The health benefits and benefits of melon

At the height of summer, the first long-awaited melons appear. Someone impatiently expects a watermelon to grow, and for others, a juicy, fragrant melon becomes the best treat. The earliest varieties ripen in early August, and then the extravaganza of taste continues until the first frost. Many varieties have been developed that differ in color, taste, and ripening time. But all species are united by a rich rich taste and beneficial effect on the body of children and adults.

Description

The botanical affiliation of melon causes heated debate in the scientific community. Strictly speaking, in general terms, it must be reckoned among berries, in appearance and size it is more reminiscent of a vegetable, and undoubtedly in terms of taste it belongs to fruits. While scientists break their spears in scientific disputes, summer residents and melon growers have long converged on the neutral name “melon culture”, joyfully reckoning there watermelon and pumpkin. They have a similar structure, requirements for temperature and soil composition.

The plant has long weaving stems, wide carved leaves, arranged alternately, large cups of flowers. The fruits are large, spherical or elongated, the color palette starts from green-yellow and comes to golden and almost white. The value ranges from 1.5 to 10 kg. On one plant, 5 to 12 fruits are formed. Ripening dates are different - from mid-July in early to late September in late varieties.

The main part grows in the countries of Asia, China and Iran, where a hot dry climate reigns. It is there that the most juicy varieties are sung. For central Russia, traditional hybrids have been acclimatized and new hybrids have been bred that have adapted to relatively cool summers with few hot days. The main place for growing melon was the Volga region. The name most likely came from the word "blow", which indicates the particular shape of the fetus. In Russia, melon was already well known in the 15th century, as documentary evidence remained in the form of diaries of researchers and travelers from different countries.

Melon cultivation is carried out on an industrial scale; each district has its own varieties that are best suited for the climatic characteristics of the region. Landing is often found in summer cottages. The following year, a wonderful crop of root crops, cucumbers, and tomatoes is obtained in these beds. The restriction to planting on household plots is the need to allocate a significant part of the land for melons. She does not accept crowding and close proximity of other cultures. For the successful formation of the ovary and ripening of fruits, it needs an abundance of sun, protection from the winds and space.

Composition and calorie content

In melons a lot of water. Melon replenishes an almost daily norm of moisture in the body, as well as a deficiency of micro and macro elements, vitamins.

Important: The healing properties of melon have long been known, which is ensured by its unique composition.

The fragrant pulp contains the following substances:

• sodium;
• potassium;
• magnesium;
• calcium;
• manganese;
• boron;
• iron;
• cobalt;
• vanadium;
• iodine;
• vitamins C, A, E, PP, B;
• amino acids;
• non-fatty acids omega-3 and 6;
• fruit sugar.

The percentage of certain substances is 2 times the daily requirement.Due to this feature, it is not recommended to eat too much melon flesh in 1 dose.

Interesting: fresh melon belongs to low-calorie foods and contains up to 38 kcal, in dried - calorie content increases tenfold.

Several slices diversify the diet menu without harming the figure.

Useful properties of melon

This gourd is respected for its selective effect on the body, depending on gender and age. For men and women, the reasons for including it in the diet are significantly different. For children and the elderly, there is a limit on the amount of product. The most outstanding property is the ability to completely quench thirst.

For men
Recently, many diseases have become much younger. Among them, the leading positions are occupied by diseases of the cardiovascular system, joints, circulatory disorders of the brain and lower extremities. They are supplemented by constant stressful situations, a craze for instant foods with lots of fats, preservatives, flavor enhancers. Such trends lead to early aging, inhibition of sexual desire, the appearance of chronic fatigue syndrome.

For many, the logical result is the loss of health, a prestigious position, and the deterioration of the psychological situation in the family. According to these data, it is just right to rename the strong half of humanity to the most vulnerable. But nature has prepared a kind of "lifebuoy" to maintain health and restore energy reserves of the body.

