Watermelon without harm to health: how much can you eat per day

Many people are sure that watermelon is a product that can be consumed in unlimited quantities. However, this is not the case. This fruit has the property of accumulating nitrates, due to which its nutritional value is nullified and the risk of poisoning increases. To receive benefit from watermelons, you need to know where and how to buy them and in what quantities to eat. In this case, all trace elements and vitamins will be absorbed without harm to health.

Chemical composition, calorie content and microelements of watermelon

The presence of 18 amino acids in watermelon, almost all known vitamins, as well as important for the body minerals, make it an indispensable, easily digestible product.

Low calorie content - 30 kcal - is due to the following composition of BZHU per 100 g: proteins - 0.6 g, fats - 0.2 g, carbohydrates - 7.6 g. The main part is water - 91.5 g. Fiber is only 0.4 g.

Among the vitamins, the largest share is: C, beta-carotene, B5, A, B6. The constituent minerals are silicon, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc and phosphorus.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the amino acids of watermelon, which are found in food of animal origin. Their content per 100 g does not exceed 1.5%, but contributes to a qualitative change in metabolism at the cellular level.

For example, lysine is an essential acid that cannot be synthesized in the human body.Improves calcium absorption and improves vascular elasticity by reducing the level of triglycerides in the blood (fatty plaques).

Threonine is needed by the body for protein synthesis. With its help, the liver is cleansed of toxins, and the skin takes on a well-groomed appearance.

The amino acid isoleucine regulates cellular metabolic processes. Vital for people who eat a lot of fats and carbohydrates. Prevents the occurrence of diabetic ketoacidosis - a metabolic disorder due to a lack of insulin due to eating fatty foods or frequent diets.

Important. Arginine in watermelon makes it especially useful for baby food. During the period of growth, the child’s body cannot produce this amino acid on its own. Arginine enters the baby’s body first through breast milk and then through complementary foods, in particular watermelon juice.

Watermelon is considered not only a healthy treat, but also an excellent option for fasting days or mono-diets.

Positive properties for the human body

Eating watermelon has a pronounced therapeutic effect. The fruit has a diuretic and choleretic effect, strengthens the immune system, and helps fight the primary symptoms of a cold: fever, inflammation.

Medicinal properties:

• laxative effect - accelerates intestinal motility;
• normalization of high blood pressure due to blood flow: blood vessels dilate, cholesterol is removed;
• prevention of heart attacks and strokes: potassium and magnesium restore the elasticity of arteries and veins, preventing their wear;
• fight against urolithiasis: the alkaline composition of the berry destroys kidney stones and easily removes their breakdown products from the body;
• useful for nephritis and cystitis;
• liver cleansing: breaks down toxins, removes medication products, effective after anesthesia and long-term treatment;
• fight against inflammation during colds: antipyretic and general strengthening effect;
• improvement of tissue regeneration: promotes the synthesis of essential amino acids;
• strengthening the immune system: preventing iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency;
• benefits for diabetes: simple sugars, watermelon carbohydrates, are absorbed without the need for insulin;
• restoration of water-salt balance during hangover, swelling, acidification of the body;
• relieving headaches caused by constricted blood vessels.

The general effect of watermelon on the body is expressed by the composition of the berry. Vitamins A, C, E, K, together with iron, zinc and selenium, fight premature aging of cells, blood vessels and tissues, prevent various pathogenesis (the action of microbes) and normalize metabolic processes in cells.

Folic acid (vitamin B9) promotes blood renewal, prevents its oversaturation with harmful compounds, which is reflected in the renewal of all organs. The high content of magnesium, potassium and sodium has a positive effect not only on the heart muscle, but also on the state of the nervous system.

Moderate consumption of watermelon dishes helps increase stress resistance and strengthen bone tissue and teeth. Excretory processes and digestion are normalized, which leads to a cleansing effect for the whole body.

Calcium in watermelon it is in a state that is easy to digest. Therefore, the product is often recommended for people with hormonal imbalances, since a lack of calcium leads to dysfunction of the glands, the secrets of which are recognized by our brain.

Antioxidant lycopene, which gives watermelon a red tint, prevents the development of malignant tumors.Its content in watermelon is so small that it will not harm an allergy sufferer even with a 1 kg portion, except in special cases.

Beta-carotene and B vitamins restore immunity, vision and metabolic processes, stimulate the central nervous system. Niacin (vitamin PP) promotes greater breakdown of energy from fats and carbohydrates, so watermelons are also recommended for overweight athletes.

