Characteristics of watermelons
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a plant belonging to the pumpkin family. It is native to Africa and is now cultivated throughout the world. It is a creeping plant, its stems reach up to 5 meters in length. Large green leaves and single tubular flowers are yellow or yellow-green.
There are over 1,200 varieties of watermelons. The fruit is the edible and largest part of the plant and consists of dark green skin with lighter spots and pulp. The pulp can range in color from dark red, pink or orange to yellow. The pulp contains seeds, which also vary in color from white to dark brown.
The average weight of a regular watermelon found in grocery stores usually ranges from 5 to 10 kilograms. Thus, the average weight of a watermelon can vary greatly depending on the variety and growing conditions. The fruits, depending on the variety, can reach a length of up to 60 cm.
Nutritional value of watermelon
The edible pulp contains approximately 92% water and 6% sugar. The rest is other nutrients: protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals.
Structured water helps to maintain youth. It differs from ordinary water in that it has a different, more digestible structure – identical to the water in our body.
The pulp contains:
- potassium, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium;
- zinc and a small amount of sodium;
- vitamins A, E and B vitamins,
Watermelons are characterized by high levels of carotenoids, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and cryptoxanthin. The red color of the flesh and most of its health benefits are due to the high lycopene content.
Watermelon: properties
Watermelons contain a large amount of antioxidants, which help protect the body from cancer and slow down the aging process of the skin.
Due to the lycopene content, watermelons have anti-inflammatory properties. They are also characterized by antioxidant properties that affect various cells in the body. Lycopene protects cells from damage and neutralizes free radicals.
Has a positive effect on the heart
Watermelon is a rich source of many substances that control triglyceride levels in the blood and ensure proper blood pressure, thereby preventing heart disease.
Lycopene is also responsible for this property. Studies show that eating watermelon helps lower blood cholesterol levels, reduces the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and reduces arterial stiffness, especially in postmenopausal women. Watermelon also lowers blood pressure, especially in obese people.
Anticancer activity
Due to its properties to remove free radicals and protect the body’s cells, lycopene protects them from damage and the development of cancer processes. Studies indicate activity in the case of prostate and cervical cancer.
Maintains body hydration
Watermelon is about 93% water, so eating it hydrates the body. Due to this property, eating watermelon has a positive effect on kidney function. High levels of potassium and low levels of sodium also affect electrolyte balance. Watermelon eaten in hot weather helps prevent heat stroke, reduces thirst and relieves irritability.
Reduces muscle fatigue
Thanks to proper hydration and phytonutrient content, watermelon supports muscle regeneration after intense exercise. Cirtuline (an amino acid found in watermelon pulp) helps remove lactic acid that forms in muscles during exercise.
Protects against asthma
Studies show that lycopene found in watermelon reduces asthma symptoms in children and also supports the body’s response to cough infections.
Maintaining proper body weight
Watermelon also has a positive effect on the digestive system and improves metabolism. Due to its high fiber content, watermelon helps remove toxins from the digestive tract.
In addition, watermelon has a diuretic effect, so it is recommended for kidney diseases and urinary tract infections. By improving blood flow in the vessels, eating watermelon can support an erection.
Watermelon for improving complexion
Watermelon has beneficial effects on the skin: it has anti-wrinkle properties, helps in the treatment of skin inflammations and rashes. It contains nutrients necessary for the production of sebum, which is used to maintain proper skin hydration.
Watermelon is a product with a high content of antioxidants, including lycopene, which is responsible for its red color. The lycopene content provides effective protection against the harmful effects of sun rays, and also helps maintain the health and beauty of the skin.
Additional Information: High water content provides moisturizing properties that help deeply hydrate skin for a healthier, more youthful appearance.
Watermelon for the face, thanks to the content of vitamin C, supports the synthesis of collagen in the body, thereby increasing the elasticity of the skin. Helps to quickly restore skin damaged by burns, cuts or injuries. The content of vitamin C helps to maintain the correct functions of the mucous membranes.
Watermelon is ideal as an exfoliant and will therefore leave your skin looking more radiant and youthful.
Can you eat watermelon seeds?
Watermelon seeds are edible, contain fiber and vitamins, and are considered a superfood. Watermelon seeds produce oil and can also be used as a food supplement,
Please note! Watermelon seeds are recommended for people involved in sports. They support muscle regeneration, improving their oxygenation level. They also increase the production of growth hormone, which helps build muscle tissue.
Benefits of Watermelon Seeds
- antimicrobial;
- antioxidant;
- antidiabetic;
- lower blood pressure;
- anti-inflammatory agent;
- painkillers;
- nutritious.
Watermelon seed protein has a neutral taste and does not contain allergens, which makes it a biologically active additive in health products.
Watermelon: contraindications
It is important to know the harm and benefits of watermelon. Despite the low calorie content of watermelon, people with diabetes should avoid this snack. Watermelon pulp has a high glycemic index. After consuming even a small amount, blood glucose can quickly increase.
Watermelon has the property of accumulating nitrates in the fruit. There may be mild or severe rashes, swelling of the face, anaphylaxis, which is often accompanied by headaches, itching of the tongue, dizziness.