Melons, especially melons, are able to create a real miracle, awakening deep reserves and the will to new achievements. The most valuable properties for men are:

• support and strengthening of the heart muscle;
• reduced risk of stroke and heart attack;
• relieving chronic stress;
• reduction of painful overstrain of the muscles of the cervicothoracic region;
• intestinal stimulation;
• metabolic acceleration;
• fat breakdown and digestion;
• purification from toxins;
• improved sperm production;
• increased potency.

For modern men, it is important to maintain sexual function, which is adversely affected by a high rhythm of life, constant emotional stress, malnutrition, violation of sleep and rest. It is melon that can restore the mineral and vitamin balance, strengthen immunity, and increase emotional stability. High potassium levels are good for stable heart function. A slight diuretic effect helps to improve the condition of the kidneys. By the way, eating melon at night for this reason is not recommended. Instead of a good rest, you will get midnight walks to the toilet and back.

A range of B vitamins restores the nervous system, prevents the development of depression, and relieves increased aggressiveness and irritability. Substances like the hormone of happiness in melons and gourds increase mood, create a positive outlook on the world, and relieve stress.

For women
The health of the beautiful half of humanity is a fragile instrument, subject to outside influence and sensitively responding to the slightest deficiency of nutrients and vitamins. Moreover, to maintain a flowering appearance and good mood, it is preferable to natural products containing a complex of trace elements, vitamins, amino acids. Seasonal vegetables and fruits lead the list. They are used for food, cosmetic procedures, used as medicines.

Melon has long been considered a product useful for maintaining immunity, slowing down the aging process, and regenerating skin cells. A small portion of melon flesh supplies the body with half the norm of vitamin C, a large amount of retinol and iron in an easily digestible form. The content of magnesium, nicotinic acid, calcium, niacin is also important.

This type of dessert is recommended during weight loss programs because of the valuable composition of the product and its low calorie content.Moreover, the pulp contains carbohydrates, which, when split, provide the necessary energy and stabilize the emotional state. Melon season lasts almost 3 months. Therefore, if you wish, you can stock up on vitamin baggage, please your taste and increase your body's resistance to infections and harmful bacteria. Regular inclusion in the diet of several sweet slices will allow:

• normalize the digestive tract;
• calm down, tune in to a deep sleep in the evening;
• saturate with fast carbohydrates, removing hunger;
• reduce emotional stress;
• prevent the development of neurosis;
• remove excess fluid and remove swelling;
• prevent atherosclerosis;
• stimulate metabolic processes and accelerate bowel cleansing from toxins;
• improve complexion;
• strengthen hair and nails.

All this is achieved by natural food, without the use of pharmacy products.

It is worth remembering: a large amount of product can cause indigestion, nausea and an allergic rash, so you don’t need to abuse sweetness.

During pregnancy
During the first trimester, the basic systems of the future baby are laid. A large amount of minerals and vitamins is necessary, since the missing elements are taken from the mother's body. This violates the structure of the hair, tooth enamel, nails, bone density. To avoid losses, it is necessary to revise the diet in the direction of increasing the necessary substances. If you are lucky to get into the melon season, most of the problems will be solved.

Important: melon has a laxative effect, which is especially valuable during pregnancy.

For the expectant mother, the loss of silicon, magnesium, calcium, beta-carotene and vitamin A is palpable. Fragrant pulp is a real storehouse of these elements. Their ratio is optimal for maintaining a woman's health and harmonious development of the fetus.

Any product should be treated without fanaticism. Even if you really want to eat more than 150-200 g per day is not recommended. This amount is enough:

• to relieve swelling;
• replenishment of the deficiency of vitamins and minerals;
• stabilization of blood pressure;
• maintaining immunity;
• uplifting;
• eliminate insomnia;
• reducing the symptom of unmotivated anxiety, baseless fears, chronic fatigue;
• normalization of the digestive system;
• removal of toxins;
• improving metabolism;
• increase stress resistance;
• strengthening hair and nail plates.

