Harm and benefits of watermelon for the health of women, men and children, properties and calorie content. How to choose a ripe and sweet watermelon

Starting from the second half of summer, markets are gradually filled with a variety of domestically produced vegetables and fruits. They will contain much more vitamins, but there are practically no harmful substances. During this period, the season of watermelons begins, the benefits and harms of which are not known to everyone. Few people do not like this berry with melons; it is transported by trucks from the south to the northern regions of our country. It sells out very quickly; for many, the watermelon season is the most beloved and long-awaited time.

What is watermelon good for?

A ripe berry is recognized by its juiciness, good taste, fragrant pulp. Most of the beneficial properties of watermelon include only the high water content and effective washing of all human organs.

But the health benefits are much greater:

The pulp of the berry, in addition to water, is filled with a large amount of antioxidants: ascorbic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, carotene, niacin. It also contains a significant amount of folic acid, without which not a single process in the human body can occur, especially the hematopoietic function.
Regular use of this product can easily ensure normal development, DNA structure, and strong immunity for the body.
Eating berries will have a positive effect on the well-being of people with heart and kidney diseases.
The cleansing properties of pulp have long been approved official medicine. Doctors often prescribe watermelon nutrition for the liver, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. It is enough to eat 200-300 g of the product every day to forget about worries about these diseases.
Watermelon will put in order disturbed metabolic processes and normalize intestinal motility.
The ability to remove all harmful substances from the body makes the product indispensable for people living in contaminated areas and working in hazardous industries.
Watermelon should be on the menu of people who abuse alcohol and smoke.
Half of the daily requirement of magnesium can be gleaned from 100 g of pulp, this will contribute to better absorption of all the vitamins and minerals that enter the body during the day. Magnesium will help get rid of sleep disorders, normalize blood pressure, and quickly relieve fatigue.
The berry is good for weight loss. The strong diuretic effect will not allow the liquid to linger in the body for a long time; when consuming watermelon, saturation comes quickly, while the calorie content is minimal.
Watermelon seeds also bring benefits due to the high content of linoleic, linolenic, and palmitic acids. Their composition is very similar to almond oil, which is famous for its healing properties.

Regular use watermelon in season acceptable standards It will help cleanse the body, prevent the appearance of stones in organs, and remove waste and salt deposits.

Interesting! Sufficient consumption of watermelon can stimulate sexual activity in men.

Harm to berries

Watermelon does not have a pronounced harmful effect on the human body. But its use is not recommended for:

urolithiasis;
gallstones;
problematic urine waste;
diarrhea.

To speed up ripening and unnaturally increase the size of the berry, unscrupulous farmers can generously flavor the melon with nitrates and pesticides. For a product to bring only benefits, you need to learn how to choose it correctly.

Visual inspection. The striped berry should have a dried tail, make a cracking noise when squeezed, and a dull sound when tapped.

Important! If even a large watermelon does not crack when squeezed, but looks ripe, you know that it has been pumped with nitrates.

Before consumption, conduct a few simple experiments that will help determine the quality of the purchased berries.

Drop a piece of pulp into a container with clean water. Redness indicates the presence of high amounts of nitrates and pesticides in the product.
Carefully inspect the cut; the pulp of a naturally ripened watermelon will be divided into grains. The nitrate berry has a smooth edge of the pulp.

Advice! It is dangerous to buy melons at spontaneous markets, especially if the point is located near the roadway.

To avoid poisoning, do not purchase watermelon with mechanical damage, even if its cost is significantly lower.

Storage methods

The season for berries and melons is very short, everyone tries to extend it as much as possible for themselves. Some varieties of watermelons can be saved for the New Year's table at certain thermometer readings. Most often, berries are preserved using well-known natural preservatives:

The melon crop is salted. There are many recipes, each of which will have its own twist. Doctors recommend consuming salted watermelons; their benefits are especially noticeable for gastritis, arthritis, anemia, elevated level cholesterol.
Pickled watermelons are no less tasty and piquant. They will be of great benefit for sand in the kidneys, liver diseases, and constipation.

Such pickles will have an immune-strengthening effect and speed up recovery from colds and flu.

Interesting! Sometimes watermelon juice is prepared for the winter, which helps cope with neuroses and depressive states, has a positive effect on the human nervous system.

What are the benefits of seeds?

It is impossible to get a complete picture of the benefits of melons without mentioning the seeds. Watermelon seeds, whose benefits are similar to pumpkin seeds, are used in their purified form. They are effective in the following cases:

For bleeding, various inflammatory processes, Botkin's disease. The dried seeds are ground in a coffee grinder, combined with water and sugar. Take a tablespoon every 2 hours.
Relieves fever, eliminates fever “watermelon milk”, which is prepared from 10 parts of milk and 1 part of ground seeds.
In cosmetology, the beneficial properties of ground seeds are used in masks with a rejuvenating effect, which are hypoallergenic.

Important! Seeds for medicinal and cosmetic purposes should be collected from naturally ripened berries, without nitrates and pesticides.

Contraindications

Huge list beneficial effects the body will be slightly overshadowed by contraindications.

Watermelon is not recommended for diarrhea and colitis.
Problematic urination. The diuretic property may not always be useful. Some kidney diseases can be aggravated by consuming melons.
The berry can affect large kidney stones. They will begin to move and may block the outflow pathways.
You should not eat too much watermelon when diabetes mellitus, it may have a negative impact on general health sick. With your doctor's permission, you can occasionally treat yourself to a slice of juicy pulp.
Diseases of the prostate and pancreas.

