It would be a pity not to eat melons during this period. Yellow or red, they are delicious, refreshing, hydrating and perfect for detox. No matter the color, the melon remains the star fruit of summer, juicy and refreshing and hard to resist!
Don't know what to choose, which is more useful? It is hard to say. In addition to taste preferences, melons are chosen according to needs.
Let's start with the general benefits!
Melon and watermelon are about 90% water (watermelon has slightly more water than melon). And this means that these wonderful juicy fruits, when used wisely, will not add extra pounds to you. For the same reason (the predominance of water), watermelon and melon can be considered an effective diuretic of natural origin.
Both cultures activate small intestinal motility, thereby accelerating the excretion of cholesterol and harmful toxins.
Due to the content of B vitamins and folic acid, watermelon and melon have a beneficial effect on the nervous system and hematopoietic function.
Watermelon and melon contain trace elements such as potassium, magnesium, iron, manganese, folic acid, and the melon also contains a large amount of silicon, which is necessary for the functioning of the immune system.
Let's move on to the special properties of watermelons and melons!
If we were to compare colors, we would have advantages on each side:
- watermelon contains lycopene, a pigment with the effect of protecting the skin from ultraviolet rays. Also, the antioxidant lycopene reduces the risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis, as well as reduces anxiety and depression.
- melon contains beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A with the effect of protecting the skin from aging.
If you take into account the calorie content, then watermelon wins here. Indeed, for 100 g of watermelon there are only 25 kcal, and melons – 35 kcal.
- The melon contains more vitamin C. To fill the body's daily need for ascorbic acid, it is enough to eat only 200 g of this fragrant fruit. Vitamin C is important not only for immunity: it helps iron to be absorbed and has a beneficial effect on the skin.
Also, the melon stimulates the neurons of the brain, forcing them to work at full strength. This improves memory, perception, and hearing. These fruits normalize the nervous system, strengthen the vascular walls, and improve blood circulation.
The complex of vitamins contained in the melon improves the structure of the skin, hair and nails, and also has a powerful antioxidant effect, preventing the appearance of wrinkles.
- Research over time shows that watermelon helps prevent cancer such as breast, cervical, prostate, or even lung cancer.
Watermelon juice is an ideal remedy for athletes. Those who drink a cup of juice before a workout no longer experience the same muscle pain as those who don't drink. This is due to the content of citrulline, which relaxes and dilates blood vessels, reducing any inflammation.
In addition, there are a lot of pectins in watermelon, which are necessary for the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Also, watermelon improves mood, because its pulp contains substances that help the production of serotonin – the “happiness hormone”.
So that gastronomic pleasure does not turn into harm, it is important not to forget about reasonable consumption. Low calorie content is no reason to eat half a watermelon or a small whole melon in one sitting. Remember that there is a lot of sugar in the pulp, and its consumption in significant quantities is undesirable.
In addition, a useful diuretic effect in some situations can become a problem, because it is not always possible to immediately visit the toilet. So enjoy dessert at the right time and in the right place. And for people with kidney disease, alas, it is better to refrain from such treats altogether.
Which fruit is healthier? Nutritionists cannot give an answer to this question, because both watermelons and melons have many useful trace elements and vitamins.