August is the season for watermelons. Almost everyone loves this berry - it contains magnesium, folic acid, antioxidants, calcium, sodium and other useful micro and macro elements. Watermelon is good at quenching thirst and preventing dehydration. But with improper storage, growing conditions and marketing, the berry can turn into a bitter enemy, able to lay it on a hospital bed in one piece. When and how to eat watermelons correctly - they asked nutritionist Juliana Popeka (@dietologminsk).
Juliana Popeka
Nutritionist
“Watermelon is an excellent source of iron, fructose, fiber, micro and macro elements. But you need to eat this berry in season! Early watermelons are a common cause of severe poisoning. They are grown using pesticides and nitrates that accumulate in the pulp - no vegetable and fruit soap will help get rid of them. You cannot buy watermelons off the road - they accumulate lead and are also unsafe for your health. And, of course, don't forget about proper storage. A day in the sun, and the pulp can turn into "champagne", which the stomach will definitely not be happy about."
Fact number 1: nitrates contained in watermelons disrupt the transport function of blood
Alas, buying a watermelon in season does not guarantee that it is grown without the use of fertilizers. Some greedy suppliers manage to harvest several crops in a season. Moreover, the larger the fruit, the greater the benefit.
The nitrates used in berry growing are in themselves low-toxic. But reacting with glucose, they form harmful compounds that disrupt the transport function of blood. This, in turn, affects the level of hemoglobin, which falls, which means that metabolic processes in cells slow down. This condition is especially dangerous for children and people with cardiovascular disease and respiratory diseases.
The fact that the watermelon was grown with the use of nitrates is evidenced by the intense red color of the pulp with yellowish fibers. The latter should practically not be. Too shiny peel also indicates the use of fertilizers. It is easy to check a watermelon for nitrate content: chop the pulp and lower it into a glass. If the water becomes cloudy, it means that the berry is without chemistry, and if it turns slightly pink, they helped it to ripen and grow!
When choosing a watermelon, give preference to medium-sized fruits: 5-7 kg - no more. And, of course, buy berries only in shops and special markets - bypass street vendors.
Fact # 2: you can't eat watermelons uncontrollably
This rule applies to children and people with kidney disease, as well as for any disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. A child aged two to three years old needs 80 g of pulp per day, children from three to six years old up to 150 g! Again, babies can only be given seasonal watermelons, which must be thoroughly washed before using. There are special products for this - no powders, dishwashing liquid or laundry soap. The adult "dose" of the August delicacy is no more than 2.5 kg per day (see what to cook in the heat here).
Fact number 3: after watermelon, you need to reduce the daily water intake
When it is very hot outside, the body "throws" all its forces on thermoregulation - this can cause a violation of the removal of excess fluid and, as a result, edema. If you had watermelon on your daily menu, reduce your water intake to avoid overloading your kidneys.
Evening is not the time for a watermelon. You risk waking up a few pounds more (edema, they are)! Read how not to get better on vacation here.
Fact # 4: symptoms of watermelon poisoning can appear after a few days
Most often, symptoms of poisoning appear several hours after consumption. But it happens that a person begins to feel bad after a day or two. Symptoms of watermelon poisoning: increased body temperature, nausea, vomiting, indigestion. If they appear, you should immediately consult a doctor!
Fact # 5: watermelons can be eaten for diabetes
Watermelon is 92% water. The remaining 8% are vitamins, micro- and macronutrients, as well as easily digestible sugars. By the way, about the latter. By the time of ripening, we are talking mainly about fructose and glucose. Sucrose accumulates in the berry during storage.
Fructose does not cause a sharp jump in blood sugar - in small quantities, watermelon is not contraindicated in diabetes mellitus.
Fact # 6: Pay attention to the rind when choosing a watermelon
The rind should be slightly rough to the touch and the pattern should be clear. Each watermelon has small light areas (where it touches the ground). They should be yellow (but not brown or white). Moreover, the brighter the yellow color, the more ripe the fruit.
Rub the rind of the watermelon with your fingers. If at the same time you smell freshly cut grass, the fruit is immature. The top layer of the peel of ripe melons is easily scratched. If not, look for another watermelon. Tapping when picking a fruit won't hurt either. Ripe fruit emits a dull sound, green - sonorous.
