TOnguria and melon: there is no doubt that these are the summer fruits par excellence. Not surprisingly, these are foods that, especially when it is very hot, can represent a valid health aid.
Compounds almost entirely from water and rich in vitamins and mineralswatermelon, also called watermelon, and melon present indisputable beneficial properties which must not, however, lead to underestimate the contraindications: even if they are now known as real super foods, in fact, both melon and watermelon they can hide some small pitfalls.
To clarify, with the help of the Dr. Maria Bravo, nutritionist of Humanitas San Pio Xwe tried to investigate what the real health benefits these two summer fruits, but also the possible ones contraindications ei false myths that can deceive us.
Watermelon and melon: fresh and healthy
Both watermelon and melon come from a plant belonging to the family of Cucurbitaceaethe same species of squash, zucchini and cucumbers.
The main characteristic of these summer fruits is that they are composed almost entirely of waterin a percentage of 95%, in the case of watermelon, he was born in 90% for the melon. Not only that, their moisturizing virtues are also enhanced by presence of mineral salts how potassium, phosphorus and magnesium which make watermelon and melon two great foods in very hot weather. An adequate consumption of these fruits in fact allows replenish the mineral salts dispersed with sweating, thus counteracting the feeling of exhaustion in the hottest days.
But that’s not all: melon and watermelon also associate the virtues of these nutritional properties vitaminsas the C vitaminpresent in greater quantities in melon, and the beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, useful for preparing the skin for tanning. In short, another reason why watermelon and melon should not be missing on our table in summer.
Watermelon and melon: because they are good for you
In addition to their remineralizing power, watermelon and melon are well-being friendly foods also because, being rich in water, they favor the elimination of excess fluids: for this reason they are also recommended to counteract the much-hated cellulite and to purify the body of waste.
The calories? Very few and this explains why it is possible to bring watermelon and melon to the table even when you are on a diet: in fact, we are talking about 16 kcal per 100 g of watermelon and of 33 kcal per 100 g of melon. Not to mention that both of these fruits are tactical foods because they provide a high sense of satiety, a particularly important factor when following low-calorie diets.
Watermelon: the power of lycopene …
Watermelon also contains lycopene, a natural substance also present in tomatoes and responsible for the red color of the pulp. Its benefits? Lycopene has excellent virtues antioxidants and anti-inflammatory. It is no coincidence that watermelon can also be considered a beauty elixir for the skin, since, in addition to increasing the tan, it also helps to counteract free radicals and the first signs of aging.
.. and citrulline
But the benefits of watermelon are not just these. In fact, the watermelon also contains the citrulline, a non-essential amino acid useful for circulation. The super power of him seems to be that of prevent hypertension and protect the cardiovascular system. Not only that, citrulline is also recognized as important virtues for athletes as it helps to reduce muscle fatigue and enhance aerobic performance.
Watermelon: is it really aphrodisiac?
The citrulline contained in the watermelon would have helped to generate the belief that watermelon is a fruit aphrodisiac. The reason? As this substance increases vasodilation it would also be able to promote an erection and counteract erectile dysfunction.
But beware: one aspect to consider is that this super substance is present mainly in the white part of the watermelonthat is the one that separates the pulp from the rind and that is often discarded.
Melon: the virtues of adenosine
The melon, for its part, is a powerful ally for health as it contains folateor the precursors of folic acid, a fundamental vitamin for our well-being, and above all adenosinewhich is a compound that helps prevent heart attacks and strokes thanks to its blood thinning action.
In addition to the virtues it shares with watermelon, melon, thanks to the contribution of Vitamin Ahelps protect eye healthlimiting the risk of macular degeneration, and also to strengthen the immune system because it is an excellent source of Vitamin C.
Beware of false myths
If the beneficial properties of watermelon and melon are therefore many, be careful not to fall into some pitfalls and false myths.
First of all, never exceed: although they are low-calorie fruits, in fact, it is good not to forget that both watermelon and melon are a lot sugars and consumption must be kept under control.
Watermelon and melon: how to regulate with quantities?
Not to overdo the consumption, as far as the watermelon are recommended two servings a dayfor a total of 300 grams at most. A fanciful and intelligent idea for not exceeding the indicated doses is that of blend the watermelon pulp and put it in the ice lolly molds. In this way the quantity is greatly reduced but it will seem to eat a lot more.
For what concern melonyou should stick to the dose of two slices a day for a total of about 150-200 grams, paying attention also to the combinations.
Ham and melon? Better to avoid
For example, it is good to keep in mind that the classic summer dish is composed from raw ham and melon, which is generally considered a healthy meal, should in some cases be avoided. The reason? Not so much for its caloric intake, however very low, but because such a combination it does not allow to fully exploit the draining benefits of melon. While the fruit helps eliminate excess liquids, raw ham on the contrary, being very salty, promotes water retention.
Watermelon and melon: contraindications
Another common mistake when it comes to watermelon and cantaloupe is to consume them as a fruit at the end of a meal.
It is actually good to keep in mind that the water contained in the watermelon as well as in the cantaloupe can dilute gastric juices and thus reduce the digestive action. For this reason it is advisable to eat both fruits between meals. For the same reason, the consumption of these fruits should be limited in case of gastritis.
Irritable colon? This too could be one of the factors to consider before making a feast of watermelon or melon: the fibers contained in fact they tend to ferment a lot and therefore can worsen the disorder.
Watermelon and melon: what to do in case of diabetes?
Diabetes patients should also limit their consumption of watermelon and cantaloupe, given the high glycemic index of these fruits. The advice is always to contact your doctor to establish the recommended doses. In case of diabetes it is also recommended to combine the portion of fruit with one handful of dried fruit, in such a way as to affect the glycemic load less.
Even if you are following one diuretic therapyfinally, the consumption of melon should be evaluated with the doctor’s opinion as this fruit could interfere with the action of medicines.
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