Tastes of a pregnant woman are unpredictable, however, it is necessary to observe the measure in the consumption of any product and pre-calculate the compatibility of several types. For example, gourds can not be washed with water, this approach easily provokes heaviness in the stomach and indigestion. It is recommended to limit the amount of pulp in the presence of gastritis, diabetes, diarrhea, excess weight. You will have to completely abandon sweets with individual intolerance, gestational diabetes.

It is necessary to choose a fruit very carefully, at once refusing the damaged copies. You should not risk it and buy something from sellers who do not have the necessary certificates and the conclusion of the laboratory on the level of nitrate content. The safest purchases of melons and gourds are made at vegetable and agricultural fairs, in specialized stores, in pavilions owned by gourds.

Pregnant can not enjoy melon on an empty stomach. It can cause digestive upset, heartburn, heaviness. You should avoid evening and night hours for eating dessert, since the diuretic effect manifests itself quite quickly and simply will not allow you to get enough sleep.

Interesting: melon's peculiarity lies in the fact that it is not consistent with other products. She should feast on herself as an afternoon snack, not mixing with sour-milk species, fruits, pastries.

Video: how to eat during pregnancy

When breastfeeding
With mother’s milk, the baby receives an adapted version of any product, however, it is better to refrain from melon in the first months after the birth of the baby. It provokes flatulence, intestinal colic, allergic reactions in infants. It will be necessary to introduce it into the mother’s diet starting from 4–5 months and being content with a small slice per day, gradually increasing the amount. So the baby will get used to the melon, and the next season it will already eat it on its own.

For kids
No matter how tasty the gourds were, but for a child’s fragile intestines, they are heavy. Many nutritionists are inclined to believe that children under 2 years old do not need to give melon. Some are reinsured and postpone acquaintance with her for another year. Experiments at a young age are fraught with the appearance of diarrhea, bloating and sharp pain in the stomach.

The choice is in favor of a fully ripe fruit, without external damage. Particular attention is paid to the maturity of the culture. Before August, even early-ripening varieties do not ripen. On the shelves are fruits with a huge amount of fertilizers and growth stimulants, which is completely contraindicated in children's health. After 2-3 weeks of August, real juicy melons appear, ripened naturally. The best time for goodies is in the morning, closer to dinner. Do not eat fruits on an empty stomach, in combination with milk and protein foods.

When losing weight
The main requirement for successful weight control is to significantly reduce the amount of food and build a menu of low-calorie foods. A special place is occupied by fruits and vegetables. Some of them, such as bananas or nuts, are excluded or introduced into the diet in strictly limited quantities. Melon does not fall under these restrictions. The only condition is that it must be fresh. The pulp has only 30 kcal per 100 g, the value varies slightly depending on the variety.

A useful property of the product when losing weight is the diuretic effect, stimulating metabolism, blocking hunger. Dried slices will not work, in them the number of calories increases exactly 10 times.

The benefits and harms of dried melon

The season of natural generosity passes quickly, the warm season of Indian summer is replaced by chilly rains, and so I want to keep a little sunshine and sweets of late fruits. There are many recipes for winter preparations. The first lines of the list are dried vegetables, fruits, berries and melons. It will not be possible to dry the watermelon, but the melon pulp perfectly tolerates dehydration and is stored almost until the new crop. It will not work to remove moisture to the desired level naturally in the conditions of the Russian autumn. An oven or a fruit dryer comes to the rescue. Strictly speaking, there is not so much drying as drying of thin slices peeled.

Since the process proceeds at a relatively low temperature, the main list of nutrients is preserved. Sweet translucent pieces in the winter will save from vitamin deficiency, increase immunity, protect from infectious diseases. They are much more useful than sweets and serve as an excellent substitute for purchased sweets. A small amount of goodies strengthens hair, nails, gums, improves mood. From the gastrointestinal tract, there is an improvement in intestinal motility, elimination of constipation, effective cleansing of slag masses. The nervous system receives reinforcement in the form of B vitamins, which help stabilize emotional reactions, reduce anxiety and reduce irritability. A sweet treat stimulates the production of endorphin, which serves as a powerful preventive measure for depressive states and seasonal apathy. As part of the dried pulp, phytohormones that maintain hormonal balance are preserved, which is especially important for women in the menopause and on the threshold of PMS.

