Watermelon: calories, benefits and harms, tips for choosing and interesting facts

The birthplace of the watermelon is South Africa, where the ancestor of the cultivated watermelon, the colocynth, still grows to this day. This is a wild watermelon, the stems and leaves of which look like a common variety, but its fruits are small and bitter in taste. Watermelons have been cultivated since ancient Egypt. Its fruits were especially appreciated by the African inhabitants, as it was a source of water necessary for survival. After the ancient Romans and Egyptians, the Chinese and Arabs became the next to get acquainted with this culture.

In the Middle Ages, it was brought to Europe, and then to Russia. Currently, China is the undisputed leader in the cultivation of watermelon. In Russia, industrial cultivation falls on the Volga region. Watermelon is a melon crop that loves a dry climate. Its early varieties ripen by early August, and late by September.

For a long time, there were discussions between botanists and naturalists about what kind of watermelon to refer to. According to a number of characteristics, it can be attributed to vegetables, berries, and fruits. In fact, it is one hundred percent none of the above. Nature endowed it with juicy and sweet pulp, like a fruit, watermelons grow like vegetables, and its fruit is similar in structure to a berry. In order to come to an unambiguous conclusion, let us turn to botany.

Watermelon belongs to the gourd family, as well as cucumber, squash, zucchini and pumpkin.We used to consider these plants as vegetables, but does this mean that watermelon is a vegetable? There is no such term as "vegetable" in botany. In the culinary concept, it is unsweetened solid food of plant origin, cultivated by man. But watermelon is famous for its sweet taste, which means that it does not fit the concept of vegetables.

Like fruits, watermelon has a juicy and sweet pulp. Like some fruits, it has a hard skin. But according to the general definition, a fruit is an edible fruit of a bush or tree. Watermelon stalks creep along the ground, which means that it cannot be classified as a fruit. In addition, it looks completely different from most fruits.

According to botanical morphology, the fruit of the watermelon is the gourd. In its structure, it is similar to a berry. However, a pumpkin differs from a berry in many characteristics:

• more seeds in the pulp;
• hard peel;
• the size;
• pulp structure.

Based on these differences, it cannot be said unequivocally that watermelon is a berry. But since pumpkin is considered a special kind of these fruits, watermelon is still a berry. Scientists call watermelon a pumpkin or "false" berry.

The calorie content of watermelon depends on its variety and sugar content. There are about 30 kilocalories per 100 grams. The nutritional value:

• fats - 0.5 grams;
• proteins - 1 gram;
• carbohydrates - 8 grams.

When counting calories, you need to understand that 100 grams of pumpkin berry is approximately a glass of pulp or one medium piece. The amount of proteins and fats in one hundred grams is 1% of the daily norm, and carbohydrates - 3%.

Watermelon has a very high carbohydrate content, a minimum of protein, and even less fat. The percentage of BJU looks like this: carbohydrates make up 80.5%, proteins - 11.9%, fats - 7.6%. This means that despite the low calorie content, watermelon contains a large amount of simple sugars.

Its glycemic index is very high - about 70 units at a rate of 40. And if we take into account the high rate of decomposition of carbohydrates, then we can add another 5 units to this indicator. But due to their high water content, moderate consumption of watermelon does not raise blood sugar levels.

The valuable properties of a berry are determined by its components. It contains important beneficial substances that have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the body:

• vitamins B1 and B2;
• vitamin C;
• vitamin PP;
• magnesium;
• potassium;
• calcium;
• folic acid;
• carotene;
• lycopene;
• citrulline.

Vitamins B1 and B2 take an active part in metabolic processes, perform a building function - they contribute to the growth and active development of cells, enhance the protective properties of the body. They also play an important role in the normal functioning of the nervous system and brain. The tone of the muscular system depends on a sufficient amount of these vitamins in food.

Vitamin C improves immunity, strengthens the protective functions of leukocytes, strengthens blood vessels and capillaries, takes part in the formation and development of blood cells. Vitamin PP or nicotinic acid stimulates the work of the stomach and intestines, has a positive effect on the state of the liver, and regulates the production of hormones.

Potassium and magnesium enhance each other's action.Magnesium regulates heart rate, lowers blood cholesterol. Potassium maintains the state of the cardiovascular system, has a building function. Together, they help the heart work and reduce the chance of heart disease.

Most calcium is found in bones, teeth and horn cells. It is involved in the active work of enzymes and hormones, helps the body to adapt more easily to the effects of allergens. Folic acid is an active participant in blood synthesis. Its effect is necessary for the release of serotonin in the body.

