Watermelons and melons are very similar in composition, most of which is water. So, per 100 g of product, a watermelon contains 92.6 g of water, and a melon contains 88.5 g of water. Carbohydrates in watermelon are 5.8 g, in melon - 7.5 g. The amount of protein is approximately the same - about 0.7 g. In terms of the composition of vitamins and microelements, watermelon and melon are also very similar. They contain a lot of vitamins of groups B, A, E and PP; folic acid, which supports immune system; sodium and phosphorus; iron and potassium.
The calorie content of melon and watermelon is also approximately the same, and lies in the range of 28-35 kilocalories. Watermelon and melon have a lot of fiber, which makes them especially useful for cleansing the body.
Melon has more vitamin C (20 mg, while watermelon has 7 mg). Melon also contains a lot of silicon, which strengthens the immune system and is “responsible” for the beauty and health of our skin, hair, and nails. But watermelon contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from atherosclerosis and cancer.
Both watermelon and melon are good to eat for the purpose of preventing and treating kidney stones and cholelithiasis, gout, anemia, atherosclerosis, and some stomach diseases.
Interestingly, watermelon can also help with... a migraine attack. To do this, you need to apply fresh watermelon rinds to your temples and forehead for 20-30 minutes.
Melon
Nutritionists advise consuming 500-800 grams of melon pulp per day. Melon is incredibly rich in iron: there is 17 times more iron in melon than in milk! So this fruit is recommended for exhaustion, anemia, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases. Melon perfectly cleanses the intestines and removes toxic substances from the body.
Interestingly, melon seeds are a popular folk remedy to increase potency. The seeds must be dried, ground into powder, and then taken 1 teaspoon 3 times a day. And melon peel is suitable for a face mask.
The most important thing is that melon contains substances that promote the production of serotonin. And this substance is known to improve mood.
Contraindications for use
Both watermelon and melon are healthy - you can safely choose what you like best. But don't forget that everything is good in moderation. Despite the abundance medicinal properties, watermelon and melon have a lot of fructose. So those who suffer from diabetes and those who want to lose weight should be especially careful with these fruits. Pregnant women should also in moderation there is watermelon and melon.
Watermelon should not be eaten together with salty foods - water will be retained in the body and cause serious swelling.
In general, watermelon and cantaloupe are best eaten between meals - they don't mix well with other foods.
Summer is coming to an end, which means that the season beloved by many is coming, when watermelons and melons ripen. These large and beautiful fruits are not only incredibly tasty, but also very healthy. At the same time, they can pose a health threat, so it is important to know some secrets on how to choose the right watermelon or melon.
How to choose the right watermelon
Let's start with the fact that watermelon may have an excess of nitrates, in which case it is better not to risk it and get rid of it. A watermelon is definitely filled with chemicals if you see that the veins on the fruit's pulp are thick and yellow color. The permissible and safe level of nitrates in watermelon for the body is no more than 60 mg/kg. Unfortunately, it is quite difficult to find a completely chemical-free product today.
Another simple way that will help you determine the chemical content in a watermelon at home: put a piece of pulp in a glass of water. If the water just becomes cloudy, everything is fine. And if it is colored, it means that the watermelon has improved its presentation by artificial means.
How do you know if a watermelon is ripe?
Tap the watermelon; a ripe fruit should have a hollow sound. Try squeezing it with your hands, if you hear a crunch, this is a sure sign of a ripe, delicious watermelon.
Surely you have noticed that watermelons have yellow (but not white) spots - this is also good omen. But if the spot is too large, the watermelon will most likely be unsweetened because it ripened without enough sunlight.
The watermelon rind should be shiny, without cracks or suspicious spots on the surface. It is best to give preference to a medium-sized watermelon: those that are too large can be “overfed” with special drugs that accelerate growth, while small ones will most likely be underripe.
Under no circumstances should you eat watermelon with sour smell- there is a risk of food poisoning.