Important. Watermelon seeds are considered healthy contents berries. Their calorie content exceeds the calorie content of the pulp by more than 15 times. Particularly rich in minerals such as zinc, selenium, magnesium, potassium, iron. Recommended for men with prostate diseases and impaired sexual function. Watermelon seeds are also used to prevent helminthic formations.

Possible harm and contraindications

Watermelon does not contain the proportion of microelements that cause various side effects. The main stumbling block is the liquid content. For this reason, the fruit is recommended to be consumed in moderation in the first half of the day. This warning applies to people with kidney problems.

The main side effect on the body is either tissue swelling or dehydration. In different people, the excretory system functions individually, so both fluid stagnation and accelerated elimination are possible.

It is recommended to take melons with caution for various systemic diseases, especially those with a chronic course.

Contraindications for use:

• increased acidity;
• diseases of the digestive system, pancreas; ulcer, gastritis during exacerbation;
• diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
• urolithiasis, renal failure;
• diabetes, especially diabetes insipidus;
• loose stools, colic, spasms;
• allergy;
• swelling; dehydration;
• joint diseases, gout;
• prostatitis;
• late pregnancy and breastfeeding period.

The situation is aggravated by the presence of nitrates in fruits. Therefore, they try to eat only ripe watermelons, collected in the fall or grown with their own hands. A healthy fruit has a bright, rich color of pulp with a visible porous structure (the pulp is not candied), without yellow streaks on the rind and white streaks on the pulp, which indicates an excessive content of nitrogen components and nitrates.

Important. The main problem with watermelons is the content of nitrates, which have a particularly negative effect on children’s bodies. It is impossible to measure the exact content of the substance in the pulp, which casts doubt on the usefulness of such a product in baby food. Preference is given to whole, uncut watermelons (4-6 kg), having quality certificates with inspection results and purchased in organized places.

Usage rate without harm to health

Among nutritionists, there is a lot of controversy regarding the norms of watermelon consumption, which indicates individual susceptibility to the pulp of the fruit, which is learned by trial and error. Some doctors prescribe watermelon diets for 3-4 days with a consumption rate of up to 2-2.5 kg.

As for the average person, on average he eats 2-3 slices (400-600 g) at a time. A person with a fairly balanced diet is not able to eat a larger amount of nourishing pulp. However, even 1 kg of product will not have a significant effect on a healthy body.

Pregnant and nursing mothers are allowed 2-3 medium slices per day. Small children from 6 years old - 200-400 g.No more than 50 g of watermelon (1-2 g), 100 g (2-3 g), 150 g (3-4 g) are allowed as complementary foods.

Sick people are prescribed special diets: they should find out in advance from doctors what rate of watermelon consumption is allowed for them. Most often, this is 1-2 slices per day, which will not have a significant side effect.

People who are trying to lose extra pounds using watermelon pulp should use watermelon with caution. Watermelon diets are popular and recommended by many nutritionists, but require a competent approach.

On the one hand, if you eat 3-4 kg of watermelon per day, you can almost completely cover the deficiency of essential microelements and vitamins. On the other hand, excessive diuretic effect will lead to their washout. Therefore, diets are designed for a maximum of a week and only for people with a healthy genitourinary system. As restrictions, any foods high in carbohydrates and fats are prohibited.

Important. Use watermelon as an aperitif within 20-30 minutes. before the main meal, preferably lunch. Sliced ​​watermelon is also suitable for second breakfast and afternoon snack. For a serving per person, take 200-300 g of watermelon.

What happens if you overeat watermelon?

Despite the relative harmlessness of the fetus in dietary terms, it can cause unwanted symptoms and side effects.

Characteristic signs of overeating:

• bloating, colic and diarrhea;
• frequent urination;
• nausea, heaviness in the stomach;
• drowsiness, weakness;
• increased appetite, attacks of hunger;
• kidney failure (in the presence of serious diseases).

In case of poisoning with nitrates from pulp, the symptoms are headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness, sometimes vomiting, severe pain in the stomach and fever.In this case, be sure to rinse the stomach and call an ambulance.

In order to possibly prevent poisoning, the pulp from the core is eaten, since nitrates are collected in greater concentration near the stalk and under the peel (2-4 cm).

Conclusion

Watermelon is an excellent remedy for healing the body and maintaining immunity. However, consuming the product requires a reasonable approach. Its use for people with diseases of internal organs is limited, but not prohibited. But the consumption of the fruit by children should be limited due to the possible content of nitrates in unknown dosages. Therefore, even adults are recommended to adhere to certain standards.