Melon: benefits and harm to the body. The benefits and harms of melon for the body Harmful properties of melon

Melon is a common melon crop, valued for its sweetness, juicy pulp and pleasant rich aroma. This delicious fruit has many beneficial properties and is also one of the most popular summer and autumn delicacies.

Melon varieties

Indicators of melon ripeness are its juiciness and sweetness. Many varieties of varieties have distinctive features. There are many popular types of aromatic melons, we list some of them:

• "Altai". The ripening period is relatively short. The fruit is oval, thin-skinned. The main difference is the strong aroma.
• "Pineapple". Early variety. The oval melon is golden-orange in color. Pulp with a pinkish tint.
• "Musky". A small melon crop with a round, somewhat flattened shape. The peel is thickened. It can be white, bluish-gray, green, yellow. The pulp also comes in different colors - from yellow to orange.
• "Blondie". Flattened shape, thin grayish-green skin. The flesh is tender. The ripe fruit acquires a beige tint and has a distinct odor.
• "Galileo". Mid-early period of ripening. Melon with greenish pulp and pleasant aroma.

Melon - berry or fruit

This fruit is a member of the pumpkin family, it belongs to the cucumber genus, so it can be classified as a vegetable crop. Despite this, its taste is close to sweet and aromatic fruits. Another classification classifies melon as a “false” berry.

Composition and nutrients

Ripe torpedo melon In addition to water and sugars, melon contains many useful substances, a vitamin complex, as well as minerals necessary for human life.

The melon culture contains many vitamins, namely, per 100 grams of melon there are:

• A - 0.40 mg
• B1 - 0.04 mg
• B2 - 0.04 mg
• B3 - 0.20 mg
• B6 - 0.06 mg
• B9 - 6.0 mcg
• P - 0.40 mg
• C - 20.0 mg
• E - 0.10 mg

Melon also contains minerals (per 100 grams)׃

• Iron – 1.0 mg
• Potassium - 118.0 mg
• Calcium - 16.0 mg
• Magnesium - 13.0 mg
• Sodium - 32.0 mg
• Sulfur - 10.0 mg
• Phosphorus - 12.0 mg
• Chlorine - 50.0 mg
• Iodine - 2.0 mcg
• Cobalt - 2.0 mcg
• Manganese - 35.0 mcg
• Copper - 47.0 mcg
• Fluoride - 20.0 mcg
• Zinc - 90.0 mcg

This is not a complete list of useful substances contained in the peel, seeds and pulp. Melon is a culture rich in mono- and disaccharides - 7.3 g, unsaturated fatty acids - 0.1 g, dietary fiber - 0.9 g, organic acids - 0.2 g. Melon also contains antioxidants: choline, beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. These substances reduce the risk of developing a number of diseases.

The norm for eating melon, its calorie content

Removing seeds from melon In order for the body to receive the daily norm of minerals and vitamins, it is enough to eat about 300 grams of the aromatic fruit per day. This delicacy is best consumed two hours before eating. 100 grams of fresh melon pulp contains 33 kcal. The calorie content of dried melon is many times higher - 341 kcal, candied fruits - 319 kcal, melon seeds - 555 kcal per 100 grams.

Benefits for human health

This wonderful summer fruit can not only quench your thirst, but also help with various diseases.

• if you are overweight;
• for diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• for the prevention of seizures;
• to remove toxic substances;
• in the fight against insomnia;
• with anemia;
• to boost immunity.

Melon slices The fiber present in the healthy fruit has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the digestive tract and helps get rid of constipation. The main component of melon fiber is pectin fiber. They help improve intestinal motility.

Melon juice is a powerful diuretic. Thanks to this, melon juice and the melon itself can be used to normalize the functioning of the urinary system, and in particular to improve the functioning of the bladder and kidneys.

When losing weight, when dieting

Due to its low calorie content, melon can be included in fruit and berry diets, and can also be used for a mono-diet. Fiber creates a feeling of fullness, and the beneficial composition “nourishes” the body with essential vitamins. However, it is not recommended to extend such a diet for more than three days.