For some diseases, watermelon can be consumed only after permission from a doctor.

How much watermelon can you eat?

Watermelon can be eaten from the age of three. The norm for a child is 100-200 g of pulp without crusts per day. For an adult, this figure is much higher. An adult can eat up to 800 g of watermelon per day without contraindications.

Watermelon is a close relative of cucumbers, melons and pumpkins. More often, watermelons are eaten fresh and the juice is squeezed out of the pulp. Jam is made from the peels, and the berries are salted or pickled for the winter.

There are over 300 varieties of watermelon grown around the world, but only about 50 are popular. Some have yellow flesh with a sweeter, honeyed flavor, but the pink-reddish one is widely used.

Most likely, the yellow watermelon has a unique set nutrients, but for now most of research focuses on rose-red varieties.

Composition and calorie content of watermelon

Watermelon is 91% water, so eating it on a hot summer day is a delicious way to stay hydrated. Watermelon contains vitamins, biologically active substances and minerals.

Its calorie content is only 46 kcal per 100 g, so watermelon is used in dietary nutrition.

Nutritional composition 100 gr. watermelon:

Many people prefer seedless varieties of watermelon, but its black seeds are edible and contain iron - 1 mg per 100 g, zinc, protein and fiber. Most people throw away the watermelon rind, but it contains a lot of chlorophyll, which promotes blood formation.

Beneficial features Watermelon has been known since ancient times - the berry was used to reduce blood pressure and treat kidneys. The berry is used for weight loss and cleansing the body, so it is important for pregnant women to eat a couple of slices of watermelon or drink half a glass of freshly squeezed juice daily during the season.

After training

The amino acid L-citrulline in watermelon protects against muscle pain. Research has shown that athletes who drank fresh, unpasteurized watermelon juice before exercise had less muscle pain 24 hours later compared to those who drank a placebo.

For the heart and blood vessels

Citrulline and arginine obtained from watermelon extract lower blood pressure and reduce the development of heart disease. Lycopene reduces the risk of stroke by more than 19%.

For vision

Vitamin A contained in watermelon improves vision.

For the kidneys

Watermelon has protective properties against kidney disease and the ability to cleanse urine. It has high anti-urolitic and diuretic activity, it reduces the number of calcium oxalate crystals both in the kidneys and in the urine.

For the reproductive system

Arginine helps in erectile dysfunction by relaxing the blood vessels that supply blood to the male reproductive organ, which is why watermelon is sometimes called "Nature's Viagra." Supplementation with citrulline has been found to improve erectile strength in men with mild erectile dysfunction, making watermelon very beneficial for men.

Lycopene protects against the risk of ovarian cancer in postmenopausal women.

For skin

Improves skin turgor, helps avoid dehydration, restores youth and freshness.

For immunity

Citrulline is converted to arginine in the kidneys, and this amino acid is important not only for heart health, but also for supporting the immune system. Lycopene has potential antitumor activity due to its strong antioxidant properties.

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 you add to this the undeniable benefits of the berry, you may 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, complete cleansing of the kidneys occurs, because the berry has a diuretic property. Weight loss is achieved by accelerating all metabolic processes, removing old waste, preventing the absorption of fats.

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

Folic acid, included 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.
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.
Watermelon cleanses the intestinal tract even from the oldest congestion that causes constipation and other ailments of this kind. The berry enhances the absorption of beneficial food elements into the blood.
Magnesium even relieves fatigue chronic type. It removes feelings of anxiety, apathy, and excessive irritability. The substance controls the psyche and emotional state.
The berry is considered an excellent antidepressant. It will easily relieve the consequences of the stress suffered and make the person immune to extraneous irritants.
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 a naturally low immune system.
The pulp contains a lot of rough dietary fiber, which are needed to create the correct microflora in the intestines. The berry also reduces cholesterol, thereby preventing heart and vascular diseases.
Watermelon is approved for diabetics. It has an average glycemic index, so it does not exceed sugar levels. By monitoring glucose levels, patients can manage full life without harm to health.
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.
Watermelon is used in the therapeutic treatment of gastric diseases, including gastritis. With prolonged and frequent use, ulcers on the mucous membranes are healed and the course of the disease is alleviated.
The berry has the pleasant property of reducing the likelihood of developing senile dementia in older people. Watermelon is also used to prevent Parkinson's disease.
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.
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.

The seeds of the large berry resemble pumpkin seeds in their positive properties. They are often used to treat most ailments.

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.
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.
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

The peel has an equally valuable composition. The product has found use in folk medicine. The peel effectively copes with some ailments.
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.
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.
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, nephritis.

The benefits of watermelon for men

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.
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.

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.
The berry is a low-calorie product, but it can suppress the feeling of hunger. long time. Research has shown that fasting days spending time with watermelon is much more comfortable.

The benefits of watermelon during pregnancy

During pregnancy, watermelon can be eaten in moderation. The high content of folic acid in the berry allows the baby to develop properly. Sometimes specialists separately prescribe vitamins in the early stages.
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

In addition to its beneficial 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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

The medicinal properties of watermelon are due to chemical composition, because it contains substances such as:

carotenoid lycopene;
vitamins C, B1, B3, B6, B9, Pp, beta-carotene;
macroelements potassium, silicon, magnesium;
trace elements rubidium, boron, cobalt, iron, copper, silver;
amino acids;
cellulose;
saccharides
pectins.

