Watermelon: how to take advantage of all the nutrients of the fruit

Watermelon is one of the most popular fruits during the summer and it is difficult to find someone who does not appreciate the sweet taste of this food.

The first records of the fruit are from the north of the African continent. There, watermelon is widely consumed today, mainly because it has a lot of water and helps to quench thirst.

Contents

What types of watermelon?

There are several types of watermelon, which are classified according to the size (large, medium and small), the shape (round, oval, square), the color of the flesh (light / dark red, white or yellow) and the thickness of the skin. In addition, there are still variations of fruits that are of hybrid species.

The most common types in Brazil are:

  • Yellow pulp: BRS Kuarah, BRS Soleil, Yellow Doll;
  • Round: Madera, Sugar Baby, Tiffany;
  • Stretched: Au-Sweet Scarlet, Congo, Fairfax;

How to enjoy watermelon in cooking?

Watermelon is a fruit without waste, since the peel, the fruit and even the seeds can be used in cooking. This is because these 3 parts can be consumed in different ways, in recipes, juices, hot and cold dishes.

Below we explain a little more about how to enjoy all parts of the watermelon:

Fruit

The red part of the watermelon is the one most associated with consumption. In general, this is the part considered edible. Its versatility is great and can be used in juices, along with alcoholic beverages, in pies, cakes, jellies, ice cream, salads, sauces and even in cold soups.

The pulp is the richest part of water, so it is the one that most guarantees hydration. In addition to water, also it has vitamins of the B complex , calcium, iron and phosphorus.

Bark

With the watermelon peel, you can make jellies, jams, teas and soups. This part can also be used in decorations for other dishes.

The peel of this fruit has vitamins (A, B6 and C) and mineral salts such as potassium, zinc and magnesium.

Seed

The watermelon seed has several uses. They can be used in the following ways:

  • Crush and consume together with the fruit juice;
  • Use in the decoration of sweet cakes;
  • Making teas;
  • Toasting and consuming as a snack;
  • Grind and add to other seeds in the production of pasta (such as breads).

The main properties of this part of watermelon are polyunsaturated acids (like omega 3 and 6).

What vitamins do you have in watermelon?

All parts of watermelon contain substances that contribute to the proper functioning of the body. In general, all fruit is rich in vitamins A, which helps in the health of the skin and eyes, of the B complex (B1, B2, B3, B6), which are good for the formation of structures and cells, and C which prevents illnesses.

In addition to vitamins, it also has minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and omegas 3 and 6.

What are the benefits of eating watermelon?

One of the main benefits of watermelon is the hydration promoted by this fruit, rich in water. In addition, all parts of it (even the bark) can be used to prevent or prevent intestinal, cardiovascular and infertility-related or sexual impotence diseases.

It is also good for the skin because it contains antioxidants that prevent premature aging and help protect against sunlight.

In addition, its consumption ensures more health for the eyes, hair and nails, which are stronger and brighter.

Watermelon can also help to fight kidney complications (such as insufficiency or the presence of stones in these organs).

What is the harm that watermelon does?

If consumed correctly, it is unlikely that watermelon will hurt you. However, because it is very liquid, excessive consumption can cause frequent urination (several trips to the bathroom to pee). But all the liquid needs to be eliminated for the urge to urinate to normalize.

Another complication that this fruit can bring is the increase in the blood sugar rate, which can be a problem for people with diabetes or severe obesity .

But remembering that this occurs in exaggerated consumption.

Is watermelon with milk bad?

In general, no. There is no harm or risk in taking, for example, a watermelon smoothie with milk. So much so that the two ingredients are used together in some recipes for juices, ice creams, mousses and puddings.

Watermelon and milk combined can be harmful in some conditions:

  • If they are consumed in excess (anything in excess can cause harm);
  • If they are consumed hot;
  • If the person has an intolerance to one of the 2 ingredients;
  • If they are damaged, expired or have been poorly stored.

In such cases, the person may have excess gas , stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

Fat?

No, moderate watermelon consumption does not make you fat. In fact, it is just the opposite. This food has “negative calories”, that is, its digestion burns more calories than its consumption. It still contains low calorie content. About 100 grams of the fruit have, on average, 30 calories and 0.25 g of fats.

Because it is rich in water, it also promotes a feeling of satiety, being able to fight hunger and the desire to eat compulsively.

How to consume watermelon in a healthy way?

The healthiest way to consume watermelon is fresh and chilled. Thus, no bad properties (fats or sugars) are added and no good quality of this food is lost.

If it is only 1 small slice, consumption can be daily. If the consumption is very intense, the ideal is that the time interval between one and the other is greater.

The consumption of the watermelon juice can be done together with the crushed seeds, also taking advantage of the benefits of this part of the fruit.

It is worth mentioning that to enhance the nutritional contents of watermelon it is possible to mix it with other foods, such as lemon, ginger and mint. In addition to adding flavor, other fruits enrich the vitamin content or optimize the thermogenic function.

Ideally, consumption should be combined with good nutrition. Thus, by adjusting the amounts of watermelon to the needs of the body (including calories here), you can eat healthily.

Who can’t eat?

Frequent and excessive consumption of watermelon is not recommended for people with diabetes, pre-diabetes or severe degrees of obesity. This is because this fruit has a lot of sugar (fructose). However, moderately, it is possible to include the fruit in the diet.

Another complication that watermelon can bring is allergies. In addition, anyone who is allergic to other foods with a composition similar to watermelon (cucumber, for example) is more likely to also present this condition after eating the fruit.

How to plant?

Watermelon grows at high temperatures, that is, the ideal is to plant it between spring and late summer (from September to February). The planting space varies between 1 and 3 meters², and the larger the space, the better the fruit. The soil must be soft, non-earthy and neither sandy.

In addition, the presence of earthworms and bees also contributes to the soil being fertilized and pollinated correctly, thus ensuring the proper development of the fruit.

A foot can be up to 3 meters deep, and can produce up to 30 kilos (on average 5 fruits).

The flowers of the watermelon last only one day, rising in the morning and withering at dusk.

Watermelon can be harvested between 80 and 110 days after planting. During the period when it is underground, it is necessary to pay attention to irrigation:

  • Until it germinates: the ideal is to wet your foot every day, with a little water;
  • Until it bears fruit: water the foot every 2 to 4 days, using plenty of water;
  • Until harvest: water 2 to 3 times a week, using little water, just so that the fruits do not wilt.

Watermelon is a popular fruit, which can be consumed by most people. If consumed correctly, it can be very healthy.

The Healthy Minute has a lot of other information about food . Check out our posts !!!

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