Carefully dose the delicacy due to its high calorie content. People with diabetes mellitus, increased body weight and individual intolerance will have to exclude the product from use.

What are the benefits of melon seeds

By themselves, melon seeds are not used for food. They bite hard, have no pronounced taste, but are valued as an antioxidant, a remedy for premature aging and sexual impotence. The product is especially appreciated for its high pectin content. Seeds are used as part of cosmetic masks for face and hair. They are part of many popular recipes, as they have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, improve memory, and activate attention. With a cold, seeds help to thin and remove sputum, enhance the effect of drugs.

Mixtures with melon seeds are used in complex therapy:

• with diabetes;
• cardiovascular disease;
• digestive upsets;
• violations of the hematopoiesis process;
• infectious diseases;
• disorders in the urinary system;
• renal failure;
• insomnia;
• chronic fatigue;
• stressful and depressive states.

Seeds are introduced into the diet with sexual impotence, painful menstruation, low hemoglobin, the risk of developing atherosclerosis and osteoporosis, expressed menopause. To improve their taste, they are mixed with honey.

Please note: the combination of seeds with strong alcohol causes food poisoning.

Video: what will happen if you eat melon seeds

The benefits of melon juice

Melon juice therapy is indicated for a wide range of diseases. As a restorative and vitamin remedy, it is recommended:

• in violation of the water-salt balance;
• vitamin deficiency;
• low hemoglobin;
• anemia
• renal failure;
• body slagging;
• obesity;
• low immunity;
• impaired vision, hearing and memory;
• chronic fatigue;
• nervous exhaustion;
• increased physical, emotional and mental stress;
• risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Freshly squeezed juice is especially useful. Folic acid in its composition is necessary during pregnancy, in childhood and old age. It is prepared from fully ripened fruits with a bright sweet aroma. Depending on the variety, it may have a shade of pear, honey or pineapple.

Do not succumb to the entreaties of sellers that a slightly unripe fruit will lie down and be tasty. The melons and gourds torn from the whip do not mature and will no longer acquire sweets and juiciness. For juice, the skin is not cut, they just thoroughly washed the surface, removing only the area near the petiole and cleaning the seeds. In the upper layer there are a lot of essential oils with valuable healing properties. The recommended dosage of the drink does not exceed 300 ml, divided into 3 doses. For medicinal purposes, the juice is drunk 30 minutes before a meal, without adding sugar, in very small sips, you can use a tube to protect tooth enamel from fruit acids.

Is it possible to eat melon for various diseases

The first step after diagnosing the disease is nutritional correction. So the severity of symptoms is significantly reduced. The list of products that should be limited or completely removed from the diet is often indicated.

With diabetes
With this disease, strict control over the quality of nutrition is required. Allowed almost all fruits and melons. Limitations apply to quantity and time of use. Allowed no more than 200 g of goodies per day, not on an empty stomach. It is best to include melons in the diet of the first half of the day, without combining them with other products.

Important: the glycemic index of melon is 65 units.

With pancreatitis
The pancreas has its own vagaries. She brutally avenges those who disregard her opinion for a long time laying in bed. Sometimes, with severe attacks, it comes to hospitalization, so patients are very careful in choosing their menu.

There is heated debate over melon. So far, there is an opinion that with pancreatitis it is allowed, but only in very modest quantities, no more than 150-200 g.

With gastritis
Much depends on the level of acidity of the stomach. In any case, during an exacerbation of the disease, a strict diet is recommended, where fruits and other greens are not included. They are difficult to digest, and the inflamed mucosa is not able to digest them qualitatively. It is worth leaving a treat for a period of remission. With low acidity, the fruits are strictly forbidden because they disrupt the digestion process.

For constipation
Those who suffer from sluggish intestinal motility, often face constipation, should pay close attention to melon. The abundance of fiber in combination with juiciness gently dissolves the stagnant mass, normalizes the digestive process. Fruit acids create a favorable environment for beneficial microflora, clear of fecal stones and toxins.