Despite impressive list useful substances, watermelon is 90% water, so it quickly leaves the body. This berry is an ideal diuretic and gentle laxative, which has no analogues among vegetables and fruits. Removing excess fluid and deposits harmful salts, watermelon satiates us at the same time healthy salts potassium, silicon and magnesium. Since these elements heal the muscle and bone tissues of the body, this delicacy is indispensable for cardiovascular and joint diseases.

Watermelon is not a fruit, but a berry, its fruit is called pumpkin

Magnesium binds oxalic acid salts, which will prevent the formation of oxalate and urate stones in the kidneys. This element, paired with potassium, restores electrolyte balance when chronic constipation. Magnesium lowers blood pressure and helps fight stress.

A significant amount of the carotenoid lycopene was found in the sweet berry. 120 g of pulp is the daily requirement for a person. This antioxidant rejuvenates the body and strengthens its defenses, repelling the attacks of free radicals.

Watermelon owes its red color to the pigment lycopene. This berry is in 3rd place in terms of carotenoid content, ahead of it only are rose hips and guava.

The pulp contains B vitamins and alkaline compounds that normalize acidity gastrointestinal tract, create favorable conditions for the development of beneficial microflora and healing of inflammation. Due to these properties, it is advisable to include watermelon in the diet of patients with gastritis. Folic acid is necessary for the synthesis and preservation of DNA; its deficiency is dangerous during pregnancy.

Without copper, iron and cobalt it is impossible normal process hematopoiesis and metabolism. Their deficiency leads to loss of strength, memory loss and anemia. Silver, copper and ascorbic acid suppress the activity of pathogenic microorganisms and act as antiseptics. In addition, these substances quickly heal and restore mucous membranes.

The body needs the amino acid citrulline to saturate tissues and cells with oxygen and nutrients. In this regard, watermelon is useful for high physical and mental stress. This substance dilates blood vessels and reduces blood pressure. Fiber and pectins improve digestion and act as sorbents - they absorb toxins in the stomach and intestines, therefore they are used as additional remedy in the treatment of intoxication with medications and poisons, after surgery or a long illness. Pectin substances reduce cholesterol levels in the blood and are recommended for diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

Among the saccharides in the aromatic berry, glucose predominates, which is converted into energy or stored in the liver and muscles in the form of glycogen. By enjoying watermelon, we replenish these reserves, which helps alleviate the condition of liver diseases.

Medicinal products from it

In folk medicine, the watermelon itself, the white part of the rind, juice, grains and oil are used. Remedies from this melon culture are easy to prepare and effective, which has been proven by the experience of thousands of people who have improved their health.

Fresh

The pulp contains coarse fibers, so if there are problems with the stomach and intestines, it is better to use juice. Fresh juice is not only a healing and supporting remedy, but also a delicious refreshing drink.

Separate the pulp from the peel.
Cut into pieces.
Squeeze the juice through cheesecloth or using a juicer.

Every time they squeeze Fresh Juice, this is a perishable product. Drink it slowly in small sips half an hour before meals. When consumed together with food, before it has time to be absorbed, the fresh juice will ferment, which will lead to a loss of the meaning of the procedure and flatulence. This remedy quickly restores the body after illness and surgery if you take 200 ml three times a day.

Add crushed ice to your juice for a refreshing summer drink.

Two to three glasses of juice a day is an excellent supportive therapy for atherosclerosis, coronary disease and anemia. Adding apple juice will enhance the healing effect. Drinking 400 ml of fresh juice at once will be removed headache. One glass will relieve heartburn. For osteochondrosis, arthritis and gout, take 150 ml of the drink three times a day. Before going to the gym, you should drink fresh juice; the citrulline in watermelon will prevent muscle pain.

For painful and bleeding hemorrhoids, a compress of watermelon juice will help: cotton swabs soaked in it are applied to the sore spots for 1 hour.

Peel

Watermelon rinds should not be thrown away; it is better to dry them or use them immediately for cooking. healing agents. They contain the same substances as the pulp, but in a more concentrated form, since there is less water in the peel. Fresh and dried peel is used as a diuretic, choleretic and analgesic. Like fresh watermelon, it relieves inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and treats constipation. Before use or drying, the hard colored layer is cut off from the crusts; only the light part is useful. It is cut into convenient pieces and dried in the oven at a temperature of 55–60 degrees. Decoctions and infusions are prepared from dried raw materials, first ground into powder.

An intestinal cleanser and diuretic is prepared as follows: 2 teaspoons of crushed peels are brewed with a glass of boiling water and left for half an hour. To achieve a therapeutic effect, drink 3 glasses per day.

For nephritis and cystitis, sand in the kidneys, bladder and ureter traditional healers Prescribe 1 teaspoon of crust powder three times a day before meals. The course lasts 1 week.

Seeds

The seeds contain the same substances as the watermelon itself and semi-fiber, which contains saccharides that do not dissolve in water. These substances increase the cleansing properties of seeds. A well-known anthelmintic is prepared from them:

The grains are thoroughly crushed in a mortar.
Pour in cold boiled water in a ratio of 1:10.
With periodic stirring, leave for 7–8 hours and filter.