Carotene stimulates the protective functions of cells and the immune system as a whole. It cleanses the blood, prevents the growth of malignant neoplasms, prevents cell aging, improves skin elasticity.

Lycopene is the strongest natural antioxidant. It blocks the action of free radicals in the body, thereby preventing the development of cancer. And also lycopene enhances the production of collagen, preventing skin aging. Citrulline is a building protein for muscles. It activates proper blood flow in the muscles.

Having a huge amount of vitamins and nutrients in its composition, watermelon is an indispensable support for many unpleasant diseases. Its chemical composition has a multilateral effect on the human body. In combination with the colossal water content, pumpkin berry can be considered a unique product.

Introduction to the watermelon diet will benefit in violations of the heart and circulatory system. It thins the blood, thereby improving vascular activity. Due to its vasodilatory effect, watermelon is useful to include in the diet for the prevention of varicose veins.It is also useful in the prevention and treatment of ischemia of the heart and cerebral vessels. It normalizes blood pressure, which is especially important for people with increased body weight and hypertension.

Regular consumption of watermelon is good for eyesight. This prevents the mucous membrane of the eye from drying out. It relieves redness and dryness of the eyelids, prevents the development of cataracts and glaucoma. If you use it in complex therapy in the treatment of glaucoma, it will help speed up recovery.

The composition of watermelon has anti-inflammatory effect on the body. The components contained in it inhibit inflammatory processes. It improves the body's resistance to viruses and bacteria, and also acts as an antioxidant and is useful for people with arthritis and low immunity.

Along with the anti-inflammatory effect, watermelon also has antipyretic effect. But it is impossible to use it to lower the temperature in case of poisoning and intestinal infection. This pumpkin berry has an active choleretic effect, is useful for jaundice, cirrhosis and drug intoxication.

It's common knowledge diuretic effect of watermelon. It is good for the kidneys and bladder. Berry juice flushes out toxins from the kidneys and prevents the formation of urolithiasis. In addition, it does not linger in the body at all, which helps to get rid of edema. Watermelon juice reduces the concentration of urine, which is useful for cystitis and nephritis.

Watermelon is indispensable for dehydration. It restores the water balance in the body in the shortest possible time. In hot weather, it helps prevent heat stroke. Sufficient amount of water in the body is very important when tanning in the sun. Proper water regimen helps to smooth out the effects of ultraviolet rays on the skin.

Another benefit of watermelon is that it reduces insulin resistance. This is a dangerous condition in which the tissues of the body stop responding to the release of this substance. This leads to chronically elevated blood glucose levels and is called diabetes mellitus. It turns out that despite the large amount of carbohydrates in its composition, it is useful for this disease.

Watermelon contains substances that block the formation of free radicals. This is excellent cancer prevention. Its organic compounds have an antioxidant property that prevents the development of tumors. This effect is manifested due to the colossal content of lycopene.

Vitamins contained in watermelon are beneficial for skin and hair health. They enhance the formation of collagen and elastin, which prevents aging of the skin and joints, strengthens the structure of the hair, enhances their growth. Watermelon, even in small quantities, but consumed regularly, can eliminate dry skin, and with frequent use, hair will become stronger and fall out less.

Watermelon is indispensable for amateurs and professionals of sports. Its use helps to restore muscle tissue and relieve muscle pain after intense exercise. In addition, watermelon with intensive sports helps to gain muscle mass. It is especially recommended for bodybuilders and people whose work is associated with an intense power load.

The special fiber of watermelon helps to gently cleanse the intestines. Its delicate structure improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and is easily absorbed by the body. It is shown to use watermelon for constipation and weight loss.

Sometimes pumpkin berries with a high content of nitrates may appear on the market. The use of nitrate watermelons causes severe poisoning. Once in the large intestine, they are absorbed into the blood and form a harmful compound - methemoglobin. This leads to the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Dangerous carcinogens are formed in the body, the liver enlarges.

In combination with salty foods, watermelon can cause swelling. Excessive use sometimes causes symptoms of poisoning, but less pronounced than with nitrate poisoning. Patients with hypercalcemia can take it in food in small quantities, as it contains potassium, but it is better to abstain from this completely.

Some people may be allergic to watermelon. This is characterized by the following symptoms: itching and swelling of the throat and mouth, itching of the ears. The feeling of a lump in the throat, constant sneezing or coughing can also be among the symptoms of an allergy. In this case, you should consult a doctor. Allergies to watermelons often occur in people who are allergic to ragweed blooms.

