with 1 glass of boiling water, boiled for 10–15 minutes in a water bath. Cool and filter. Take 1/2 cup 3-4 times a day as a diuretic. You can use dried and fresh peels.

Infusion of watermelon rinds

100 g of dried peels are poured into 0.5 liters of boiling water and left until cool. Take 1/2 cup 4-5 times a day for colitis.

Seeds

  • Watermelon seeds, like pumpkin seeds, have anthelmintic properties.
  • Fresh watermelon seeds are crushed with a heavy object to crush them, rather than grind them into powder. Take 100 g of seeds per 1 liter of water, boil for 45 minutes over low heat, then filter and drink 200–250 g three times a day.
  • Pass dried watermelon seeds through a meat grinder and mix with milk in a ratio of 1:10. During the day, drink 2 glasses of the mixture between meals as a hemostatic agent for uterine bleeding.
  • Watermelon “milk” is made from crushed watermelon seeds. The seeds are ground into cold water in a ratio of 1:10 and drink 1 teaspoon every 2 hours (you can add sugar or fruit syrup). Used to quench thirst, lower temperature and during feverish conditions, and also as an anthelmintic.

Juice

  • The juice, along with the pulp, is used for feverish conditions and to quench thirst.
  • For sore throat and pulmonary tuberculosis, it is recommended to gargle with watermelon juice.
  • For burns (even extensive ones, up to third-degree burns), the patient’s condition is alleviated with the help of fermented watermelon juice.
  • From recipes Chinese medicine: The pulp and juice of a ripe watermelon are placed in a clean glass jar, sealed and left at room temperature for 3-4 months, then the juice is filtered. After some time he will acquire sour smell. First, the burns are washed with cool saline solution or water, then several times a day make lotions on the burned area from the fermented juice. With this remedy, first and second degree burns typically heal in 8–9 days, and third degree burns in 18–21 days.

Goodies

Watermelon "honey"

Ingredients: ripe sweet watermelons.

Preparation: select the pulp, rub through a sieve, filter through 2-3 layers of gauze and bring the resulting juice to a boil, stirring constantly and skimming off the foam. Then the juice is filtered again through 3-4 layers of gauze and boiled over low heat, stirring until the volume decreases by 5-6 times and thick brown “honey” is obtained.

Candied watermelon

Ingredients: watermelons of the “Candied” variety or others - 1 kg of peeled rinds, sugar - 1.5 kg, water - 4 cups, citric acid, vanillin - on the tip of a knife.

Preparation: prepare syrup from sugar and water. Cut peeled peels into small cubes and place in sugar syrup. Cook for 7–10 minutes, then remove the pan from the heat and leave for 8–10 hours, then cook again for 7–10 minutes and let stand again. This is repeated 4 times until the crusts become transparent. During the last boiling, add vanillin and citric acid to the syrup. Place the hot peels in a colander, let the syrup drain, then sprinkle with granulated sugar, stir, shaking to remove excess sugar, and dry the candied fruits in a hot oven.

Salted watermelons, whole

Ingredients: semi-ripe small watermelons.

Preparation: Wash the watermelons well and chop them in several places to a depth of 3 cm, then put them in a barrel with pre-prepared brine (take 400 g per bucket of cold water table salt and 1.2 kg of sugar, if the brine is prepared without sugar, then take 700–800 g of salt per bucket of water). The water should cover the watermelons. Place a clean cloth, a circle and a weight on top. After 3 days, take the barrel out into the cold. After 3 weeks, watermelons are ready to eat.

Salted watermelon is a very exquisite delicacy. It is served as a side dish for meat and fish.

Pickled watermelons in a jar

Ingredients: half-ripe watermelons, salt - 1 tablespoon, sugar - 1 tablespoon, vinegar - 1 teaspoon, water - 1 liter.

Preparation: Wash the watermelons well. Cut into small pieces, peel off. Place in a 3-liter jar, pour in the prepared marinade. After three days they are ready to eat.