Drink 1 teaspoon every 2 hours until the worms come out. To relieve fever and cholelithiasis The infusion is consumed in a third of a glass half an hour before meals. In the same way it is drunk for jaundice and dropsy.

Uterine bleeding is stopped with watermelon “milk”: crush the seeds and mix with cow’s milk in a ratio of 1:10. Leave for 6 hours. This remedy helps with heavy menstruation when taking 3 tbsp. spoons every two hours.

To normalize high blood pressure within a month they are treated with a folk remedy: an equal amount of dried peels and seeds are ground into powder and eaten 1/2 teaspoon twice a day. As a choleretic, the mixture is taken in 2 teaspoons.

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Oil

Watermelon seeds contain concentrated nutrients for continued life, including 25% fatty oil. Only cold-pressed oil is used in medicinal purposes. This is a labor-intensive process, so it is easier to buy. Unlike watermelon pulp, the oil contains unsaturated fatty acids with a predominance of linoleic acid, up to 60%. This substance is vital for metabolism, but is not produced by the body itself, so it must be supplied with food. Linoleic acid strengthens the heart and blood vessels, inhibits inflammation, speeds up metabolism and promotes weight loss.

To prevent the formation of stones and diseases of the liver, stomach, prostate gland Prescribe 1 teaspoon every other day for 1 month. For sand in the kidneys and gall bladder, take 2 teaspoons 4 times a day for a course of 3–6 months.

To eliminate flaking, apply oil to the skin for eczema.

Watermelon oil is not washed down with water and is not subjected to heat treatment.

What and how is it treated?

This berry is very useful, but when treating serious illnesses It is used only as an addition to the main therapy after consultation with a doctor.

Hello immunity

Little known fact, but watermelon is used for flu, infections respiratory tract, colds, as an immunoprotector and anti-inflammatory agent. Thanks to the high content of lycopene and vitamin C, eating sweet berries will protect immune cells from destruction and speed up recovery. In addition, bacterial poisons are neutralized, thereby removing painful symptoms and your well-being improves. If possible, it is better to drink 1 glass of freshly squeezed juice twice a day.

For sore throat and pharyngitis, gargle watermelon juice up to 5 times a day.

Yellow watermelon varieties are not as healthy as red ones due to their lower lycopene content.

Goodbye constipation

Watermelon fiber improves intestinal motility, so it can easily relieve constipation. Especially if difficult stool is caused by insufficient water consumption. This berry will so saturate the body with liquid that it will part with it without regret. feces. It is enough to eat 1 kg daily for 5 days to normalize digestion.

No salts and swelling

When you mention watermelon, you immediately remember its diuretic effect. Its pulp does not irritate the organs of the excretory system and is prescribed for edema caused by disorders of the kidneys and heart. The berry is especially useful for chronic glomerulonephritis. Regular consumption of watermelon reduces joint pain and removes excess salts uric acid, therefore it is recommended for gout, osteochondrosis and urolithiasis.

For the listed diseases, fasting days are arranged twice a week. On a watermelon day, 2 to 2.5 kg of berries are eaten in several doses, but no more than 300 g at a time.

The kidneys are cleansed well if you lie in a hot bath before going to bed while eating watermelon. The most active time of the kidneys is from 2 to 3 am, this period is the most suitable for the procedure.

Livers for dessert

Watermelon pulp has a beneficial effect on the liver, feeding it with glucose, which is easily absorbed. To strengthen the liver, you need to eat 500 g of pulp instead of dinner and breakfast for 5 days, and drink only water for lunch. Such a mono-diet is difficult to maintain, but it will significantly improve the condition of the liver.

Gallbladder crusts

For the treatment of liver and gallstone disease, an infusion of watermelon rinds will come in handy.

Grind the dried peel into powder.
Brew 2 tbsp with half a liter of boiling water. spoons of crushed peels.
Leave for half an hour and strain.

Drink half a glass of infusion 20 minutes before meals. Course duration: 24 days. This remedy is taken in the same doses for colitis and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, edema for a week.

If there is no peel, the gallbladder is also treated with watermelon juice, drinking 150 ml three times a day.

Decoction for inflammation of the stomach and intestines

Watermelon is allowed for colitis and gastritis with increased or low acidity, but in reasonable doses. Overeating pulp will create unnecessary pressure on the damaged stomach walls. For the berries to be beneficial, eat 1-2 slices at a time. This amount, on the contrary, will lead to the restoration of mucous membranes.

To treat inflammation of the stomach and intestines, a healing decoction of the crusts is used.

Grind dry crusts into flour.
Pour 5 tbsp. tablespoons of powder with half a liter of boiling water and cook for half an hour, stirring.
Leave for 1 hour, filter.

Drink half a glass before each meal up to 6 times a day.

Such a healthy watermelon diet

Despite the fact that 100 g of pulp contains only 30 kcal, nothing can fill you up like a ripe watermelon. Fiber will simply fill the stomach space and leave no room for other food. Therefore, fasting days on watermelon are pleasant and easy. It will relieve hunger, excess fluid, salts and toxins.