Besides, watermelon is categorically contraindicated in renal failure. Its use with such a diagnosis will greatly increase the load on the kidneys, which are not able to remove the amount of fluid contained in the watermelon, which will contribute to its stagnation. This causes an increase in blood volume, which can provoke acute heart failure, leading to death.

You can not eat watermelon with diarrhea and colitis. This will only exacerbate the symptoms of these ailments. With urolithiasis in the later stages, watermelon is also contraindicated. This will lead to renal colic. Young children should try this berry no earlier than three years old and with great care. First you need to give the child a small piece and wait. If there is no reaction, then you can give more.

In order to enjoy the taste of watermelon without harm to health, you need to be able to choose it correctly. Sometimes they can be found on the shelves as early as May. Such fruits can be hazardous to health, because unscrupulous businessmen do not allow them to ripen naturally in pursuit of revenue. Pumpkin berries are grown in greenhouses or under a film, richly flavored with chemicals for early ripening. This leads to the fact that the pumpkin does not have time to be cleansed of growth stimulants and fertilizers, it is plucked as soon as it acquires a presentation.

In fairness, it should be noted that Iranian watermelons begin to ripen naturally in May. This is due to the hot climate, which allows them to grow almost all year round. Iran has a tropical and subtropical climate, which is characterized by high humidity. For good taste, watermelon needs an arid climate. Therefore, the May watermelon from Iran may be quite safe, but it will not be too sweet in taste and large in size.

The watermelon season in Turkey starts in June. Therefore, Turkish watermelons can often be found on the shelves. They, like Iranian ones, will not be very large and sugary. The real dry heat, necessary for the ripening of delicious sugar watermelon, does not begin here until June. By this time, early-ripening varieties are already leaving the country, which affects their taste.

Among the early June watermelons, Chinese ones are most common. In addition to being the largest supplier of pumpkin berries, China is our closest neighbor.But such watermelons are not very appreciated, because the climate of this country is unfavorable for melons. Early Chinese watermelons can have a sour and watery taste. When the season of Astrakhan and Kazakh melons comes, the demand for such fruits drops sharply.

Early maturing varieties from Uzbekistan hit the shelves at the end of July. Such watermelons are distinguished by excellent taste, early varieties can reach 10 kg. Unfortunately, Uzbek watermelons reach us infrequently. Most of the imports are Kazakhstani watermelons. They are almost as good as Uzbek ones, if you know the main selection criteria.

And, finally, the famous Astrakhan watermelon ripens in August. It is famous for its excellent taste. Astrakhan watermelon has a number of distinctive features:

• small size (average weight about 5 kg, but not more than 10 kg);
• round form;
• the color is light green with clear dark green stripes;
• bright pink flesh;
• very sweet and juicy;
• the structure of the pulp is airy, not smooth on the cut, with grains.

The main criteria that should be followed when choosing a watermelon.

• Dried tail. When the berry has received all the necessary substances, the stem begins to dry out. This will ensure that the watermelon is allowed to ripen and absorb everything you need. Not completely, but only partially dried tail is allowed.
• Pronounced yellow barrel. On this side, the watermelon lay, soaking up the sun, and gaining useful substances in a natural way. If such a barrel is more white than yellow, it means the watermelon is not ripe.
• If you knock on a ripe watermelon, the sound will be deaf. This is due to the fact that its juices are saturated with sugars. An unripe watermelon will have a more sonorous sound, its flesh is still too watery and has not had time to gain sugar content. But this criterion is difficult to evaluate for a non-professional. You can remember how obviously ripe watermelon sounds and compare it with this sound.
• The peel of a sweet watermelon is clear and contrasting, matte coating is not allowed. There are Kazakh varieties that have a light color without stripes. Such watermelons are also called white-skinned.
• The crust should be glossy and very firm. If the peel is easily pierced, this is a sign of insufficient ripeness.

• An unripe watermelon can be large in size and still have less weight.than a ripe smaller one. Therefore, more is not always tastier.
• The fruit that comes from the female flower is sweeter. Watermelons - "girls" can be identified by a more rounded shape with a flat bottom. There are more black seeds in their pulp. Watermelons - "boys" have a more elongated shape with elongated bottoms. Many white unripe seeds are found in their pulp and they are inferior to the “girls” in taste.
• Cobweb-like brown markings are normal. This means that the ovaries of the fruit were touched by the worker bee in the process of pollination and collection of nectar. This "bee cobweb" should not be alarming, on the contrary, it indicates a natural maturation environment.
• Do not buy watermelons on the highway. After harvesting, the fruit is able to absorb harmful substances from the environment.
• Do not buy a cut watermelon! Watermelon juice is very sugary and prone to fermentation, especially in hot weather. In addition, there is no guarantee that it was cut with a clean knife under normal sanitary conditions.The watermelon itself can be both ripe and sweet, but what's the use of it when pathogens start in it.

