Watermelon – Solid Shield against Diseases
The more we study about watermelon, the more we come to know just how amazing this fruit really is. There is nothing more refreshing and thirst quenching like a juicy slice of watermelon fruit in summer. Watermelon is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family and related to the cantaloupe, squash and pumpkin that also grow on vines on the ground. The scientific name of this fruit is Citrultus Lanatus. It is found almost everywhere in the world and available throughout the year.
It can be found in round, oblong or spherical in shape and feature thick green rinds that are often spotted or striped. It has a smooth exterior rind and a juicy interior flesh. Though the deep red-pink color fresh is the most common one can also find watermelons with orange or yellow inner flesh. It can be found with seeds and also seedless.
Watermelon flesh is used in fruit salad, Jam, sorbet and juice to mention a few. Every part of the fruit is edible, even the seeds and the rind. Watermelon contains approximately 6% of sugar and 92 % water by weight making it an ideal fruit to consume during the hot summer. These fruit is said to have originated in Kalahari Desert of Africa. Since watermelon grows on vines it is considered by horticulturists as a vegetable. China is the world’s single largest watermelon producer. The leading commercial growers of watermelon include China, Russia, Turkey, Iran and the United States.
Watermelon is a good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin A. It is also a very good source of vitamin B6, vitamin B1, magnesium and potassium and at the same time low in calories. Even the inner rind of this fruit which is light green or white in color is loaded with many nutrients in it.
Unfortunately many of us throw this away when consuming the fruit mostly due to our lack of knowledge of its benefits or because of the unique flavor. However, with the awareness of its benefits they are now used as vegetables and used to prepare stews, fries, pickles etc. Apart from its normal usage as fruit and vegetable it is also widely used to make products like lipsticks, lip-gloss, essences, shower gels and body fragrances. It is also an excellent fruit to try your carving skills.
Health Benefits of Watermelon
- Necessary for Energy Production – Watermelon is rich in the B vitamins like Vitamin B1 and B6 necessary for energy production.
- Beneficial against Dehydration – Watermelon is a fruit that is rich in electrolytes sodium and potassium that we lose through our perspiration. It also reduces the risk of dehydration.
- Useful against Asthma – The antioxidants, such as Citrulline in watermelon can reduce toxins in the body. Some of these toxins are believed to trigger asthma attacks.
- Shield against Arthritis – Watermelon is rich in Vitamin C and Beta-Carotenes. Both have anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve the symptoms of arthritis.
- Beneficial for Kidneys and Bladder Problems: – Containing 92% water, this melon acts as a natural diuretic that cleanses your kidney and bladder.
- Controlling High Cholesterol – The cleansing properties of watermelon may also reduce the risk of clogged arteries. The fruit is also believed to increase HDL (good cholesterol levels).
- Helpful against Constipation – A glass of watermelon juice can naturally eliminate waste and promote proper digestion.
- Bloating – Again, the diuretic effect of watermelon can eliminate water retention. It is especially recommended for women who retain fluids during menstruation or pregnancy.
- Controlling Heart Disease – Watermelon contains Folic acid and Citrulline that works in tandem with other essential vitamins. Some research indicates that these vitamins may reduce the risk of a heart attack, stroke and colon cancer.
- Itchy Skin – As the water from the melon cleanses your system, it can flush out the toxic waste that cause some forms of itchiness.
- Prostate Cancer – The Lycopene in watermelon has been extensively reported to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. According to a research published by the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition eating lycopene-rich fruits like watermelon can reduce a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer.
- Reducing Skin Blemishes – Watermelon can also be used as a beauty aid to reduce skin blemishes. Simply rub your skin with a small piece of watermelon. Leave the juice on for 10 minutes before rinsing.
Square watermelon…..
Watermelon, raw (edible parts)
Nutritional Facts per 100 g (3.5 oz)
| Energy | 127 kJ (30 kcal) |
| Carbohydrates | 7.55 g |
| - Sugars | 6.2 g |
| - Dietary fiber | 0.4 g |
| Fat | 0.15 g |
| Protein | 0.61 g |
| Water | 91.45 g |
| Vitamin A equiv. | 28 μg (4%) |
| Thiamine (vit. B1) | 0.033 mg (3%) |
| Riboflavin (vit. B2) | 0.021 mg (2%) |
| Niacin (vit. B3) | 0.178 mg (1%) |
| Pantothenic acid (B5) | 0.221 mg (4%) |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.045 mg (3%) |
| Folate (vit. B9) | 3 μg (1%) |
| Vitamin C | 8.1 mg (10%) |
| Calcium | 7 mg (1%) |
| Iron | 0.24 mg (2%) |
| Magnesium | 10 mg (3%) |
| Phosphorus | 11 mg (2%) |
| Potassium | 112 mg (2%) |
| Zinc | 0.10 mg (1% |
Watermelon with vine…
Watermelon slice
Watermelon Plant
A heap of Watermelons….
Vitamin B6 is necessary for the health of the brain neurotransmitters. It also helps in the production of serotonin which is the feel good hormone. -
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