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, the markets are gradually filled with a variety of vegetables and fruits of domestic production. 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, its trucks are transported from the south to the northern regions of our country. It is sold 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 a 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. A significant content of folic acid, without which the course of any process in the human body, especially the hematopoietic function, cannot do.
Normal development, DNA structure, strong immunity for the body will easily ensure regular use of this product.
The use of 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, normalize intestinal motility.
The ability to remove all harmful substances from the body makes the product indispensable for people living in contaminated areas, working in hazardous industries.
Watermelon should be on the menu of alcohol abusers, smokers.
Half of the daily value of magnesium can be obtained from 100 g of pulp, this will contribute to the better absorption of all vitamins and minerals that have entered the body during the day. Magnesium will help get rid of sleep disorders, normalize blood pressure, and quickly relieve tiredness.
The berry is good for weight loss. A strong diuretic effect will not allow liquid to linger in the body for a long time, consuming watermelon, saturation comes quickly, while the calorie content is minimal.
Watermelon seeds are also beneficial due to the high content of linoleic, linolenic, palmitic acids. In composition, they are very similar to almond oil, which is famous for its medicinal properties.

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

Interesting! Drinking enough watermelon can stimulate male sexual activity.

Berry harm

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

urolithiasis;
stones in the gallbladder;
problematic waste of urine;
diarrhea.

For early ripening and an unnatural increase in the size of the berry, unscrupulous farmers can abundantly season the melon with nitrates and pesticides. In order for the product to bring only benefits, you need to learn how to choose the right one.

Visual inspection. A striped berry should have a dried-up tail, emit a crack when squeezed, and a dull sound when tapped.

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

Before using, carry out a few simple experiments that will help determine the quality of the purchased berry.

Dip a piece of pulp into a container with clean water... Redness signals the presence of a high amount of nitrates and pesticides in the product.
Carefully inspect the cut, the flesh of a naturally ripened watermelon will be divided into grains. The nitrate berry has a smooth flesh edge.

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

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

Storage methods

The berry season with melon is very short, everyone tries to extend it as much as possible for himself. Some varieties of watermelons can be saved for the New Year's table at certain thermometer readings. Most often, the berry is preserved with the help of all well-known natural preservatives:

Melon culture is salted. There are many recipes, each with its own flavor. Doctors recommend using salted watermelons, their benefits are especially noticeable for gastritis, arthritis, anemia, elevated level cholesterol.
Soaked watermelons are no less tasty and savory. They will be of great benefit for sand in the kidneys, liver diseases, and constipation.

Such pickles will have an immune-strengthening effect, accelerate recovery from colds and flu.

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

Why seeds are useful

The complete picture of the benefits of melons and gourds cannot be folded without mentioning seeds. Watermelon seeds, the benefits of which are similar to pumpkin seeds, are used peeled. They are effective in such cases:

With 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 must be collected from naturally ripened berries, free of nitrates and pesticides.

Contraindications

Huge list beneficial effects contraindications will slightly overshadow the body.

Watermelon should not be used for diarrhea and colitis.
Problematic urination. The diuretic property may not always be beneficial. Some kidney diseases can be exacerbated by the use of melons.
The berry can act on large kidney stones. They will start moving and may block the outflow pathways.
You can not eat a lot of watermelon when diabetes mellitus, it can negatively affect general well-being sick. With the permission of your doctor, you can occasionally pamper yourself with a slice of juicy pulp.
Diseases of the prostate and pancreas.

For some diseases, watermelon can be consumed only after the permission of 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. Most often, watermelons are eaten fresh and squeezed out of the pulp. Jam is made from the crusts, and the berries are salted or pickled for the winter.

There are over 300 varieties of watermelon grown in the world, but about 50 are popular. Some have yellow flesh with a sweeter, honeyed aroma, but are widely used with a pinkish-reddish one.

Chances are 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 drinking 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 grams, zinc, protein and fiber. Most people throw away the peel from the watermelon, but there is a lot of chlorophyll in it, which promotes hematopoiesis.