Translated from Turkic languages watermelon means “donkey cucumber”: these animals love to quench their hunger and thirst

You can follow the diet for no more than two days, the load on excretory system. In addition, this berry is not so rich in minerals and vitamins that it can completely replace other products. By washing away salts, you can overdo it and disrupt the water-salt balance of the body. From 1.5 to 2 kg of watermelon and 200 g of crackers are eaten per day. You can't drink coffee or tea, only water. Last appointment sugar treats - 4 hours before bedtime. This mono-diet is contraindicated in case of pancreatitis, kidney pathologies, or the presence of stones measuring half a centimeter in diameter. Unfortunately, weight loss occurs due to the loss of excess fluid, not fat, so to obtain significant results, fasting days are repeated after 4-5 days.

To maintain the achieved weight loss, in the following days they eat low-fat foods, mainly protein and carbohydrates. This could be porridge with dried fruits, fish with mashed potatoes without butter, chicken fillet with rice. If you follow the recommendations listed above, you can fit into last year’s swimsuit, and if you are especially diligent, you can fit into a new one, a smaller size.

Is it possible during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

For nursing and expectant mothers, watermelon without nitrates will bring undoubted benefits thanks to the folic acid contained in it. ascorbic acid, magnesium, potassium and copper. The body especially needs these substances in the first trimester for normal development embryo. However, during pregnancy, the bladder is exposed to pressure from the fetus, resulting in an increased urge to urinate. Eating watermelon can increase this discomfort. In addition, it contains a lot of sugars and fibers that cause fermentation, so combined use with foods that take a long time to digest leads to pain and severe gas formation. This may affect the tone of the uterus.

Doctors also advise limiting salt intake if watery berries are included in the menu, to avoid fluid accumulation and swelling. Do not interfere with the kidneys removing moisture.

The main risk when breastfeeding- nitrates getting into milk. To protect your child, buy only high-quality products. Test strips can be used to determine the concentration of harmful substances. If the nitrate content exceeds 100 mg per 1 kg, this product is not suitable for either an expectant or nursing mother. Another catch lies in the fact that 2 kg of pulp of even a high-quality watermelon will be daily norm nitrate consumption. Therefore, the maximum for nursing and pregnant women is 4 slices per day, divided into 2 doses, separately from other food to avoid fermentation. 2 hours before and an hour after eating watermelon, do not eat anything else.

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How much and when to give to children

IN Lately Cases of watermelon poisoning have become more frequent. This is due to eating early fruits that are unnaturally ripened and overfed with nitrogen, which should not be offered to children. Only berries that are ripe by the end of August are suitable for children starting from 2 years old. Before reaching this age, due to the diuretic effect and stress on the kidneys, it is not recommended to include it in the menu. From 2 to 3 years old, a child is given up to 100 g of watermelon. From 3 to 6 years - up to 150 g.

For very young children, watermelon is a heavy food, let them enjoy it, but little by little, 1–2 slices

Before purchasing, check the integrity of the peel; if there is a small dent with a puncture in the center, the watermelon was “pricked” with saltpeter.

When serving a juicy delicacy, it is worth removing the seeds so that the baby does not choke. If the grain is swallowed, it’s not scary, it will come out with the next stool. To reduce the likelihood of nitrate poisoning, cut out the center of the fruit, away from the skin. The pulp should be evenly colored, without streaks. If the watermelon is of poor quality, symptoms of poisoning will occur:

nausea, vomiting;
loose stools;
headache;
weakness;
temperature increase.

If these signs appear, call a doctor. Watermelon nitrate poisoning is dangerous for children, as the supply of oxygen to tissues is disrupted. Before the doctor arrives, give your child mineral water without gas and sorbents. To relieve abdominal pain, take antispasmodics, but not analgesics, since the latter mask the course of appendicitis, because the symptoms of inflammation of the appendix and poisoning are similar.

Homemade watermelon cosmetology

Striped berry is great for any skin type. Cosmetics made from it are popular because they bring many benefits:

relieve inflammation;
protect and saturate with moisture;
normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands;
whiten skin;
heal damage;
smooth out small wrinkles.

Regularly rubbing your face with a piece of watermelon will give your skin velvety and elasticity and smooth out fine wrinkles.

All parts of the watermelon are involved in facial care. Before use, make sure there is no allergy by performing a 10-minute test on the skin of the elbow. The most powerful healing effect is produced by homemade masks, which are no worse than salon products. They are applied to cleansed skin for 30 minutes and washed off with warm water.

At acne: Grind 1 egg with 2 tbsp. spoons of watermelon pulp.
For irritation and swelling: cut off the white part of the crusts and grind in a blender.
For dry and burnt skin: 1 tbsp. spoon of sour cream and olive oil mixed with the pulp of black bread and watermelon.
For whitening and rejuvenating the skin: 1 tbsp. a spoonful of seeds is crushed and diluted with water to a thick paste.
For wrinkles: moisten a gauze pad in freshly squeezed juice and apply to the face.

The most healing cosmetic product watermelon is an oil that is well absorbed and allows the skin to breathe without leaving a greasy film. It protects, nourishes and restores skin covering. This remedy is indispensable for eliminating the effects of sunburn, as it moisturizes well and relieves inflammation. The oil is so gentle on the skin that it is suitable for caring for the skin of the lips and around the eyes.

Acne is treated by applying oil to cleansed skin morning and evening for 3-6 months. For baldness, rub into the scalp once every 3 days and at the same time take 1-2 teaspoons per day orally for up to six months.