If you follow these ten simple rules when choosing a watermelon, you can not only enjoy its taste, but also benefit from it. However, watermelon, supersaturated with nitrates, has no distinctive external features. It can be calculated using a special device. If there is no such device, then to make sure, you can test the watermelon pulp at home.

To conduct a home nitrate test, you need to put a piece of watermelon pulp in a container of water. If the water has acquired a pinkish color - such a product is dangerous, if it remains transparent and clean - the watermelon is suitable for human consumption.

Most people are accustomed to eating fresh watermelon. But besides this, there are many ways to use it. They are widely used:

• in cooking;
• in folk medicine;
• in cosmetology.

In cooking, watermelon is valued for its taste and dietary qualities. Below are a few simple watermelon recipes.

Everyone's favorite delicacy can be prepared with a minimum calorie content and without sacrificing taste. To do this, you need to take a small watermelon and cut off the upper and lower parts so that you get a cylinder. Peel the rest of the crusts and put on a large dish. You can use a knife to give the future cake any unusual shape by cutting it around the edges.

Then it all depends on your taste preferences and imagination. You can decorate it with protein cream or whipped cream, sprinkle with coconut.You can put any berries or fruits on top, for example, strawberries, kiwi, banana, but it is better that they are soft - it will be more convenient to eat the cake. As a topping, you can use chocolate chips, crushed nuts, candied fruit, marmalade.

To prepare the drink, it is necessary to clean the pieces of watermelon pulp from the seeds and grind them in a blender along with mint leaves. Strain watermelon juice from the resulting mixture through a sieve. Dilute with the juice of one lemon or lime, a glass of water, put sugar or honey to taste. Drink the resulting drink chilled.

Cut the white part of the watermelon rind into small cubes. Simmer in boiling water for two minutes, then drain in a colander. After that, you need to prepare a syrup - mix half a liter of water with 500 g of sugar per 1 kg of pulp. Bring the resulting syrup to a boil and cook the crusts in it for five minutes.

After cooking, remove from heat and let stand for eight hours. This procedure must be carried out at least six times. For the seventh time, add grated lemon and orange zest to the prepared mixture. Drain the candied fruits in a colander and dry on parchment at room temperature until they harden. After complete drying, roll in powdered sugar and store in any closed container.

For this recipe, not too overripe watermelons with elastic pulp are suitable. Peel the fruits from the peel and seeds, cut into slices and place tightly in jars. Add black and allspice peas, cloves, bay leaf.Prepare a brine using 20 grams of sugar and 40 grams of salt per one and a half liters of water, pour boiling brine into jars, sterilize in a water bath for ten minutes, roll up after the jars.

Cut the watermelon into two parts and remove the pulp. Immerse the peeled pulp in a blender, then strain the juice. In it, stir diluted gelatin and a little sugar to taste. Pour the resulting mixture into a half of a watermelon without pulp and put in the refrigerator until completely solidified, serve the jelly, cut into pieces, along with the crust.

Watermelon diet in the absence of contraindications can be an effective way to deal with extra pounds. There are many varieties of watermelon diets - a mono-diet, the diet of which consists only of watermelon, and combined diets, in which watermelon is combined with different foods. An important advantage of such diets is that there is no painful feeling of hunger and the body is not deprived of important trace elements and vitamins. Despite the benefits of such diets, they should not be followed for more than five days. On average, it brings a result of minus 1 kg per day.

The essence of the watermelon mono-diet is that you need to eat at least 1.2 kg of watermelon per day for every 10 kg of your own weight. It is better to choose such a watermelon so that it is enough for exactly one day, and the next day it is already consumed fresh.

A three-day combo diet option might look like this:

• for breakfast, 200 grams of low-fat or low-fat cottage cheese and three medium slices of watermelon;
• second breakfast - two medium watermelon slices;
• at lunch, you can eat a medium portion of rice porridge on the water and eat watermelon until you feel full;
• an afternoon snack should consist of a portion of cottage cheese 50 grams and two watermelon slices;
• dinner is the same as lunch.

Another option for a mixed diet is watermelon-apple. Such a diet involves eating 1 kg of apples and 2 kg of watermelon per day. It is recommended to distribute the amount of food for 5-6 receptions. If you experience excessive fermentation in the stomach with such a diet, then apples can be eaten baked. This diet is designed for five days.