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

After workouts

The amino acid L-citrulline in watermelon protects against muscle pain. Studies have shown that athletes who drank freshly squeezed, unpasteurized watermelon juice before exercise had less muscle pain after 24 hours compared to those who drank a placebo.

For the heart and blood vessels

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

For sight

Vitamin A, found in watermelon, improves vision.

For the kidneys

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

For the reproductive system

Arginine helps in erectile dysfunction, relaxes the blood vessels that supply blood to the male genital organ, which is why watermelon is sometimes called "Nature's Viagra". The addition of citrulline has been found to improve erection strength in men with mild erectile dysfunction, which is why watermelon is very beneficial for men.

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

For skin

Improves skin turgor, helps to avoid dehydration, restores youthfulness 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 maintaining the immune system. Lycopene has potential anti-tumor 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 mass of the fruit, which is included in the Guinness Book of Records. In 2009, an aspect was recorded that the largest watermelon in the world weighs 122 kg. Agree, an impressive value. If you add to this the undeniable benefits of the berry, you can be completely shocked. Today we will talk about value and possible harm from the consumption of watermelon.

Calorie content of watermelon and use in dietetics

A slice weighing about 100 grams. concentrates 24 Kcal. Taking into account the fact that most of the mass is water, the value is not critical. This figure makes many people add watermelon to their diet.

Against this background, there is a complete cleansing of the kidneys, because the berry has a diuretic property. Losing weight is achieved through the acceleration of all metabolic processes, removal of old waste, inhibiting the absorption of fats.

Adherents of strict diets have even created a weight loss method that allows you to get rid of extra pounds in a matter of days. The diet says that for 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, in a week you will lose about 6 kg.

The benefits of watermelon

Folic acid, included in watermelon, improves the structure of DNA, and also forms the fetus during pregnancy. This element is actively involved 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. Also, this action is considered a powerful prevention against stones, sand in the kidneys and bladder.
Watermelon cleanses the intestinal tract of even the oldest congestions that provoke constipation and other ailments of this kind. The berry enhances the absorption of useful food elements into the blood.
Magnesium relieves fatigue even chronic type... It removes the feeling of anxiety, apathy, excessive irritability. The substance controls the psyche and emotional state.
The berry is considered an excellent antidepressant. It will easily remove the consequences of the stress endured, make the person immune to extraneous stimuli.
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 low immune system by nature.
There are a lot of rough in the pulp dietary fiber, which are needed to create the correct microflora in the intestine. Also, the berry reduces cholesterol, thereby preventing heart and vascular ailments.
Watermelon is approved for use by diabetics. It has an average glycemic index, so it does not exceed sugar values. By monitoring glucose levels, patients can maintain full life without damage to health.
Lycopene is included in the berry. The substance is used in the process of manufacturing drugs for oncological ailments of the prostate, lungs, mammary glands, intestines, and stomach. We can say that watermelon prevents cancer.
Watermelon is used in the therapeutic treatment of stomach ailments, including gastritis. With prolonged and frequent use, ulcers on the mucous membranes are healed, the course of the disease is facilitated.
The berry has a pleasant feature to reduce the likelihood of developing senile dementia in elderly people. Also, watermelon is used to prevent Parkinson's disease.
The magnesium included in watermelon is extremely necessary for the heart muscle and the central nervous system. The berry improves mood, allows you to tune in to a positive wave. Watermelon prevents coronary artery disease, tachycardia, stroke with heart attack.
Not many people know that the most powerful diuretic effect is provided by the use of the white layer of watermelon, which is located near the pulp. To remove swelling and remove toxins, eat homemade watermelons. They are not fed with nitrates.

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

Grains help cure jaundice, eliminate bleeding, relieve inflammatory processes... To prepare the potion, mix the ground bones with milk at room temperature. Stick to a ratio of 1 to 10. Consume in the morning on an empty stomach.
To bring down the fever, make watermelon milk. Grind the seeds in a mortar, mix with filtered water in a ratio of 1 to 9. Add sugar, take 1 time in 2 hours, 30 gr.
To make a face mask with a rejuvenating effect, make a powder from dry watermelon seeds. Mix with kefir into porridge, apply and wait a quarter of an hour.