Watermelons are annual herbaceous plants , which enjoy well-deserved popularity in many countries. The cotyledons are so tasty and useful crop, like a watermelon, are enclosed in a hard rind, which most often has a dark green color. As a rule, after eating the fruit pulp, the watermelon rinds are thrown away. However, as practice and research results show, this part of the melon culture contains a significant amount of useful components that are widely used in folk medicine.

The composition of plant raw materials includes:

  • a significant amount of microelements and vitamins, including group “B”, as well as vitamins “A”, “C”, “PP”, beta-carotene and elements such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and phosphorus;
  • the amount of sugar and water is insignificant, but contains a high percentage of amino acids, chlorophyll and useful, easily digestible fiber;
  • also contains fibers involved in the process of normalizing the functioning of the gastric and intestinal tract.

Watermelon rinds are used not only fresh, but also dried, and are also used in the preparation of infusions and decoctions. Fresh watermelon rinds can perfectly cope with headaches, and also help alleviate migraine attacks. Pre-dried plant raw materials are actively used in medicinal infusions and all kinds of decoctions that have proven themselves in treatment urinary system, including cystitis and pyelonephritis.

Watermelon rinds rarely cause harm to health, mainly in the presence of severe chronic diseases in the acute stage.

Useful properties of watermelon (video)

How to dry watermelon rinds correctly

After the watermelon pulp has been completely removed, the green skin must be carefully removed from the rinds and cut into as thin slices as possible. Chopped medicinal plant materials are laid out in a thin layer on a baking sheet. You can dry it in the sun or in the oven. Temperature oven can vary between 30-50 o.

The average drying time is one and a half hours. First, a significant part of the moisture evaporates, after which the temperature in the oven increases to 65-70 o. This allows you to obtain high-quality dried peels suitable for storage. High-quality raw materials become brittle and are easily stained. The raw materials must be placed in a linen or paper bag. Dried peels are stored in a dry and cool place.

Use of watermelon rinds for treatment in folk medicine

The benefits of fresh and dried plant materials are determined by their composition, so the following diseases are often treated and prevented using watermelon rinds:

  • consuming a decoction of fresh watermelon seeds and rinds is accompanied by a diuretic effect, and such a remedy can be used in winter, using dried plant materials;
  • a decoction of the peels is widely used when it is necessary to get rid of severe swelling, which accompany kidney and liver diseases, and are also widely used for diseases of the vascular and cardiac systems;
  • the initial and uncomplicated stage of urolithiasis can be cured with a decoction that dissolves the formation of stones in tissues.

  • Sore throat and tuberculosis are best treated with fresh raw materials after removing the thick peel, grinding and squeezing the juice, which is used to gargle every hour;
  • for restoration of liver tissue after alcohol intoxication and if affected by hepatitis, you should drink a tablespoon of juice every hour;
  • Diarrhea is easily treated with dry peels ground in a coffee grinder, washed down with water at room temperature.

If you have a history of diabetes, consuming significant amounts of the pulp is contraindicated, so it is recommended to take a quarter glass of juice from the peels four times a day.

How to make marmalade from watermelon rinds (video)

External use for cosmetic purposes

Use as an external agent and in for cosmetic purposes actual use of juice in following cases:

During treatment sunburn A gruel is applied to the affected areas, which must be replaced every hour until the inflammation subsides. Freshly squeezed juice can also remove pigmentation skin and improve external condition aging or sagging skin.

Watermelon rinds as medicine

This The remedy helps well when taken three times a day, before meals. For the prevention and treatment of colitis, you should pour 100 g of well-dried peels with 00 ml of boiling water and leave for a couple of hours, then take 100 g every four hours, regardless of food intake.

Contraindications and doctors' opinions

The peel of melon fruits can bring not only benefits, but also some harm due to biological feature and the ability to accumulate harmful substances, such as heavy metals and nitrates.