To achieve the desired result, one cycle of a mono-diet is not enough. Therefore, in order to get rid of not only the water accumulated in the body, but also the adipose tissue that makes up excess weight, it is necessary to repeat the course several times. It is recommended to resort to a melon mono-diet during the season of this fruit. At this time, melons are the most healthy and juicy. You need to alternate 2 fasting days after 5 days of normal nutrition for two months.

In addition to the mono-diet, there are many options with partial food replacement with melon. The most popular: watermelon-melon, melon-kefir, cleansing and melon-cereal.

Benefits for women

Melon promotes the formation of the “hormone of happiness” - serotonin - in a woman’s body. Eating this fruit will help not only improve your mood, but also cope with apathy, despondency and stress. The vitamin set contained in the sweet fruit improves the quality of the skin, making it soft and velvety. The fruit extract is widely used in the manufacture of hair balms.

Benefits during pregnancy

Calcium, folic acid, iron, potassium, as well as phosphorus, have a positive effect on the body of a pregnant woman, and also help during menopause. All these beneficial elements are present in melon. They also strengthen weakened immunity, bone tissue, and normalize blood condition. However, do not forget that excess of any product during pregnancy has its contraindications.

Benefits during breastfeeding

Collective Farmer Melon Rich mineral and vitamin composition improves the health of mother and baby during breastfeeding. However, this tasty and aromatic fruit can be consumed during lactation no earlier than the baby is 6 months old. The amount of treats should initially be no more than 50 grams per day. If the child does not have digestive problems or allergic rashes, you can increase the melon intake to 200 grams per day.

Benefits for men

The seeds are a powerful aphrodisiac. However, they must be consumed in small quantities to avoid problems with the spleen.

Benefits for children

Children really like the juicy and sweet pulp of melon. This fruit, thanks to its unique composition, provides the body with useful substances that affect skeletal development, improve sleep and brain activity. You can offer to try melon only after the child turns one year old, but it is better to do this after two years.

Harm and contraindications

Melon should not be consumed together with dairy products. This can lead to digestive problems. People with the following diseases should take this fruit with caution:

• gastritis;
• food allergies;
• diabetes;
• peptic ulcer.

In general, it is not recommended to eat melon after meals or in combination with anything. Fresh fruits themselves are a separate food with a rather complex composition. Therefore, nutritionists recommend consuming melon in small quantities so as not to provoke hypervitaminosis (vitamin overdose).

Useful recipes and combinations

The fruit is useful in its natural fresh form, as well as dried and dried. Marmalade, candied fruits, jam, preserves are made from melon. This melon culture is served as an appetizer for some alcoholic drinks. A common combination is melon and port or a melon and champagne cocktail. Gourmets eat the aromatic fruit together with Italian prosciutto ham.
Melon mask The properties of the fruit are widely used in cosmetology as various masks for the face, hair, and body wraps. Melon relieves inflammation well and fights acne. You can make a nourishing face mask yourself.

• mash the pulp with a fork;
• add yolk of 1 egg;
• 1 tbsp. a spoonful of oatmeal;
• to stir thoroughly.

Apply the nourishing mass to the face and leave for 25 minutes. Then rinse with warm water.

How to choose a good melon

To choose a ripe and tasty fruit, you need to pay attention, first of all, to the aroma. It should smell strong and tasty. A few more signs

• dull sound if you tap on the peel;
• dry ponytail;
• smooth and even skin;
• soft nose.

How and for how long can melon be stored so that it does not lose its beneficial properties?

To preserve melons for a long time, you need to choose slightly unripe fruits. If you choose completely unripe or overripe ones, they will rot.
Dried melon Fresh melon is stored in the refrigerator on the bottom shelf, wrapped in thick paper or a dry cloth. Before storage, the fruit is thoroughly washed and dried.

Dried and dried melon is placed in closed containers and ventilated periodically. Candied fruits are sprinkled with powdered sugar, placed in an airtight glass container and stored in the refrigerator.

The benefits of melon have been known since ancient times, and the modern agricultural market continues to delight us with its achievements. This melon crop is already represented by several thousand varieties. Thanks to such diversity, we can enjoy melons of various shapes, colors and even tastes.