A large amount of pulp can provoke diarrhea, so its use should be approached wisely. 300-500 g is enough per day, sometimes it is advisable to divide the meal into several parts. Then you can exceed the recommended amount.

With gout
The disease of aristocrats has long stepped over the established framework. Moreover, if earlier she came to visit elderly people, and visited only men, now cases of the disease of women are registered. This insidious ailment can hide for a long time, waiting for a good moment, and then twist in an attack of acute pain. The reason is a violation of metabolic processes and accumulation of uric acid in the joints. To normalize metabolism, a strict diet is practiced with the rejection of salty, spicy, fried and smoked.

Melons and gourds quickly remove salts and water from the body, converting harmful compounds into neutral ones, remove toxins. For gouty pain, they are especially recommended at any age. It is not necessary to introduce a treat in the diet during the period of exacerbation, the rest of the time its use is only welcome.

Melon in cosmetology

The anti-inflammatory, tonic and nutritional properties of the pulp are used as the basis of various masks. Especially popular are home remedies for rejuvenation, wrinkle reduction, skin cleansing and nutrition.

Recipes

1. Anti-wrinkle to the main raw material add 2 tbsp. tablespoons of milk and 1 teaspoon of almond oil. Apply with a cotton swab, excluding the area around the eyes, rinse after 15 minutes.
2. A brightening effect can be achieved if several slices of the fruit are pre-boiled in a small amount of water, mashed in mashed potatoes and add 5-7 drops of lemon juice. Apply the mixture to pre-cleansed skin, withstand no more than 15 minutes.

Harm and contraindications

During an exacerbation of diseases of the digestive and excretory system, the use of all plant components in raw form is reduced to a minimum. Preference is given to neutral enveloping food. With gastritis, pancreatitis, gourds, ulcers are undesirable.

The maximum amount of goodies per day is 1.5 kg for a healthy adult. Excess threatens indigestion, nausea and bloating. Also, do not combine melon desserts with other types of fruits and berries, pastries, dairy and protein products.

Symptoms of Poisoning
Melons very quickly absorb any harmful substances. An excess of the norm of nitrates was recorded several tens of times in comparison with the allowed amount. Especially dangerous are the fruits that artificially bring to a state of ripeness in early summer. Also, do not eat a spoiled, soft fruit with a clear smell of mash or mold.

Signals to the occurrence of poisoning are nausea, vomiting, fever, shortness of breath, sharp pain in the hypochondrium and stomach. Requires washing, taking activated carbon.In severe cases, you will have to call an ambulance and hospitalize the victim.

How to choose and store melon

Melons have interesting properties. They are not able to reach after being ripped off, have a short shelf life. At the same time, they tolerate transportation well, but can not stand the blows, starting to deteriorate quickly.

In order for the purchase to live up to expectations, it is worthwhile to carefully examine the fruits and put aside those that have external damage. The ripe specimen has a stable pleasant aroma, even skin color, dry tail at the place of separation from the whip. When slapping on the side, a dull sound is heard.

Fruits bought in reserve are placed in a cool dark place with good ventilation.

Keep in mind: the shelf life does not exceed 2 weeks, then the fruits deteriorate, acquire a sour smell, the flesh becomes loose and tasteless.

If you are lucky enough to grow a generous harvest of melons, then the question arises of their long-term storage. The best way would be to prepare winter spins, drying in thin slices.

Is it possible to freeze
After freezing, the pulp loses some of its basic properties and quickly turns into a shapeless puree. It is used to add to cocktails, pastries, desserts. Varieties with dense pulp, such as Kolkhoznitsa, Kantalupa, Persian, are best suited to freezing. Unsweetened varieties and unripe fruits are bitter after defrosting.