To avoid harmful effects can be done by soaking the peeled pieces for a couple of hours in clean and cold water, after which the raw materials are suitable for use in preparing decoctions, as well as candied fruits, jams, and drying.

Jam or candied fruits are contraindicated in case of diabetes mellitus and excess weight, as well as a tendency to diarrhea of ​​unknown origin, exacerbation of urolithiasis and severe damage to the stomach and intestines. Caution should be exercised when consuming any parts of melons and melons in the presence of individual intolerance, as well as severe allergic reactions. Very important follow medical recommendations on the dosage of components when preparing decoctions or medicinal infusions.

Watermelon rind jam: recipe (video)

Since ancient times, watermelon rinds have been widely used in making lanterns, and have also been added to many dishes as vitamin ingredients and used in medicinal purposes. Currently, a large number of traditional medicine recipes have been preserved, which makes it possible to produce very effective means for the treatment of many internal or external diseases.

Late summer is the season for watermelons. We are actively starting to use them in our diet. But we use the pulp and throw away the watermelon rinds.

Although they turn out to be very beneficial for our health. I would like to introduce you, dear readers, to how you can use watermelon rinds to treat and prevent various diseases.

Watermelon rind has therapeutic effect, but despite this, it must be used strictly following the dosage in order to avoid a decrease in potassium in the body.

What are the benefits of watermelon rind?

Beneficial properties of watermelon rind

Watermelon rinds are an excellent diuretic that helps:

The diuretic effect of watermelon rinds can also occur when using jam or candied fruits from them.

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

Fresh crushed peels will help with osteochondrosis; they need to be brewed and added while taking a bath.

20 grams of fresh and dry peels are poured with a glass of boiling water to infuse and drink half a glass 3-4 times - this is an excellent diuretic.

The benefits of watermelon rinds for kidney stones

The powder from the green top layer should be taken with warm water or with water sweetened with honey, from one teaspoon to two tablespoons 2-3 times a day. This recipe also allows you to remove salts from the body.

Two tablespoons of powder from the green top layer of watermelon rinds are poured into 0.5 liters of boiling water and left for 45 minutes. You need to drink half a cup 3-4 times after meals.

Pour a tablespoon of green top layer powder into 1.5 cups of water, boil for just a short time, 5 minutes, let it sit for about an hour. Dosage: half a glass 3 times a day half an hour before meals, sweetened with honey.

The benefits of watermelon rinds for gallstone disease

Watermelon rinds should be cut, covered with plenty of sugar and left. When the juice is released, pour it into a dark bottle and put it in the refrigerator. Dosage: a tablespoon with tea for urolithiasis. Dry the remaining peels in the oven to make candied fruits. They are useful to use for urolithiasis and cholelithiasis.

2 tbsp. spoons of watermelon rinds pour half a liter of boiling water and leave to cool. We take it as follows: half a glass 5 times half an hour before meals. An excellent option for liver diseases.

Pour 150 g of dry crusts with a liter of boiling water. Reception: a glass 3-4 times a day.

The benefits of watermelon rinds for colitis and dysbiosis

Benefits of watermelon rinds for obesity

  1. Place 2 tablespoons of watermelon rinds in a thermos and pour 0.5 liters of boiling water. Drink in several doses to remove salts.
  2. Pour boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of peel powder or fresh grated peels (you will need 1 glass) and leave for 20 minutes. Treatment: a glass of infusion 3 times. Clears harmful debris accumulated in the body.
  3. Take half a teaspoon of watermelon rind powder, stirred in half a glass of water, or you can take kefir, twice a day between meals for coronary artery disease, insomnia, and obesity.
  4. Mix 2 tbsp of peels (crushed) with the zest of 1 lemon, pour a glass of boiling water, leave covered for 2 hours, intake: 3 tbsp. l. 4 times 10 minutes after eating for obesity.

All infusions must be filtered.