The benefits of watermelon peel

The peel has an equally valuable composition. The product has found application in traditional 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 the rind of a watermelon. Tie a piece of peel to your temples for a while.
The composition helps in the treatment of colitis. Cut the product into small cubes, place in a heat-resistant vessel. Pour in 100 gr. raw materials 500 ml. steep boiling water. Insist 3-4 hours, drink 5 times a day.
For kidney stones, an excellent diuretic is used in the form of a powder from a watermelon peel. The composition cleans bladder, ureter and helps with chronic cystitis, nephritis.

The benefits of watermelon for men

Texas scientists have conducted a number of studies, from which they found that watermelon is rich in cirtullin. The substance is converted into arginine as a result of synthesis. The enzyme dilates blood vessels.
Hence, experts concluded that watermelon is the strongest means for stimulating potency. The berry is many times superior modern drugs directional action. Thus, regular consumption of watermelon saturates the sex life.

Eating berries contributes to 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 belongs to low-calorie foods, while it is able to suppress the feeling of hunger for long time... Research has shown that fasting days it is much more comfortable to spend with a watermelon.

Benefits of watermelon during pregnancy

During gestation, watermelon is allowed to be eaten in moderation. The high content of folic acid in the berry allows the baby to develop properly. Sometimes experts prescribe a vitamin separately in the early stages.
During the season, it is worthwhile to thoroughly approach the choice of watermelon, do not rush to acquire early berries. Ripening without chemicals peaks in August and September. Consult a physician prior to consumption.

Watermelon harm

In addition to its beneficial qualities, the berry can be harmful. It is important to consider that the pulp is low in calories, but at the same time the glycemic index is average. Watermelon, after digestion, induces a strong appetite.
It is forbidden to use berries for colitis and diarrhea. If you have problems with urine flow, refrain from eating the pulp. In case of abnormalities in the activity of the kidneys, it is recommended to consult a doctor. The specialist will give precise instructions.
Watermelon is contraindicated in pyelonephritis, otherwise there may be problems with the course of the disease. It is forbidden to consume fruits in any quantity for kidney stones. The diuretic effect can provoke the movement of neoplasms.
With diabetes, small quantities of watermelon are allowed. To avoid the consequences, consult your doctor. It is not recommended to eat watermelon for problems with the prostate and pancreas.
Most often, watermelons are grown through the use of nitrates, so do not rush to introduce berries into the diet of a baby under 3 years old. Start with 100 grams. in a day.

For healthy person watermelon will bring undoubted benefits. It's important to choose a proven product. When using berries, be sure to check out the contraindications and the lack of such in you.

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:

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

In spite of impressive list nutrients, watermelon is 90% water, so it quickly leaves the body. This berry is an ideal diuretic and gentle laxative, unparalleled in fruits and vegetables. Removing excess fluid and deposits harmful salts, watermelon at the same time saturates us useful 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 kidney stones. This element, together with potassium, restores the electrolyte balance when chronic constipation... Magnesium lowers blood pressure and helps fight stress.

A significant amount of the carotenoid lycopene is found in the sweet berry. 120 g of pulp is a person's daily allowance. This antioxidant rejuvenates the body and strengthens its defenses by warding off free radical attacks.

Watermelon owes its red color to the pigment lycopene. This berry is on the 3rd place in terms of carotenoid content, in front of it there are only 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 the 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 lack is dangerous during pregnancy.

It is impossible without copper, iron and cobalt normal process hematopoiesis and metabolism. Their deficiency leads to loss of strength, memory impairment and anemia. Silver, copper and ascorbic acid inhibit the vital activity of pathogens 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 pressure. Fiber and pectins improve digestion and act as sorbents - absorb toxins in the stomach and intestines, therefore they are used as additional remedy in the treatment of intoxication with medicines and poisons, after surgery or prolonged illness. Pectin substances reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood and are recommended for diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

Among the saccharides in the fragrant berry, glucose predominates, which is converted into energy or deposited in the liver and muscles in the form of glycogen. Enjoying watermelon, we replenish these reserves, which helps to alleviate the condition of liver diseases.

