Watermelon is thought
to have originated in Afirica’s Kalahari desert. Believe it or not, the first recorded
watermelon harvest is believed to have occurred nearly 5000 years ago in Egypt
and is even depicted in Egyptian hieroglyphics on the walls of their ancient
buildings. This fruit, which is actually a vegetable, a relative of the
cucumber, was often placed in the burial tombs of kings to provide nourishments
in the afterlife.
Nutritionist have long appreciated the health benefits
watermelon provides and the American Heart Association recently recognized the
watermelon’s nutritional properties giving it the hear-healthy seal approval.
Now research has shed new lights on its potential health benefits.
Lycopene, an antioxidant that may help reduce the risks of
cancer and other diseases, is present in a high concentration in watermelon. A
study conducted by researchers at Harvard University found that men who ate lycopene- rich diets of tomatoes and
tomato products, had a much lower risk of developing certain cancers,
especially prostate cancer.
Watermelon contains about 15 to 20 milligrams of lycopene
per two-cup serving. Apart from lycopene watermelon is also a good source of
potassium, vitamin c and vitamin A.
The fruit also has a diuretic effect, which is probably
related to its citrulline and arginine content, which causes an increased
synthesis of urea in the liver.
In China, physicians recommend the fruit to build body
fluids, moisten the intestines and decrease thrist. It helps to detoxify the
body and remove excess heat. This in turn, reduces the incidence of canker
sores, kidney and urinary infections, kidney stones and dysentery.
Watermelon rind has a high silicon content and is used n
Chinese medicine to treat diabetes and hypertensions. The rind can be eaten in
small quantities or can be juiced and drunk which is probably easier. And
surprise! When the rind is rubbed on acne, it help decrease the blemishes with
its cooling nature.
But according to the Chinese medicine watermelon should be
avoided by those with weak, digestions , anemia, asthama or uncontrolled
urination.
Natropathic medicine uses watermelon seeds to relive urinary
pain and to facilitate the passage of urine. They have also been used to ease
backaches cause by kidney stones. They help to soothe the kidneys and the
bladder and reducing inflammation.
On hot summer days watermelon is a great choice to replenish
body fluids since it is 92 percent water.
Comments
Post a Comment