External use of watermelon peels

  1. They help get rid of headaches; for this you need to apply it to your forehead and temples and tie it with a bandage.
  2. You can also use watermelon peels for rheumatism, applying to painful areas. When the watermelon rinds heat up, they need to be removed and replaced with new ones. Do this procedure until the pain subsides.
  3. Any wounds or cuts heal faster if you apply fresh watermelon rind to them with the inside.
  4. If you are sunburned, apply crushed watermelon rinds, leave for about an hour, then rinse with a cool shower.
  5. Also, crushed watermelon rinds help with mastopathy. You need to pour boiling water over the crusts to obtain a paste, then the resulting paste is applied to the chest and left overnight. Repeat the procedure until the lumps in the breast disappear.
  6. Crushed watermelon rind helps remove age spots and saturates with vitamins.
  7. If you pour boiling water over the powder from watermelon rinds, you will get a paste that is an excellent mask for the face and hair.
  8. You can wipe your face with fresh watermelon rind, the skin will become smooth and soft, rich in vitamins, and pigment spots will disappear.

Harvesting and contraindications of watermelon rinds

There are practically no contraindications, only individual intolerance and allergies. But regular use can lead to a decrease in potassium in the body. To compensate for its deficiency, you need to eat foods rich in potassium: raisins, prunes, nuts, dried apricots, honey. In addition, crusts should be treated with caution during exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases and flatulence.

To prepare the crusts for future use, you need to rinse thoroughly, peel off the green top layer, you can leave it, cut into pieces about 1 cm, fold in one layer and dry in the shade. You can dry the crusts in a low-heat oven, first for an hour and a half at a temperature of 30 -50 degrees, and then for another 40 minutes at a temperature of 70 degrees. The peels can be stored for a year.

You can also prepare the top green layer, cut off no more than 2mm with a knife or peel the vegetable, dry and grind into powder, store in a cardboard box for up to two years.

Conclusion: here it turns out what healthy peels watermelon Be sure to make masks from the crusts, wipe your face with them, make infusions, but if you have chronic diseases, you need to consult your doctor.

I look forward to your comments, best regards, Olga.


Many believe that the main value of watermelon is its scarlet, juicy pulp, which is so loved by both little sweet tooths and adults. Despite the fact that the main component of watermelon is water, the fruit, under the green rind, contains up to 13% sugars, alimentary fiber and pectins, proteins, organic and amino acids. The sweet pulp of watermelon contains a number of vitamins and macroelements, antioxidants and other beneficial substances that are important for the human body.

At the same time, most consumers of this giant berry either forget or do not know at all about the properties and benefits of watermelon rinds (see). But almost everything is bio active substances, present in the pulp, is also in this part of the watermelon. The crusts contain less moisture and sugar, but significantly more fiber and chlorophyll, amino acids and some other active components.

When enjoying watermelon, there is no need to rush and throw away the remaining peels, which in folk medicine are used as an excellent diuretic, cleansing, analgesic, choleretic and expectorant.

In traditional medicine recipes, peels are used to prepare juice, infusions and decoctions, and healing effect Both raw and dried peels have properties that are easy to preserve and use throughout the year.


Use of raw watermelon rinds in folk medicine

Juice from the light part of the rind promotes the passage of urine, it is used for edema, inflammatory diseases genitourinary area and include in dietary food when losing weight. The benefits of watermelon rinds become obvious if you drink 100 ml of this juice on an empty stomach. Raw watermelon rinds are useful for migraine pain, feeling unwell with fatigue and overwork. In this case, slices of watermelon rind are applied to the temples.

The moisture, amino acids, vitamins and microelements contained in fresh watermelon rind are an excellent way to maintain beautiful skin. Porridge from the following plant materials:

  • actively moisturizes;
  • regulates the functioning of the sebaceous glands;
  • has a mild anti-inflammatory effect;
  • relieves swelling and tones.

Watermelon rinds are useful in the treatment of digestive disorders; in particular, rind-based remedies are included in therapy for colitis, dysbacteriosis and dyspepsia in adults and young patients.