Medicines from it

In folk medicine, the watermelon itself, the white part of the peel, juice, seeds and oil are used. Means 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 in case of disturbances in the functioning of the stomach and intestines, it is better to use juice. Fresh is not only a curative and supportive remedy, but also a delicious refreshing drink.

Separate the flesh from the rind.
Cut into slices.
Squeeze the juice through cheesecloth or using a juicer.

Squeeze out every time Fresh Juice, it is a perishable product. They drink it slowly in small sips half an hour before meals. When consumed together with food, without having time to assimilate, the fresh will ferment, which will lead to the loss of the meaning of the procedure and flatulence. This remedy quickly restores the body after illness and operations, if taken 200 ml three times a day.

If you add ice crumbs to the juice, you get a refreshing summer drink.

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

For painful and bleeding hemorrhoids, a compress from watermelon juice will help: cotton swabs moistened with it are applied to sore spots for 1 hour.

Peel

Watermelon rinds should not be thrown away, it is better to dry or use immediately for cooking remedies... 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 pain reliever. Like fresh watermelon, it relieves inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and treats constipation. Before use or drying, a 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 55-60 degrees. Decoctions and infusions are prepared from dried raw materials, after grinding into powder.

An intestinal cleansing agent and a diuretic are prepared as follows: 2 teaspoons of crushed crusts are brewed with a glass of boiling water and infused for half an hour. To achieve a therapeutic effect, 3 glasses are drunk per day.

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

Seeds

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

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

Take a drink every 2 hours for 1 teaspoon until the worms come out. To relieve a feverish state and with gallstone disease the infusion is consumed in a third of a glass half an hour before meals. It is drunk in the same way 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. Insist 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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Butter

The seeds of watermelon are concentrated nutrients for the continuation of life, including 25% fatty oil. Only oil extracted by cold pressing is used in medicinal purposes... It is a time consuming process and therefore easier to buy. Unlike the pulp of watermelon, the oil contains unsaturated fatty acids with a predominance of linoleic acid, up to 60%. This substance is vital for metabolism, but it is not produced by the body on its own, therefore 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 appoint 1 teaspoon every other day for 1 month. With sand in the kidneys and gallbladder, use 2 teaspoons 4 times a day for a course of 3-6 months.

To eliminate peeling with oil, lubricate the skin with eczema.

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

What and how is treated with it

This berry is very useful, but in the treatment serious illnesses it is used only as an adjunct to the main therapy after consulting a doctor.

Hello immunity

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

With angina and pharyngitis, gargle watermelon juice up to 5 times a day.

Yellow varieties of watermelon are not as healthy as red varieties due to their low lycopene content

Goodbye constipation

Watermelon fibers improve intestinal motility, so they can easily relieve constipation. Especially if the difficulty in stool is caused by inadequate water intake. This berry will saturate the body with fluid so much that it will part with feces... It is enough to eat 1 kg daily for 5 days to normalize digestion.

No salt and swelling

At the mention of a watermelon, one immediately remembers 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 leads to a decrease in joint pain and the elimination of excess salts uric acid, therefore, it is recommended for gout, osteochondrosis and urolithiasis.

With these diseases, fasting days are arranged twice a week. On a watermelon day, from 2 to 2.5 kg of berries are eaten in several doses, but not more than 300 g at a time.

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

Liver for sweet

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

Gallbladder crust

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

Grind the dried peel into powder.
Brew half a liter of boiling water 2 tbsp. tablespoons of crushed crusts.
Insist half an hour and strain.

Half a glass of infusion is drunk 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 the pulp will put unnecessary pressure on the damaged stomach wall. For the berry to be beneficial, eat 1-2 slices at a time. This amount, on the contrary, will entail the restoration of mucous membranes.