Video: how to choose a ripe, sweet and nitrate-free melon

How much can you eat melons per day

The amount of goodies depends on age and general health. Up to 2 kg of goodies can be eaten in fractional portions without harm to health per day. For children over 3 years old, 200 g is enough, it is recommended that pregnant women eat no more than 500 g. With diabetes and digestive system diseases, the amount is halved, during exacerbations, consumption is completely prohibited.

Can I eat at night
This measure is recommended only for thrill-seekers. For a comfortable state of health, it is better to stop eating melons for 3-4 hours before bedtime. The diuretic effect is useful for the body, but it brings a lot of inconvenience during the night. Therefore, it is better to choose the first half of the day for a melon dessert.

What can be cooked from melon

Only at first glance does it seem that the fragrant flesh is eaten exclusively as a fresh dessert. It is used in many recipes, even soup and honey are cooked from it.

Candied fruit
Candied fruits are made from crusts with a small amount of pulp. It will take 1 kg of fruit, 1.2 kg of sugar and 400 ml of water. Pieces are immersed in boiling syrup, boil for 3 minutes and set aside for 12 hours. An additional 3-4 approaches will be required. Then the future candied fruits are laid in a colander and dried naturally or in the oven. So that they do not stick together, they are sprinkled with powdered sugar before storage.

Compote
Melon compote has a slightly unusual taste, so it is designed for lovers. It is prepared according to a generally accepted recipe. Sugar is added according to the sweetness of the variety.

Jam
Jam as such is not cooked. It is called melon honey, for this juice is boiled 8–9 times to a state of viscous syrup and rolled up in sterilized jars. Sometimes lemon, nuts, cinnamon are added to it.

Cocktails
Fruit smoothies are prepared on a different basis. Shredded melon slices go well with mint, lemon, grape, kiwi, coconut, apple, raspberry. The culinary fantasy is almost limitless, the main thing is not to mix the fruits with milk and strong alcohol.

Smoothie
Smoothies are valued for the maximum amount of nutrients, as they are not subjected to any kind of processing. Melon juice preserves all valuable substances, accelerates metabolism and dulls hunger, which is especially important in weight control programs. A variety of tastes depends only on personal preferences.

Wine
Wine from melon raw materials is prepared according to several recipes. Each region has its own subtleties of cooking.The basic recipe includes 11 kg of peeled fruits, 2 kg of sugar, 5-6 lemons and wine yeast. Step-by-step instructions are quite long, detailed. The taste of wine depends on their full compliance and other nuances.

Juice
Juice is made only from fully ripened fruits of sweet varieties. You can use a juicer. To preserve for a long time, pasteurization is carried out by slowly heating the liquid to 70–80 degrees and closing in sterilized jars.

Soup
Soup is prepared from unsweetened varieties. This dish is typical for Italian or French cuisine. The ham view is especially popular. To cook it, you will need smoked ham, cheese, tomatoes, olive oil, salt, spices, half a small melon. The ham is fried with slices of tomatoes, the pulp of the fruit is thoroughly crushed in a blender, brought to a boil. Then add the remaining ingredients, boil again, sprinkle the finished dish with chopped basil.

Is it possible to give melon to animals

In rural areas, all food waste is given to chickens, rabbits, cows, pigs. It melon peels should be given in minimal quantities. This culture is difficult to digest, in large doses causes bloating and indigestion.

Interesting facts about melon

The sweet fragrant fruits were so fond of the inhabitants of different countries that they took up the adaptation of varieties for most regions in which the culture did not initially grow. She has many secrets, many of which are very unexpected:

1. The ancient Arabs believed that she came to earth by mistake, and used to grow in paradise.
2. For medicinal purposes, all parts of the plant are used.
3. The largest fruit weighed 118 kg.
4. About 200 varieties are bred.
5. The first gourds were successfully grown in ancient Egypt.
6. The most expensive variety is bred in Japan, called Yubari King, the price for 1 piece reaches several thousand dollars.
7. The calorie content of the dried fruit increases 10 times.

Autumn is generous with gifts, and melon is considered one of the most delicious. It gives a celebration of taste, uplifting and enhancing health.

Video: why is melon gold for health?