Watermelon is widely used in folk medicine. For anemia, dried watermelon peels are crushed in a blender. One teaspoon of the resulting powder is poured into a glass of boiling water. Infusion take one glass 2-3 times a day. In combination with traditional treatment, this method will speed up recovery.

For the treatment of purulent wounds, crushed pulp of watermelon is used. It is applied to the wound, wrapped with a bandage on top. The pulp compress is changed as it dries several times a day. This will speed up the recovery processes, activate the protective properties of cells. Watermelon juice will come in very handy to quench thirst in a feverish state.

For cosmetology, watermelon pulp is a real find. All kinds of masks, compresses, tonics are made from it, and an excellent scrub is obtained from the seeds. To get a rejuvenating and cleansing mask, you need to mix:

• 50 grams of watermelon juice;
• 10 grams of cream;
• egg yolk;
• 1 tablespoon barley flour;
• 10 grams of vegetable oil.

The use of this mask twice a week will maintain the water balance of the skin and saturate it with vitamins. To be able to prepare such a mask at any time of the year, you can freeze watermelon juice in small portions.

Women with dry skin can prepare a moisturizing watermelon tonic. To do this, mix in equal proportions strained watermelon juice, milk and mineral water without gas. Tonic wipe the face two or three times a day. The skin becomes more hydrated and less sensitive. This mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than five days, so do not immediately make a large amount.

The word "watermelon" is borrowed from the Tatar language and means "donkey cucumber". However, the origins of the origin of this word originate in the Iranian language, where the literal translation sounds like "donkey-cucumber". The thing is that among the Iranians the word "donkey", joining other words, gives them a magnifying form. For example, "donkey-stone" means "a huge stone", "donkey-mouse" means "rat". Thus, "donkey-cucumber" means "huge cucumber".

Varieties of watermelons surprise with their diversity. They differ in color of the peel and pulp, shapes and sizes. Botanists have counted more than a thousand varieties of watermelon. The most amazing of them will be described below.

• No seeds. In fact, such a watermelon has seed coats in the pulp, but they do not have a hard peel and are completely edible. The "seeds" of such a watermelon are thin, small and white, they are not felt at all when eaten. They are incapable of development and will not be able to sprout if they are planted in the ground. This variety is the result of the work of breeders.

• Yellow. This watermelon looks no different from traditional varieties, but its flesh is completely yellow when cut. Yellow watermelons are also seedless. Its pulp is distinguished by its special sugar content and airiness. The most popular varieties of this variety are Lunar, Golden Grace, Prince Hamlet.

• "Densuke" - black watermelon, a miracle of Japanese breeders. The Japanese fruit is considered the most expensive pumpkin berry in the world, its weight can reach 11 kg. It differs in absolutely black glossy skin color without stripes. But its main value is the surprisingly sweet red pulp, for which this variety was recognized as elite. On any table, it is considered a luxury. The only place where this variety is grown is the island of Hokkaido in Japan.

• white watermelon - the merit of American breeders. Outwardly, quite unlike a watermelon, the fruit has a completely white peel and never reaches too large sizes. Inside, it has the usual bright pink flesh with excellent taste. And there are also varieties with the usual color of green striped skin, but white flesh inside. At first, this color can scare away, because the white pulp in the usual varieties is a sign of immaturity, but in the White Miracle variety it is just as sweet and juicy.

• dwarf watermelon Originally from Holland, it later became widespread in South America and Asia. Outwardly, it is very similar to ordinary watermelons - it has a round or oval shape, green stripes. But the size of such watermelons is so small that the whole fruit can easily fit on a tablespoon, has a length of no more than 5 cm. Its taste is unsweetened, it looks more like a cucumber and is used to make salads.

Watermelons come in a wide variety of shapes – round, square, pyramidal, and even heart-shaped. But these are not at all some unusual varieties, but the idea of ​​​​Japanese farmers. In order to give them the desired shape, the fruits at the stage of formation are placed in special boxes of certain shapes. In the process of growth and development, the berry takes the shape of the box in which it was placed.

Watermelon is ideal for carving. This is the art of artistic carving on vegetables and fruits. It originated in ancient China, but is now common in many countries. Whole creations are obtained from watermelons - carved flowers, human faces and silhouettes, birds and animals. The results of such creativity used to decorate tables at imperial feasts, now this decoration is common in hotels and restaurants.

See the next video for more on the properties of watermelon.