For the treatment of 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 and half a liter of boiling water and cook stirring for half an hour.
Insist 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 there are only 30 kcal in 100 g of pulp, nothing can saturate more than a ripe watermelon. Fiber will simply fill the space in your stomach and leave no room for other foods. 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 satisfy 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 loaded with minerals and vitamins to completely replace other foods. Washing out 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. Neither coffee nor tea can be drunk, only water. Last take sugar treats - 4 hours before bedtime. Such a mono-diet is contraindicated in pancreatitis, kidney pathologies, or the presence of stones as small as half a centimeter in diameter. Unfortunately, weight loss occurs due to the loss of excess fluid, not fat, therefore, to obtain significant results, fasting days are repeated every 4–5 days.

To maintain the achieved weight loss in the following days, eat low-fat food, mainly protein-carbohydrate. It can be porridge with dried fruits, fish with mashed potatoes without oil, chicken fillet with rice. If you follow these recommendations, you can fit into last year's swimsuit, and with special diligence - into a new, smaller one.

Is it possible during pregnancy and breastfeeding

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

Doctors also advise limiting salt intake if watery berries are included in the menu to avoid fluid build-up and swelling. Do not interfere with the kidneys to remove moisture.

The main risk in breastfeeding- ingestion of nitrates in milk. To keep your child safe, buy only quality products. Test strips can be used to determine the concentration of harmful substances. If the content of nitrates exceeds 100 mg per 1 kg, this product is not suitable for either a future or a nursing mother. Another catch lies in the fact that 2 kg of pulp of even a high-quality watermelon will make daily rate consumption of nitrates. Therefore, the maximum for nursing and pregnant women is 4 slices a day, divided into 2 meals, 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

V recent times cases of poisoning by watermelons have become more frequent. This is due to the eating of early fruits that are unnaturally ripe and overfed with nitrogen, which should not be offered to children. Only berries ripened by the end of August are suitable for babies from 2 years old. Before reaching this age, due to the diuretic effect and load 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 old - up to 150 g.

For very young children, watermelon is a heavy food, let them feast on, but little by little, 1-2 slices

Before buying, check the integrity of the peel, if there is a small dent with a puncture in the center, the watermelon is "pricked" with saltpeter.

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

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

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

Home watermelon cosmetology

The 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 work of the sebaceous glands;
whiten the skin;
heal damage;
smooth out fine wrinkles.

Regular rubbing of the face with a piece of watermelon will give the skin velvety and elasticity, smooth out fine wrinkles

All parts of the watermelon are involved in facial care. Check for allergies before use by performing a 10-minute elbow skin test. The strongest healing effect is produced by home 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. tablespoons of watermelon pulp.
In case of irritation and swelling: cut off the white part of the crusts and grind in a blender.
For dry and burnt skin: 1 tbsp. a spoonful of sour cream and olive oil mixed with the pulp of black bread and watermelon.
For skin whitening and rejuvenation: 1 tbsp. a spoonful of seeds is crushed and diluted with water to a thick gruel.
For wrinkles: moisten a gauze cloth with freshly squeezed juice and apply on face.

The most healing cosmetic product from 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 the care of the skin of the lips and around the eyes.

Acne is treated by oiling cleansed skin in the morning and evening for 3-6 months. When baldness is rubbed into the scalp every 3 days and at the same time taken orally 1-2 teaspoons per day for up to six months.

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

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

Stocking up for future use

Watermelon pickles are almost as healthy as fresh fruits and are well worth incorporating them into your diet. If an unripe watermelon is caught, do not be discouraged, but ferment or salt it. The firm flesh will retain its shape and crunch pleasantly. Too ripe fruits are not suitable for pickling.

Whoever tasted watermelon once learned what angels eat.

Mark Twain

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

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

Pickled watermelon is an excellent way out, if an unripe fruit was purchased, it will become much tastier after sourdough, gaining the aroma of spices

Divide the fruit into 4 parts, remove the seeds. Cut each quarter into 2 cm slices.
Cut the pepper and garlic into strips, chop the herbs.
In a container with a volume of 3 liters, lay the slices and pepper with spices up to the top in layers.
Pour cold boiled water over so as to cover the watermelon.
Drain this water and prepare brine at the rate of 1 tbsp. a spoonful of salt in 1 liter of water. If the watermelon is unsweetened, add 1 tbsp. a spoonful of sugar.
Pour the brine back. Put oppression on top, put 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 spicy, 1 tbsp is placed on the bottom of the jar. a spoonful of dry mustard.