As remedy ethnoscience suggests making decoctions and infusions from watermelon rinds.

Decoction of watermelon rinds

Patients suffering from obesity, kidney and stomach diseases, if they take half a glass of fresh broth three times a day.

100 grams of crushed peeled watermelon rinds require a liter of water. The mixture is kept on low heat for about half an hour, after which the product is infused for about an hour, filtered and cooled.

Infusion of watermelon rinds

For spasmodic stomach pain, diseases of the biliary tract and liver, overweight and inflammatory diseases of the urinary system, traditional medicine recommends taking watermelon rinds in the form of an infusion.

To make it, crushed watermelon rinds are dried and then poured with boiling water at the rate of 500 ml of boiling water per 80 grams of raw or two tablespoons of dry crushed watermelon rinds. The product is infused and filtered, after which 80 ml of watermelon infusion is taken three times a day before meals.

How to dry watermelon rinds?

Dried watermelon rinds retain all active substances and have a beneficial effect on gastrointestinal disorders, constipation and inflammatory processes in the digestive organs.

Accept herbal preparation available in powder form mixed with honey, or in the form of decoctions, to which other herbs are added for greater benefit, for example, calendula, calamus and yarrow.

For medicinal purposes, dense white part crusts. Before drying watermelon rinds or making decoctions and infusions from fresh raw materials, first remove the hard colored layer.


Then the peels are cut into thin elongated plates, convenient for placing in an electric dryer or on baking sheets. Watermelon rinds are dried at a temperature of 55–60 °C until total loss raw moisture when pieces of crusts become light and brittle.

When drying, it is important not to allow the temperature to rise so that the benefits of watermelon rinds are preserved at the highest possible level.

Contraindications and possible harm from healthy watermelon rinds

Since harmful substances, for example, heavy metals and nitrates, can accumulate in the surface layers of melons, then, despite the existing benefits, harm from watermelon rinds also cannot be excluded. To avoid negative impact products based on plant raw materials, they take only high-quality, safe for humans, grown in compliance with all rules of agricultural technology.

You can be on the safe side and remove nitrates from the crusts by soaking the peeled pieces for 2-3 hours in clean cold water.

During this time, most toxic substances pass into moisture, and the peels can be used to prepare decoctions, candied fruits and jams, and can also be dried after removing traces of water. Beneficial features vegetable raw materials are preserved if candied fruits are prepared from the peels. However, healthy watermelon rinds here are harmful to anyone who suffers from diabetes or wants to lose weight.

But when renal colic, painful sensations in the stomach, ailments related to the pancreas, gout and a number of other diseases, candied fruits will be a good addition to the menu. Products based on watermelon rinds are also harmful to those who are prone to diarrhea and suffer from urolithiasis. Crusts can also cause damage to health during exacerbation of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Watermelon peel face mask - video


Watermelon is a favorite summer food for adults and children. At the same time, everyone knows that not only the pulp of a watermelon is edible, but also the rinds and even the seeds. What are the benefits for humans from eating watermelons and watermelon rinds, as well as what harm they can cause to the health of the body, find out from the article and video.

What does watermelon consist of and how is it used?

This melon plant is represented by a thousand varieties, differing in shape and size, color and pattern of the skin, its thickness, and the quality of the pulp and seeds.

This melon crop consists of 80% water, so it has a low calorie content - only 25-30 kcal. Wherein watermelon pulp is the source:

  • organic acids;
  • fiber and pectin;
  • alkaline substances and lycopene;
  • easily digestible carbohydrates;
  • vitamins – A, PP, P, C, group B;
  • minerals - iron, potassium, phosphorus, fluorine, zinc and others.

Watermelon is 80% water

All these useful substances, in addition to the pulp, are also contained in watermelon rinds, and some of them are fiber, amino acids and chlorophyll in even greater quantities. Therefore, it is recommended not to throw away the peels, but to use them for preparing medicinal decoctions and infusions, culinary delights - jam, marmalade, candied fruits.