How to choose a melon
When choosing a melon, it is also important to know a few rules. First, pay attention to the stalk: in a ripe fruit it is dry, this is a sure sign that the melon is ready to delight you with its taste and aroma.
Squeeze the melon with your fingers: if it is ripe, its skin will “spring.” A hard peel is a sign of an unripe fruit, and a too soft peel is an overripe sign that is about to spoil. Like a watermelon, a ripe melon makes a hollow sound when lightly patted.
The right melon smells good, exuding a sweet aroma! If there is no smell, it is not worth buying.
Danger inside and outside
An excess of nitrates in watermelons and melons can be dangerous for humans. The threat is that some of the nitrates are converted into nitrites, which react with hemoglobin in the blood. As a result, methemoglobin is formed, which cannot perform the function of transporting oxygen to tissues and organs. In this case, metabolism, immunity and nervous system. The liver may suffer and blood pressure may drop, activity decreases, lethargy and weakness appear.
One slice of watermelon with nitrates will not cause serious harm to health. But if you eat a whole watermelon, you can get intestinal upset or liver problems.
Surface watermelon rind- the place of residence of many microbes, which can be much more dangerous than the chemicals in the pulp of the berry. Therefore, before eating watermelon, you need to wash it with soap or scald it with boiling water. Only after this procedure can you cut the watermelon, since infectious agents instantly penetrate from its surface into the pulp and begin to actively multiply there.
Alcohol and melon do not mix!
Melon is a “heavy” product, so it is better to eat it in the intervals between main meals; you should also not eat melon on an empty stomach or immediately after a meal. Melon is not good for everyone: people with exacerbation peptic ulcer stomach and duodenum, doctors recommend that those who suffer from diabetes, as well as nursing mothers, refrain from it.
About the benefits of watermelon and melon
Melon is an excellent measure for the prevention of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases, because it is rich in vitamins P and C, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. In addition, it lowers blood cholesterol levels and quenches thirst well.
The benefits of watermelon are difficult to overestimate. It contains a lot of iron, so it is especially useful for those suffering iron deficiency anemia. Watermelon fiber helps remove cholesterol from the body, so the berries are recommended for arthritis and atherosclerosis. Many people have heard of the watermelon diet, in which you need to eat watermelons with bread. She gives excellent results with increased acidity.
Watermelons should definitely be eaten if you have liver and gallbladder diseases, hypertension, anemia, gout, heart defects, nosebleeds and obesity.
A humorous but very accurate test to determine your personality type. Accurately reveals your main properties and traits. Listen to your inner voice and answer just two questions.
What do you like best:
1. cucumber or tomato;
2. melon or watermelon?
That's all.
Test results:
Cucumber and melon
This choice is more typical for men than for women. Men of this type are courageous and serious. They are rarely influenced and are not susceptible to alcoholism. Among them are many athletes and travel enthusiasts. A woman with such a man will feel as if behind a stone wall - his responsibility extends to family relationships. Such men are purposeful and easily achieve their goals. But this type also has disadvantages - a cucumber-melon man lacks romanticism, so if a woman expects flowers from him, then it is better for her not to wait for the weather by the sea, but to transparently hint that she would like to receive a bouquet as a gift. Women of this type often become bosses, but in family life they are helpless, like children - they cook poorly, do not know how to allocate a budget, do not like to do laundry and wash dishes. However, in such a woman a man will find a faithful and understanding friend.
Tomato and watermelon
Tomato-watermelon people are cheerful and active. They are distinguished by increased sociability, but are not always smooth in communication: the explosiveness of their character often leads to scandals. Men of this type are gourmets. They are lazy and prefer slippers and a robe to a backpack and sleeping bag. Women of the tomato-watermelon type are emotional, love animals and home, and it is always warm and cozy to be around them. They do not know how to weave intrigues, but they can allow tactlessness, since they say what they think: sincerity and ingenuity are the main psychological qualities of tomato-watermelon people.
