Watermelon hit its prime season from August till September, so
right now is the perfect time to get them!
However, before you do you should know that among of all the
advantages they can actually do some harm.
As for the advantages, watermelons, just like lots of other
berries, are very rich in antioxidants like ascorbic acid,
carotene, niacin, riboflavin and thiamine.
It is not a secret that all those substances prolong life,
have anticancer properties and have carotene (can be found in
higher levels in carrots) which can improve your vision.
Even though those are some great advantages
of watermelons, you can find them in a lot of other products we consume on a daily basis. The
main benefit of watermelons is that it is the only product that is rich with a very rare folic acid,
vitamin B9. This vitamin is essential for constructing DNA and RNA, and it is also involved in
cell division, absorption and processing proteins. This is why future mothers might want to
consume a lot of B9 because deficiency of this vitamin may affect the formation of the nervous
system of the baby and increase the risk of cancer. Since it is an invisible benefit of B9, some of
us might not pay a lot of attention to it, but it is essential for our body. When it comes to a
‘visible’ effect of folic acid, it provides a healthy skin color and improves digestion.
Another very important advantage of watermelon is that it is very rich in magnesium. If you have
ever experienced limb spasms, tingling, weakness or fatigue, the reason behind it might be the
lack of magnesium. Those suffering from depression might also consider including watermelon
in their diet, because magnesium can improve your mood and help you feel better.
Watermelon can also be used as facial mask for all skin types. Just mush it in a dish and apply it
to the skin for no longer than 10 minutes. Those, who have very dry skin can also put some olive
oil under the watermelon mask to make their skin look fresher and feel softer.
So far sounds great! “Why not eat them every day?” you might ask. Well here you should know
they might be pretty harmful to your body as well.
Even though nature has created this delicious fruit very nutritious, most companies who grow
watermelons, pump them with a poisonous chemical called nitrate in order to grow them faster
and bigger to increase their revenue. Nitrates can have either gradual or instant poisonous effects.
Healthy young people, might not notice it, but it can accumulate in their bodies over time which
can cause weakness, lowered immunity, irritability and insomnia. In children, however, side
effects can appear within a few hours after eating such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness and
abdominal pain.
The worst part of this is it is almost impossible to tell the difference between organic and
chemical infused watermelon. Only laboratory analysis can tell the difference.
Another harm from watermelons can be caused by bacteria which loves to live in those fruits. If
you cut the fruit you should eat it right away, or put it into sterile conditions to store it. Which is
why it is very important to remember not to buy cut watermelons in grocery stores.
If you are craving a watermelon on a hot summer day, get yourself full uncut fruit from the
organic store and you will experience all the benefits it can possibly give you.
by Olga Levina