Fresh watermelon is frozen in the freezer for use as a tonic and to treat sunburn. Ice cubes from the juice will relieve pain and heal the skin.

The sweetest melon is also used for hair care. A watermelon mask will give your hair a healthy shine and strength: 1 teaspoon of almond oil mixed with 5 tbsp. spoons of pulp. The mixture is applied to the hair from roots to ends and washed off after half an hour with regular shampoo.

Stocking up for future use

Watermelon pickles are almost as healthy as fresh fruits and are worth including them in your diet. If you come across an unripe watermelon, do not be upset, but ferment or pickle it. The dense flesh will retain its shape and have a pleasant crunch. Too ripe fruits are not suitable for pickling.

Whoever once tasted watermelon learned what angels eat.

Mark Twain

To enjoy the giant berry longer, you can ferment it. In this recipe, the watermelon is not heat treated, so all vitamins and nutrients are preserved. We will need:

watermelon - 2 kg;
sweet pepper - 1 pc.;
garlic - 5–6 cloves;
a bunch of herbs (dill, parsley, tarragon)
salt, sugar.

Pickled watermelon is an excellent solution; if you bought an unripe fruit, it will become much tastier after fermentation, picking up the aroma of spices

Divide the fruit into 4 parts, remove the seeds. Cut each quarter into 2 cm thick slices.
Cut the pepper and garlic into strips, chop the greens.
Place slices and peppers with spices in layers to the top in a 3-liter container.
Pour in cold boiled water to cover the watermelon.
Drain this water and prepare brine at the rate of 1 tbsp. spoon of salt per 1 liter of water. If the watermelon is unsweetened, add 1 tbsp. spoon of sugar.
Pour the brine back. Place a weight on top and place the container in a bowl to drain the fermenting liquid.
Cover with gauze and leave to ferment at room temperature 2–4 days.
Store the finished product in the refrigerator.

For those who like it spicy, add 1 tbsp to the bottom of the jar. spoon of dry mustard.

Salty

This unusual dish has its supporters and opponents, so find out which camp you belong to, try a new recipe. For spicy pickles you need:

watermelon - 2 kg;
9% vinegar - 70 ml;
sugar, salt;
bay leaf - 2 pcs.;
allspice - 5 peas;
dill - 2 umbrellas.

Salted watermelon is both an excellent snack and preventive measure. colds in winter

Place spices at the bottom of a sterilized jar.
Cut the washed fruit into slices, cut each in half and place tightly in a jar.
Pour boiling water over, leave for 10 minutes. and drain the water into the pan.
Bring to a boil and pour back into the jar, let stand for 5 minutes.
Pour the water into the pan again and prepare the brine at the rate of 1 tbsp per 1 liter of water. spoon with sugar on top and 2 tbsp. spoons of salt.
Boil the brine, adding ginger or nutmeg if desired, and pour into a jar.
Pour in the vinegar, roll up, turn the lid down until it cools.

Contraindications and harm

Watermelon is a universal dietary product. However, it is not advisable to eat it under the following conditions:

diarrhea, colic, bloating;
pancreatitis;
cholelithiasis;
violation of the outflow of urine of any etymology;
pyelonephritis;
citrullinemia;
allergy.

Due to the high glycemic index, watermelon can only be eaten in small doses if you have diabetes. With the first type, no more than 200 g are eaten at a time, 600 g per day. With the second type single dose- 100 g, daily - 200–300 g.

For pancreatitis, watermelon is prohibited because the patient is unable to digest it due to insufficient production of enzymes by the inflamed pancreas. This will lead to bloating, flatulence, diarrhea and deterioration of the gland. Watermelon pickles should not be consumed by patients with kidney diseases; excess salt makes it difficult for the kidneys to function.

If the seeds were eaten with the pulp, do not be alarmed, nothing bad will happen, they will come out in the stool.

To prevent watermelons from causing harm, they are bought in season - from the last ten days of August to the end of September. At this time, it is no longer profitable for farmers to stuff their melons with nitrates. At this time, melons are already too cheap compared to the price of fertilizers. But before eating, it’s still worth checking for the presence of nitrates: if you mash high-quality pulp in water, it will simply become cloudy and not turn pink.

Watermelon is a huge berry that many adults and children know and adore. This fruit can bear great benefit the human body, allowing it to function fully, without any failures. Of course, due to its very large size, watermelon is considered a fruit, but it is still a berry. A berry that can qualitatively quench thirst and dull the feeling of hunger for a long time.

Watermelons are rich in vitamins C, A and B6, which regulate blood pressure and improve kidney and heart function. On the other hand, this healthy fruit contains almost no calories and contains only natural sugar, water, vitamins and minerals.

Due to its high water content, watermelon is great for cleansing the body. It is also loaded with beta carotene, fiber, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and C, calcium, iodine, malic acid, zinc, manganese, nitric acid, potassium and phosphorus, so it is very helpful in healing mental disorders, inflammation, heart disease, anxiety and chronic stress.

The benefits of watermelon

This fruit, first of all, is an excellent source of vitamins and other useful elements that have an extremely positive effect on human body. So, for example, watermelon:

Improves the quality of vision;
Brings it back to normal arterial pressure, improves blood circulation;
Helps heal certain diseases;
Dulls the sensations of hunger and thirst;
Stabilizes the activity of the central nervous system;
Stabilizes cardiac activity;
Supports the immune system;
Improves gastrointestinal motility.