Salty

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

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

Salted watermelon is an excellent snack and prevention at the same time. colds in winter

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

Contraindications and harm

Watermelon is a versatile dietary product. However, it is not advisable to eat it in 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, it is possible to eat watermelon in diabetes only in small doses. With the first type, no more than 200 g is eaten at a time, per day - 600 g. With the second type single dose- 100 g, daily - 200-300 g.

With pancreatitis, watermelon is prohibited, because the patient is not able to digest it due to insufficient production of enzymes by the inflamed pancreas. This will lead to bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, and worsening of the gland. Watermelon pickles should not be consumed by patients with renal ailments; 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 with a chair.

So that watermelons do not cause harm, they are bought in season - from the last decade of August to the end of September. At this time, it is already unprofitable for farmers to stuff melon with nitrates. At this time, melons are already too cheap compared to the price of fertilizers. But before use, it is still worth checking for the presence of nitrates: if you knead 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 is able to bear huge 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 still it is a berry. A berry that is able to qualitatively quench your 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 excellent for body cleansing. 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 treatment 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;
Bounces back blood pressure, improves blood circulation;
Promotes the healing of certain diseases;
Dulls 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 sweetness is also used in folk remedies treatment. And quite often. Watermelon has qualities that are able to fight the manifestations of a variety of diseases. This berry contains iron, fiber, carbohydrates, as well as vitamins C and the entire group B.

Not surprisingly, watermelon is an excellent thirst quencher, as 9/10 of its constituents are water. For the same reason, watermelon is an excellent diuretic medicine. It helps relieve swelling and treat very serious kidney problems.

The main diseases for which doctors advise to consume watermelon are:

Kidney and pancreatic stones;
Nephritis;
Cystitis.

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

Natural medicine

Iron and magnesium in the berry contribute to hematopoiesis. This is why this berry is beneficial for people who suffer from blood-related ailments.

Folic acid, which is also part of the composition, keeps activity under control of cardio-vascular system... is such that it perfectly controls the course of all processes in the body. It also participates quite well in maintaining joint health.

Watermelon must be introduced into the patient's diet during rehabilitation period after operations or severe illnesses. The pulp of watermelon will help solve liver problems, as well as quickly remove bile, alcohol and substances such as anesthesia from the body.

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

In the case of prolonged ingestion of watermelon pulp, there is a positive trend in the treatment of various gastritis and peptic ulcer diseases. Watermelon fiber is especially indicated for hypertension, pressure surges and diseases of the genitourinary apparatus.

Watermelon also contains carotene. This element helps people in case of strong 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 the elderly to 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 impact on the development of the unborn child in the pregnant uterus. They help a woman to 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 have a serious lack of iron and magnesium in the body. Impressive volumes of liquid, as well as many useful elements, increase both the quality and quantity breast milk, which will only benefit the baby.

What benefits, and what harm, the use of ripe watermelon can bring to a pregnant and lactating woman only the doctor will tell in all the details. 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 may want to skip the hamburger with beer, and eat more watermelon instead of barbecue. The fact is that watermelon can become a natural Viagra. Popular summer fruits are rich in an amino acid called citrulline, which relaxes and dilates blood vessels, much like Viagra.

Most of the citrulline was thought to be found in the rind of the watermelon. However, scientific research has found that in watermelon, the majority of citrulline is in the edible portion than previously thought. The amino acid citrulline in the stomach is converted to the amino acid arginine, a precursor of nitric oxide, which promotes vascular dilation (increase in volume).

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. To say unequivocally: watermelon - viagra is nothing more than a funny joke.

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

The main share of watermelon is water (calories per 100 grams - 27 kcal.), But the rest of the mass is saturated with lycopene and an antioxidant, which are good for the heart, prostate and skin.