Cucumber and watermelon
People of this type constantly experience mental turmoil. Their external calm and restraint conceal internal tension. They say about such men: there are devils in still waters. With a cucumber-watermelon person you live like on a volcano - you never know what will happen tomorrow and what idea he is currently hatching. Cucumber-watermelon women do not make scandals over trifles - they accumulate grievances and one fine day are capable of breaking all the dishes in the house, often over the head of the poor spouse. Cucumber-watermelon people are the most creative type. They know how to think, and scientists and inventors are often found among them. On the other hand, if Ostap Bender had passed this test, he would probably have ended up in the camp of the cucumber-watermelon people.
Melon and tomato
If these particular fruits are close to you, you are balanced, tactful, and calm. You have inner tact and sensitivity. You love beautiful things and have excellent taste. Melon-tomato men are somewhat feminine. Very often they become artists, musicians; in general, creativity is closest to these people. Women of this type are amorous, impressionable, passionate and constant in love. Tomato-melon women make devoted, gentle and caring wives. But the men belonging to this type, may turn out to be narcissistic egoists.
What size should the fruit be?
Choosing the size of the berry depends on the tastes of each person, but it is best to buy medium-sized watermelons and melons.
When is it better to buy watermelon or melon?
It is better to buy fruits in season - usually mid-August; at this time of year, producers do not have the desire to artificially grow the fruit, because melons ripen successfully naturally. By buying a watermelon or melon in August, you will reduce the risk of poisoning.
However, despite the 2 tips above, there are unfriendly sellers who sell melons stuffed with nitrates, from which you can easily poison the body. Let's look at the basic rules for purchasing a watermelon or melon correctly.
Rule No. 1: Watermelons and melons should not be stupidly piled up, because such storage of melons contributes to the appearance of microcracks into which dirt or pathogenic bacteria can easily penetrate.
A seller who sells melons must have a trade permit, a medical book, a product certificate, and a canopy at the place of trade. You have the right to check the seller's documents on the spot.
Rule No. 2: Often, to prove that the fruit is really ripe, sellers make a small incision in the shape of a triangle, but the resulting sweet spot and juice attracts various microbes, because when buying a watermelon, you don’t often pay attention to the seller’s hands, or to the place where the knife is stored, with which a watermelon is cut. You shouldn’t cut a watermelon on the street, it’s better to trust your own instincts and really choose ripe watermelon.
After purchasing a watermelon or melon, remember that the watermelon was lying on the ground, then somehow transported, passed through hands - particles of dirt and dust remain on the skin of the watermelon, so before eating melons they need to be washed with soap and water and wiped with a napkin. Only after this the product is ready for use.
Cut watermelon or melon should be eaten immediately, or on the day of purchase; you should not leave the cut fruit for a long period! This is a sweet spot for microbes.
How to choose the right watermelon?
When purchasing a watermelon, you need to inspect the product for integrity. There is an opinion that it is better to choose a watermelon by its dried tail - this is not an entirely correct statement, since the tail could have dried out from long-term transportation; it is better to take a closer look at where this tail grows from. If the place is convex and has lightened edges, you have a ripe fruit in front of you. Also check the side of the watermelon - there should be a light spot on it, which should be as yellow in color as possible.
A ripe watermelon can be easily scratched, just run your fingernail along the rind if it comes off upper layer- the fruit is ripe. Tap the watermelon - the sound should come out clear and not dull.
How to choose the right melon?
Ripe melon has a very strong and pleasant aroma, and the rich color indicates high content vitamin A. When you pat the melon, you should hear a dull sound, and the peel should spring back slightly.
Who doesn't love juicy sweet watermelon and fragrant melon? Surprisingly tasty, they perfectly quench thirst, satiate and have a beneficial effect on the body. Find out even more about them!
Striped belly.
Watermelon is a real storehouse of vitamins! It contains vitamins A, C, PP, group B, folic acid. Plus potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, fluorine. But the most valuable thing in watermelon is, perhaps, lycopene - a powerful antioxidant that prolongs the life of our cells, and therefore our health and youth.