Watermelon pulp has also found application in cooking; drinks, syrups, jellies and other desserts, marshmallows, honey, salted and pickled preparations for the winter are prepared from it. Watermelon bread, dried or fried watermelon in batter, looks quite exotic.

Attention! In terms of the content of potassium salts in its composition, watermelon is ahead of oranges and bananas, and in terms of the content of lycopene, a bioactive substance that resists the formation of cancer cells, - tomatoes. In terms of the amount of iron in its composition, watermelon is second only to spinach and lettuce.

In China, watermelon seeds are as popular as sunflower or pumpkin seeds in our country. And for good reason, since they have antihelminthic effect, help improve the health of the vascular system and strengthen the heart. A quarter of watermelon seeds consist of fatty oils, which are used as food in some countries.

Attention! Oil obtained from watermelon seeds has properties similar to almond oil and tastes like olive oil.

Watermelon seeds help strengthen the heart

What are the health benefits?

Watermelon is a product that has medicinal properties have pulp, peels, and seeds.

Official medicine recommends the use of watermelon as a natural diuretic that can cleanse the kidneys. Along with urine, watermelon removes toxins, sand, toxic substances and salt deposits. It is also useful for the liver, especially for those who suffer from hepatitis, cholecystitis, and diseases of the biliary tract.

Watermelon is a real antidepressant; the beta-carotene it contains allows you to cope with emotional and mental tension and stress. The use of this melon crop serves as a preventive measure:


The high iron content makes it possible to recommend watermelon as a means of combating anemia of varying degrees. Its use will be very useful for anyone who has undergone antibiotic treatment or suffered surgery under anesthesia. Folic acid, contained in watermelon, is useful for women planning pregnancy, as it creates conditions for normal development nervous and hematopoietic system in the fetus. Its use by nursing women increases lactation.

Watermelon rinds are also used for medicinal purposes. For example, juice squeezed from watermelon rinds and consumed 100 ml on an empty stomach has a diuretic effect. Its use will be useful for inflammatory processes occurring in the genitourinary system and for combating excess weight and edema.

Watermelon juice has diuretic properties

IN home cosmetology watermelon rinds are used:

  • for the preparation of lotions, the regular use of which has a moisturizing, anti-inflammatory and tonic effect on oily and combination skin;
  • for masks that have a tonic effect on aging skin.

Watermelon seed oil has an antiphlogistic effect, accelerating the healing of burns and wounds. It is used for hair and nail care, as well as for the prevention of prostatitis and urethritis.

Harmful properties and contraindications

Basically, the harm from consuming watermelon and watermelon rinds is associated with their ability to accumulate nitrates and other harmful substances. Consuming them may cause diarrhea, allergic rashes, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain. Nitrates entering human body can be converted into nitrites, which reduce the level of hemoglobin in the blood, provoking the development of cancer cells

Watermelon accumulates nitrates, so it should be consumed with caution.

Advice! You shouldn’t take risks and buy watermelons before the season, most likely they contain increased amount nitrates

Soaking them in cold water for 2-3 hours will help reduce the concentration of toxic substances in watermelon rinds.

You should completely exclude watermelons from your diet if you have the following diseases:

  • colitis, dysbacteriosis;
  • flatulence, diarrhea;
  • cholelithiasis or urolithiasis;
  • type 2 diabetes;
  • pathology of the prostate gland.

Children can be given watermelon only from 2-3 years of age - no more than 100 g daily, from 4 to 6 years - no more than 150 g.

Children can eat watermelon only from 2-3 years old

The use of watermelon rinds is contraindicated for chronic gastrointestinal ailments and kidney diseases.

Take advantage of the watermelon season to enjoy the taste and improve your health. To be sure of the quality of the watermelons you consume, it is better to grow them yourself or purchase them in stores and official markets, where they can provide a quality certificate.

The benefits and harms of watermelon - video

Watermelon - photo

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