This delicious sweet is used, among other things, in folk remedies treatment. And quite often. Watermelon has qualities that can fight the manifestations of a variety of diseases. This berry contains iron, fiber, carbohydrates, as well as vitamins C and the entire B group.

It is not surprising that watermelon perfectly quenches thirst, because 9/10 of its components are water. For the same reason, watermelon is an excellent diuretic. It helps relieve swelling and treat very serious kidney diseases.

The main diseases for which doctors advise consuming watermelon are:

Stones in the kidneys and pancreas;
Nephritis;
Cystitis.

Pectin and fiber increase the activity of the gastrointestinal tract and are able to cleanse the body of waste, toxins and other harmful substances that have already accumulated.

Natural medicine

Iron and magnesium in the berry promote hematopoiesis. That is why this berry is useful for people who suffer from blood-related diseases.

Folic acid, which is also included in the composition, keeps activity under control of cardio-vascular system. such that it perfectly controls the course of all processes in the body. It also plays a very good role in maintaining joint health.

Watermelon must be included in the patient’s diet during rehabilitation period after operations or serious illnesses. Watermelon pulp will help solve problems with the liver, and will also quickly remove bile, alcohol and substances such as anesthesia from the body.

Watermelon will not cause any harm to those people who have any form of diabetes, since fiber can remove cholesterol from the blood. Among other things, some elements contained in the berry can help strengthen muscle and bone tissue.

In the case of prolonged consumption of watermelon pulp, positive dynamics are observed in the treatment of various gastritis and peptic ulcers. Watermelon fibrous mass is especially indicated for hypertension, pressure surges and diseases of the genitourinary system.

Watermelon also contains carotene. This element helps people in case of severe physical or emotional stress. Renders nervous system help in stressful situations. It is worth noting that the amino acid phenylalanine, which is found in watermelon, helps old people prevent the development of Parkinson's disease. If it is not enough, it can provoke the development of many chronic diseases.

The benefits of watermelon for women

All of the above elements have the most positive effect on the development of the unborn child in the uterus of a pregnant woman. They help a woman cope with numerous swelling of the extremities, as well as frequent heartburn.

The watermelon berry brings significant benefits to young mothers during lactation, since at this time women usually experience a serious lack of iron and magnesium in their bodies. Impressive volumes of liquid, as well as many useful elements, increase both quality and quantity breast milk, which will only benefit the baby.

Only a doctor will tell you in detail what benefits and what harm consuming ripe watermelon can bring to a pregnant and lactating woman. Therefore, before eating this sweet fruit, it is better to consult a specialist.

The benefits of watermelon for men

Men hoping for fireworks in their love life might want to skip the burger and beer and instead of the barbecue, eat more watermelon. The fact is that watermelon can become natural Viagra. The popular summer fruit is rich in an amino acid called citrulline, which relaxes and dilates blood vessels, much like Viagra.

It was believed that most of the citrulline was found in the rind of the watermelon. However, scientific research has found that the majority of citrulline in watermelon is in the edible part than previously thought. The amino acid citrulline is converted in the stomach into the amino acid arginine, a precursor of nitric oxide that promotes dilation (increase in volume) of blood vessels.

A 100 gram serving of watermelon contains up to 150 mg of citrulline. Of course, you cannot eat the required amount in order to get a Viagra-like effect. Definitely say: watermelon - Viagra, nothing more than a funny joke.

Either way, this sweet, refreshing fruit contains substances that may have an effect on your blood vessels. Watermelon can revive your sex drive, numerous studies confirm this.

The bulk of watermelon is water (calorie content per 100 grams is 27 kcal), but the rest is saturated with lycopene and antioxidant, which are good for the heart, prostate and skin.

The study also found that watermelon is great for treating muscle pain. The amino acid accelerates the process of getting rid of excess lactic acid in the muscles. It's fair to say that watermelon relieves muscle pain after a strenuous exercise in the gym.

What are the benefits of watermelon ingredients?

Of course, the benefits of watermelon are simply enormous, but not every person knows what healing power contained in such components of this berry as the skin or seeds of watermelon. But they are also often used by people.

For example, watermelon seeds can be used as an anthelmintic. And not only. A decoction of ground watermelon seeds helps with bleeding and skin problems. And a tincture of whole seeds is very effective in reducing fever.

A drink made from watermelon skin has an enhanced bile and diuretic effect. First you need to dry the skins, and then infuse or brew them like regular tea. The skins help relieve headaches - you just need to put it on your forehead, and very soon you can feel how the pain and even the migraine will begin to subside. In addition, watermelon skin moisturizes the skin quite well, which is why they are often used in the preparation of nourishing and moisturizing masks.

Boiled watermelon juice will become honey. And if you candy the skins, they will become sweet candied fruits. For kids it’s just a great sweet.

For obese people

Despite the fact that this berry is very large and very sweet, its caloric content is quite low. Therefore, it is ideally suitable for people who have set themselves the goal of losing weight. One hundred grams of watermelon pulp contains:

Protein – 0.9%;
Glucose – 3%;
Calories – 37;
Sucrose – 2%;
Carbohydrates (di- and monosaccharides) – 11%;
Fructose – 5%.

