By: Kristina Đunđuš

Watermelon – ideal food for hot summer days

Prati nas i na društvenim mrežama!

With the arrival of summer, new seasonal fruits arrive. 

But, there is no better fruit for quenching thirst in hot summer days than watermelon. 

Although most of us call watermelon a fruit, it is actually a vegetable – like pumpkin and zucchini. 

Watermelons can be oblong or round in shape; they have a thick green rind that is covered with stripes or spots.

Watermelons can be found in supermarkets throughout the entire year, but it is best to eat them during hot summer months when they are richest in nutrients. 

Watermelon is an excellent source of vitamin C, A, potassium and magnesium, it contains a lot of water and has only 30 kcal per 100 grams.

Watermelon’s healing properties

Watermelon is not only tasty - it is a very healthy fruit, too.

It contains active substances that alleviate inflammations, and antioxidants that protect us against free radicals.

It is an excellent diuretic since it stimulates kidney functions. It enhances the production of urine which eliminates toxins form our body.

For individuals with weak libido, watermelon is a perfect fruit. It contains phytochemical called citrulline which relaxes blood vessels which in turn influences libido. I

In 120 g of watermelon there is 150 mg of citrulline. 

Furthermore, watermelon is a rich source of nutrients important for heart health such as vitamins A, C and B6. 

It contains calcium and magnesium, two minerals that are famous for regulating blood pressure. 

Watermelon is a great source of vitamin B1 which enhances our energy levels. 

Watermelon seeds are not harmful – quite the opposite.

They are a rich source of magnesium, phosphorus, calcium and other minerals.

In Asian medicine, watermelon seeds are used for kidney cleansing and in other medical purposes.

Using watermelon for body cleansing

If you wish to use watermelon for detoxing your body, perform one-day body cleanse with watermelon.

In the morning and evening drink a glass of a probiotic yoghurt, and for the rest of the day just eat watermelon. 

You can eat as much watermelon as you like, the amount depends on you only. If you want, you can eat as much as 5 kg of watermelon that day. 

Despite the fact that watermelon consists of 92% of water, you have to drink water during the cleanse. 

Start the next day with fruits and a few hours after you can eat cooked vegetables or light soup.

Cleansing body with watermelon is healthy as is not stressful for the organism. This cleansing can be performed two times a month during summer period.

Watermelon seed tea

Edgar Cayce especially recommends watermelon seed tea to people who suffer from kidney stones. This tea also stimulates kidneys. 

In order to make tea, you need one soup spoon of watermelon seed which you have to grind or chop into pieces. 

Pour half a litre of boiling water over the seeds and leave the mixture to cool. Strain the mixture and drink the tea immediately. If possible, always prepare fresh tea.

You can drink this tea several times a day, three times a week.

Watermelon for weight loss

As all fruits, watermelon promotes weight-loss and helps you maintain desired weight.

Watermelon has a small amount of calories, only 30 kcal per 100 grams. Because of its high water content it reduces appetite and has refreshing effects. 

 But, watermelon has a high glycemic index. If you suffer from diabetes, eat watermelon in combination with other fruits that have low glycemic index.

Interesting facts

• The Oklahoma State Senate proclaimed watermelon the official fruit of the state on April 17th 2007, with some doubts whether watermelon is actually a fruit
• Watermelon seeds are fried and used as snacks in China
• Each part of a watermelon is edible, even its peel
• Despite general belief, you do not have to keep watermelons in the fridge to preserve its aroma, taste and color
• But, if you have already sliced watermelon, the best is to put in the fridge and eat the rest as soon as possible

Nutritional value per 100 g of watermelon

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