Watermelon is useful for anemia, atherosclerosis, rheumatism, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. This sweet treat acts as a mild laxative, diuretic and choleretic effect, resulting in improved functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, especially the kidneys and liver.
The juicy pulp of watermelon will become an indispensable aid in losing weight: it is low in calories (per 100 g - up to 40 kcal), pleasant and sweet in taste, quickly gives a feeling of fullness, so you do not risk overeating.
Yellow-sided beauty.
Thanks to the unique chemical composition Melon will delight everyone who wants to feed their body with vitamins.
Melon is rich folic acid, iron, potassium, calcium and sodium, vitamins A, C, PP, group B.
Melon is good for the heart and blood vessels, for diseases of the liver, kidneys and Bladder. In addition, sunny melon is also an excellent cure for bad mood and an aphrodisiac. Regular use melon normalizes sleep, relieves irritation and fatigue. Melon improves metabolism, removes waste and toxins from the body, and gently regulates intestinal function. And if you want to get rid of a couple of kilograms, arrange melon fasting days.
How to choose and use.
When buying a watermelon or melon, pay attention to the following points.
The biggest watermelon is not a fact that it will be so tasty. It is better to opt for a medium-sized minke whale that is not very heavy.
The watermelon should not have dents or cracks. The tail of a ripe watermelon should be dry, and the spot on the side should be yellow or light orange.
Clap the watermelon with your palm: a ripe watermelon will make a dull sound. And if you squeeze the fruit a little with your hands and hear a quiet crack, you should definitely take this fruit.
When choosing a melon, smell it: a ripe one will emit a fragrant aroma, somewhat reminiscent of the smell of honey. Rub the yellow melon with your palm: a ripe melon will have a sticky skin. Many gray stripes on the peel - another one characteristic feature melon ripeness. Lightly press the crust on the opposite side of the stem: if the peel bends, you have a ripe fruit in your hands.
Before eating, watermelon and melon should be washed well. Store the cut fruit in the refrigerator.
Melons are crops that need to be consumed correctly. For example, watermelon goes well with almost any food, but melon is an independent dish that should be eaten a few hours after the main meal.
Unload!
Do you want to lose weight? Try a watermelon or melon mono-diet. But just remember that it can last no more than two days. And the most best option- unload on melons and melons once a week. And you will not only speed up your metabolism and lose a few extra pounds! Watermelon juice removes sand from the kidneys, normalizes intestinal function, and has a beneficial effect on the heart muscle. Melon prevents the development of atherosclerosis, improves immunity, and restores strength.
However, the use of melons is contraindicated in cases of flatulence, decreased kidney function, diabetes mellitus. Therefore, before going on a diet, be sure to consult your doctor.
Melon margarita
- - 1 melon
- - 2 limes
- - 1/2 cup orange juice
- - 1 tsp. sugar a pinch of salt
Peel and remove seeds from a small melon. Cut into cubes and set aside a few pieces to add to the finished cocktail. Cut one lime into slices. Grind the lime and melon in a blender. Pour in Orange juice and stir until smooth. Pour 1/2 tsp into a glass. lime juice and add 1 tsp. Sahara. Add melon cocktail to a glass, add melon slices, garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.
Melon sorbet.
- - 800 g melon
- - 4 kiwis
- - 1 tbsp. l. lime juice
- – 100 gm sugar
- - 100 ml water pinch of salt
Dissolve sugar in warm water. Peel the melon and remove seeds and cut into pieces. Peel the kiwi and also cut into pieces. Blend the melon and kiwi in a blender, then add sugar syrup and lime juice and whisk again until smooth. Pour the resulting dessert into a container and refrigerate for 2-2.5 hours. Stir the mixture every 30-40 minutes - this must be done to prevent ice crystals from forming. Then place the melon treat in the freezer for a couple of hours. Serve in a wide, short glass.
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