The most famous varieties - “kolkhoznitsa”, “torpedo”, “honey” and “nutmeg” - of this fragrant sunny fruit are familiar to every gardener.

Melon - berry, fruit or vegetable?

The appearance of melon in the history of mankind was already noted in the biblical scriptures. India is considered to be the origin of melon; it appeared here only in the 15th century.

Scientists to this day continue to argue about which vegetable crop to classify melon as: some consider it a berry, others consider it a fruit.

Let's try to figure it out. First of all, the pumpkin family and the cucumber genus directly indicate that melon is a vegetable, but its similarity to watermelon (appearance, shape, method of cultivation) indicates that melon is a berry. There is no evidence that melon is a fruit.

Is melon healthy or not?

The benefit of melon is that it contains a large number of important substances. It is saturated with proteins, carbohydrates and organic acids. Also, the fiber of the fruit contains enzymes and minerals that are much needed for digestion. The fruit has a positive effect on almost all systems of the human body. All the nutrients in the fruit are balanced and grouped in such a way that one group affects the heart and the other affects the liver.

Melon has only one drawback - it is heavy on the stomach, so you should not combine it with other products. Eating melon with different food groups can seriously affect your health and even lead to dehydration.

Benefits of melon

Melon is very healthy due to its high nutrient content. It has a beneficial effect on the circulatory, nervous, and immune systems of the human body.

The effect of melon on the circulatory system of the human body

The melon crop is largely enriched with iron. This substance is the main component of the circulatory system involved in the work. Iron particles promote the movement of oxygen throughout all vessels of the human body and are involved in the production of hormones and maintaining the natural immune background.

The effect of melon on the immune, nervous systems and the condition of bones and heart?

Melon is rich in calcium, magnesium, silicon and other substances necessary for our body. All these microelements contribute to the normal maintenance of the immune system, stimulate the nervous system, and have a positive effect on the activity of the heart muscle.

In addition to nutrients, melon fiber also contains vitamins. They have a beneficial effect on the strength of skeletal bones.

Vitamin IN 1 helps strengthen the nervous system and significantly improves human memory, AT 2 affects the condition of the skin and mucous membranes.

Melon contains one of the most important vitamins for humans - vitamin A . It protects the body's cells from bacteria and viruses, and its antioxidant properties help scavenge free radicals. Melon also has a positive effect on the lungs. Eating melon helps improve vision.

Melon is rich and vitamin C, which helps prevent serious diseases and has a preventive effect. It is noteworthy that even a small volume of melon contains the daily requirement of vitamin C. It is worth noting that melon also contains important for the body folic acid, vitamin PP and vitamin E.

How does melon affect the gastrointestinal tract?

Melon is primarily composed of coarse, fibrous cellulose. It helps the stomach function properly. In addition, melon contains such a rare element as inulin– a substance that helps enrich the microflora of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract.

The most important thing is not to overdo it. If you consume a large amount of melon, then intestinal upset cannot be avoided and the benefits of the melon will be washed away.

Who is melon good for?

Most people enjoy eating melon. However, there are those for whom it is contraindicated.

Melon is useful for people suffering from the following diseases:

• immune system disease;
• nervous system disease;
• diseases of the blood system;
• insomnia;
• constipation;
• anemia;
• atherosclerosis;
• kidney and liver diseases.

Of course, by eating melon, you do not cure these diseases, but you soften their course.

How many calories are in melon?

Nutritionists have calculated that 100 grams of fruit contains about 70 kcal. Of course, these indicators depend on the type of melon and the sugar content in the fiber of the fruit. Due to its high sugar content, the fruit is not the lowest in calories, but nutritionists recommend including melon in the diet of those losing weight - fiber prevents sugars from being quickly absorbed.

How melon cleanses the human body

Cleansing the body can be done using ordinary melon. This fruit promotes the quick and easy removal of waste, toxins and harmful substances from the human body. The fruit is especially useful for cleansing the intestines. This is where the bulk of harmful substances accumulate.

