Watermelon (or watermelon) is one of the most thirst-quenching, refreshing and water-rich fruits. It is one of the symbols of summer and the seasonal fruit par excellence. Let's find out the properties, benefits and calories of watermelon.
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousTHEwatermelon (or watermelon) is one of the most thirst-quenching, refreshing and water-rich fruits. It is one of the symbols of summer and the seasonal fruit par excellence. Let's find out the properties, benefits and calories of watermelon.
In addition to a delicious flavor, watermelon presents nutritional properties e beneficial interesting. Did you know, for example, that red-fleshed watermelons can outperform tomatoes in terms of lycopene?
Watermelon is not always in season, however, so it is good to take advantage of its presence in summer to be able to always taste it fresh and at the right point of ripeness.
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Properties and benefits of watermelon
Consuming a slice of watermelon in summer can give us a lot of relief and this fruit, not surprisingly, is typical of the hottest season when we need more water to hydrate our body.
Here are the benefits that can be found by consuming watermelon:
- Hydration: the normal composition of watermelon sees the presence of 92% of water and 8% sugars commonly found in fruit. Its consumption therefore contributes to our hydration during the hottest days.
- It stimulates diuresis, fights cellulite and is detoxifying: thanks to the richness of water, watermelon is a fruit that stimulates diuresis and promotes detoxification of the body. It also helps fight cellulite.
- Energy: watermelon is a energetic fruit and a simple serving can increase energy levels by 23%. This happens due to its vitamin B6 content, which the body uses to synthesize dopamine, which promotes well-being. Watermelon also contains magnesium, which is used by our body to supply cells with energy.
- Benefits for heart and cholesterol: some of the precious properties of watermelon have been confirmed recently by science, which has found its ability to be a natural help against heart disease and to reduce bad cholesterol levels. To be highly beneficial is the citrulline, a substance found in watermelon, which makes this fruit suitable for preventing hypertension and heart disease. According to some studies, a slice of watermelon a day would be enough to help our body reduce cholesterol levels in the blood.
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant: the presence of lycopene in this fruit provides it with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities.
- Maintain a healthy weight: consuming watermelon can help keep weight under control. Thanks to the large amount of water inside it not only quenches thirst but also calms the sense of hunger, making it an excellent mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack, even by the sea!
- Promote sleep: consuming watermelon can help improve sleep quality. Eating a couple of slices of this fruit after dinner can stimulate the production of serotonin in the body, due to its carbohydrate content. When serotonin levels rise in the evening, the brain is less sensitive to disturbing signals, such as noise, promoting peaceful sleep.
- Aphrodisiacs: the citrulin present in this fruit is an amino acid that is used by the body for the production of arginine. Arginine is considered a real natural viagra, able to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow to the genital organs.
In summer, eating watermelon every day protects the skin from the risks associated with excessive exposure to UV rays, according to the most recent scientific research (this does not mean, however, that we can avoid using sunscreen!).
Did you know that watermelon seeds can also be consumed and are rich in properties? These small seeds are rich in fiber, therefore they have a laxative action, but they are also a precious source of vitamins and mineral salts.
Calories of watermelon
Watermelon is one of the lightest and least caloric fruits we have available during the summer. This is thanks to its richness in water and the complete absence of fats.
The calories come from the natural sugar content of watermelon, but they are still very low. 100 grams of watermelon in fact they only contain 30 calories.
Even those who are attentive to the figure, therefore, can eat watermelon without problems and enjoy its benefits.
Watermelon, contraindications
Watermelon also has some contraindications or possible side effects. Some people have difficulty digesting it, especially if consumed after meals. This is due to the presence in it of a lot water that dilutes gastric juices and consequently hinders the work (it is the same reason why it is advisable to drink between meals).
It can cause problems even if you suffer from gastritis and colitis, in this case you need to evaluate your personal reaction to this fruit by consuming it in small doses. In case of gastritis it could in fact accentuate the pain while if you suffer from irritable bowel it could have a high laxative effect or cause abdominal swelling.
Some attention must be paid to people with diabetes as this fruit has a high glycemic index and pregnant women (if predisposed to gestational diabetes or if they are following a controlled diet). Consuming watermelon in these cases is not entirely discouraged but it is often suggested not to overdo it by eating perhaps only a slice, preferably accompanied by some other food rich in fiber.
Finally those who suffer from allergy all'aspirina must evaluate whether or not to consume watermelon by talking to your doctor (this fruit contains natural salicylates). Since watermelon activates histamine, it is better to avoid it if you have allergies to grasses or pollen because it could trigger cross reactions.
How to choose watermelon
How to recognize aripe watermelon and tasty? Here's what to look out for:
- The stem of the watermelon must not be dry. If from the point where the petiole one finds, or was, some juice comes out, it means that we are in the presence of a ripe and sugary fruit.
- "Sound of emptiness": it is a trick that consists in tapping lightly with a fist on the surface of the fruit
- yellow patches or streaks on the fruit indicate that the watermelon is well ripe
Read also: How to choose ripe watermelons and melons
How to store watermelon
How to best preserve watermelon? The fruit, if its size allows it, can be stored without problems for a few days in the refrigerator, when it has not yet been opened.
If the watermelon has already been sliced, that's fine avoid cling film. Instead, it is advisable to keep the watermelon already cut into cubes and peeled in a food container or in one colander placed on a bowl (in which the water that can drip from the fruit will collect) to be placed in the refrigerator.
However, the cut watermelon must be eaten as soon as possible.
Read also: How to best preserve fruit and vegetables in the summer
How to best enjoy watermelon
Watermelon can be eaten fresh, simply by cutting it into slices, but it can also be divided into cubes and used for the preparation of fruit salads.
There is a special tool that allows you to obtain balls from the pulp of the watermelon, which are very decorative for fruit bowls or ice creams. It can also be served, as you can see from the photo above, as an ice cream by inserting a popsicle stick inside. Perfect for making a good impression at a summer party.
- With watermelon you can also prepare smoothies, sorbets and a Sicilian specialty: the mellone frost.
- Then there is a real one watermelon carving art. If you are looking for original ways to serve this fruit you can read here.
- As for watermelon seeds, you can read 10 recipes and ideas for using them in cooking and creative recycling.
- If you don't want to throw anything away, there is even the option of using watermelon peel in some recipes.
On the watermelon you may also be interested in:
- Watermelon or watermelon? Differences and origins of the name. What is the correct term?
- Watermelon against cholesterol and heart disease
- Pickled watermelon peels: this is how the watermelon peel is "preserved"!
- Recycle watermelon: the ways of watermelon are endless
- Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? Is watermelon dangerous or is it good for them too?