Nutritional value of watermelon

Serving Size: 2 cups diced (280 g)
Calories: 80 (Calories from fat 0)

Total fat: 0 g (0%)

Total carbohydrates: 21 g (7%)
Dietary fiber: 1 g (4%)
WITH ahara: 20 g

Cholesterol: 0 mg (0%)
Sodium: 0 mg (0%)
Potassium: 270 mg (8%)
Protein: 1 g

Vitamin A : (30%)
Vitamin C : (25%)
Calcium : (2%)
Iron : (4%)

* Interest daily values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. The benefits of watermelon are also revealed in the fight against obesity of any severity. You could even say that this is one of the best natural remedies that help with natural weight loss. Regular consumption of watermelon cleanses the stomach and intestines and reduces appetite.

The components of this berry reduce the level of fat deposits and remove excess water from the body. Thus, it relieves swelling. The watery pulp of watermelon fills the stomach, but at the same time provides it with relatively few calories. At the same time, hunger is dulled, and this also contributes to natural weight loss.

The benefits of watermelon will be especially appreciated by those people who often arrange fasting days.

Nitrates or harm that watermelon can cause

For all its special usefulness, watermelon can also cause harm. These are mainly nitrates - substances that manufacturers stuff watermelons with so that they ripen faster and weigh more. If you eat a watermelon like this, you can easily get poisoned.

Therefore, it is advisable to buy watermelons only from those sellers who are able to provide papers from the sanitary and epidemiological station that would confirm the ecological purity of the berries. You cannot detect nitrates by sight or taste. This can only be done in the laboratory.

It is also better not to buy cracked or cut watermelons - pathogenic microbes can easily get into the pulp.

Nature has endowed her creation exclusively useful qualities. And therefore, it can cause harm to health only after human intervention. It is very important to learn to distinguish watermelons.

If the skin of the watermelon is too “glossy”, there are yellowish fibers inside, and the flesh is too scarlet, all this may indicate that the berry may be harmful - it may contain nitrates. You won’t get any benefits from such a watermelon, but you will get a lot of harm. Symptoms of nitrate poisoning can be anything. From simple weakness to fever.

People who suffer from gastrointestinal problems and children should eat watermelons with great caution. A watermelon of poor quality can cause enormous harm to the body. They can simply get poisoned. Symptoms of poisoning are as follows:

Dizziness;
Diarrhea;
Vomit.

In any case, you should call an ambulance.

Harm of watermelon and restrictions on consumption

Of course, watermelon has many beneficial properties. But this berry also has some restrictions on consumption. This list includes various serious illnesses.

So, for example, it is forbidden to eat watermelon if you suffer from diarrhea or any disorders of the genitourinary system. If there are stones in the organs, you must first consult your doctor.

Finally, about watermelon and watermelon rinds

Watermelon is a sweet and tasty berry that is loved by everyone without exception. And not in vain, because it contains many useful substances that have a lot of healing properties. If you eat watermelon regularly or at least often enough, you can easily correct minor disturbances in the body’s functioning and strengthen a weakened immune system.

Watermelon can act as a diuretic, prevent acne, inflammation, anemia, asthma, bites, arthritis, headaches, cellulite, atherosclerosis, kidney stones, problems with gallbladder And high level cholesterol. It also treats burns and skin conditions, regulates pH levels in the body, eliminates excess fat from blood vessels and much more!

You can eat watermelon cold, in desserts, fruit juices or smoothies. Or simply however you prefer, and always enjoy countless health benefits!

Watermelon rind

Not many people know that watermelon rind is a storehouse of nutrients. It contains microelements necessary for nutrition in quantities no less than the fruit itself! The skin is literally saturated with antioxidants; it contains the carotenoid pigment lycopene. Contains zinc, magnesium and potassium. Watermelon rind - multivitamin complex - C, A, B6.

Watermelon rind is also rich in citrulline and an amino acid that soothe muscles after gym. In addition, the fiber in watermelon rinds helps in the fight against weight loss. Citrulline is great for calming nervous breakdowns and cures causeless anxiety.

Saturation with water indicates their powerful diuretic effect, which helps eliminate excess fluid from the body and reduce swelling. The immune system will also thank you for eating watermelon rinds..

Don't know how to consume it watermelon rind? We offer several options. It is necessary to get rid of the hard green peel, and cut the hard white pulp into pieces and fill it with vegetable and fruit salads. You can fry the crust with tuna or turkey breast. It’s not bad to stew with potatoes, like zucchini.

Results: Watermelon – continuous benefits

Packed with antioxidants and amino acids, watermelons allow you to optimally organize your body's performance. Antioxidants help prevent the formation cancer cells. Amino acids are the main building block involved in the construction of protein, and protein, in turn, is used in almost all vital important functions body.

To maximize the concentration of lycopene, you need to wait until the watermelon is fully ripened. The larger the watermelon, the higher the density of lycopene accumulation. As watermelon ripens, beta-carotene and phenolic antioxidants accumulate.

Beta-carotene is an antioxidant found in red-orange fruits and vegetables that helps boost immunity, improve skin, vision, and help prevent cancer.

All parts of the watermelon are good and full of nutrients. White flesh, closest to the skin, contains more of the amino acid citrulline than red flesh. Citrulline is a valuable amino acid that is converted into the amino acid arginine. Amino acids promote blood circulation, normalizing cardiovascular health, and have an effect on erectile dysfunction.