Research has also shown that watermelon is great for treating muscle pain. The amino acid accelerates the elimination of excess lactic acid in the muscles. It's fair to say that watermelon makes it easier muscle pain after a strenuous exercise in the gym.

Why are the ingredients of watermelon useful?

Of course, the benefits of watermelon are simply enormous, but not everyone knows what healing power is contained in such components of this berry as the skin or the seeds of a watermelon. And they are also often used by the 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. A tincture of whole seeds is very effective in bringing down the heat.

A drink made from watermelon skins has an enhanced bile and diuretic effect. For a start, the skins must be dried, and then infused or brewed, like ordinary seagulls. The skins help relieve headaches - you just need to put it on your forehead, and very soon you can feel the pain and even migraines begin to subside. In addition, watermelon peel moisturizes the skin well, therefore they are often used in the preparation of nourishing and moisturizing masks.

The boiled watermelon juice will turn into honey. And if you sugar the skins, they will become sweet candied fruits. For kids - just a great sweetness.

For obese

Despite the fact that this berry is very large and very sweet, its calorie level 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 (280g)
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 2,000 calorie diet. The benefits of watermelon are also revealed in the fight against obesity of any severity. You can even say that this is one of the best natural remedies helping with natural weight loss. Regular consumption of watermelon cleanses the stomach and intestines, reduces appetite.

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

In particular, the benefits of watermelon will be appreciated by those people who often arrange fasting days for themselves.

Nitrates or harm that watermelon can cause

For all its special usefulness, watermelon can also cause harm. Basically, these are nitrates - substances that manufacturers stuff watermelons with so that they ripen faster and weigh more. If you eat such a syrupy watermelon, it's easy to 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, which would confirm the ecological purity of the berry. You won't be able to detect nitrates by sight or taste. This can only be done in a 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 bring harm to health only after human intervention. Learning to distinguish between watermelons is very important.

If the skin of the watermelon is too "glossy", there are yellow fibers inside, and the pulp is too scarlet, all this may indicate that the berry can be harmful - there may be nitrates. You will not wait for the benefits of such a watermelon, but you will get a lot of harm. Symptoms of nitrate poisoning can be anything. From simple weakness to fever.

With great care it is necessary to eat watermelons for people who suffer from problems with the gastrointestinal tract, and babies. A bad quality watermelon can cause tremendous harm to the body. They can simply be poisoned. The 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 its use. 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, a consultation with the attending doctor is required first.

Finally, about watermelon and watermelon peels

Watermelon is a sweet and delicious berry that everyone, without exception, adores. And not in vain, because there are many useful substances in it that have a mass healing properties... If you eat watermelon regularly or at least often enough, you can easily fix minor interferences in the body's work 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 heals burns and skin conditions, regulates pH levels in the body, and removes excess fat from blood vessels and much more!

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

Watermelon peel

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

The rind of the watermelon is also rich in citrulline and an amino acid that soothes the muscles after gym... In addition, the fiber in watermelon rinds helps in the fight against weight loss. Citruline soothes well nervous breakdowns and heals unreasonable anxiety.

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

Have no idea how to consume 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 rind with tuna or turkey breast. It's good to stew with potatoes, like zucchini.

Bottom Line: Watermelon - Solid Benefits

Packed with antioxidants and amino acids, watermelons optimize your body's performance. Antioxidants help prevent the formation of cancer cells... Amino acids are the main building blocks of protein, and protein, in turn, is used in almost all vital important functions organism.

To maximize the concentration of lycopene, it is necessary to wait until the watermelon is fully ripe. The larger the watermelon, the higher the density of the accumulation of lycopene. As the watermelon ripens, beta-carotene and a phenolic antioxidant accumulate.

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

All parts of the watermelon are good and contain a lot of nutrients. The white flesh closest to the skin contains more of the amino acid citrulline than red flesh. Citruline is a valuable amino acid that is converted to the amino acid arginine. Amino acids promote circulation, normalize cardiovascular health, and have an impact on erectile dysfunction.