Melon improves kidney and liver function, thereby cleansing the body and reducing weight. For those wishing to lose weight, experts recommend deloading the body several times a season and eating exclusively boiled vegetables and, of course, melon.

What is made from melon?

Melon is best consumed fresh. In this form, it retains the maximum amount of nutrients.

The melon season is very short, and I still want to enjoy the fruit in winter. We suggest freezing it. To do this, you just need to peel the fruit, cut it into small pieces and put it in the freezer. After some time, transfer the frozen pieces into a closed container and put them back in the freezer. You can eat melon immediately after defrosting.

In general, melon is used to prepare delicious desserts and various sauces. But you need to remember that melon has a pronounced aroma, a certain consistency and a high sugar content.

And you can make a delicious smoothie. To do this, you first need to cut the melon into pieces, smash it with a hand blender, add water and beat again.

Melon smoothie has a diuretic effect and helps cleanse the gastrointestinal tract.

What should you not combine melon with?

Melon should be eaten as an independent dish. Combining the fruit with other foods may cause stomach upset. You should not use it together with fermented milk products and alcohol - such a load on the gastrointestinal tract can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

This culture contains a very large amount of sugar. It is for this reason that a person constantly has a desire to consume the fruit. Eating large quantities of melon every day can cause stomach upset, so you should limit yourself to a few slices a day.

Who better not to eat melon?

Melon is not good for everyone.

To whom melon is contraindicated:

• patients with diabetes mellitus;
• people who have foci of inflammation and infection of the stomach or intestines;
• nursing mothers, as this may cause intestinal upset in the baby.

What should you pay attention to when choosing melon?

When choosing a melon, first of all, you should carefully examine the fruit for external damage. If there are any, then it is better to immediately refuse the purchase, since such a melon may turn out to be not only spoiled, but also dangerous to humans.

How to tell if a melon is ripe?

It gives off a wonderful aroma (if the fruit gives off an unpleasant smell, it means you shouldn’t buy it: either the melon is not ripe or spoiled).

Some people determine ripeness by slapping the melon with the palm of their hand. The louder the sound, the less ripe the melon. Another way is to make a scratch on the peel. If the skin of the melon can be easily removed, then the melon is ripe. A soft melon also indicates that it is ready to eat because the green fruit is firm and elastic.

Understanding people prefer to eat melons that ripen later than the main varieties. The benefit of melon is that it contains very few harmful substances and they grow in their natural environment.

Methods for storing melon

Do not cut the melon completely. It is recommended to cut off as much as you can eat at one time. Sliced ​​melon should be stored for no more than a day - after just a few hours, the melon loses a significant part of its taste. The room temperature should not be higher than room temperature.

Storage in the refrigerator is also allowed, but do not forget that the shelf life should not exceed seven days, and it is better to store the fruit in a closed container.

The best way is to buy a melon that you can eat right away. If it is not possible to eat the fruit right away, it is better to freeze it and prepare a sauce or dessert.

Read more about healthy products.

A false berry, belonging to the pumpkin family, is considered a melon that has various shapes - round or oval. Shades can also be different - from white to brown, even with stripes of green.

Melon brings both benefits and harm to health. It reaches full maturity in a couple of months, and can weigh up to 10 kilograms. The birthplace of this product is Asia Minor and Africa, but today it can be found in almost any region.

Melon has many beneficial components for the human body, in particular sugar, amino acids, minerals, vitamins and fiber. To understand how beneficial melon is for the body, it is worth considering each component in detail:

1. This fruit contains a lot of sugar, which gives it the appropriate taste. This ingredient can also boost energy levels and mood.
2. Melon contains an amino acid that precedes serotonin, the hormone responsible for a joyful mood. It is this, to a greater extent than sugar, that helps lift a person’s spirit. But this same component does not allow diabetics to consume this magnificent fruit.
3. A mineral such as silicon, found in melon, has a positive effect on connective tissue, helping to strengthen hair, cleanse the skin, strengthen blood vessels and nerve fibers. Moreover, it is in a very large quantity in the melon, making it a kind of reservoir for silicon.
4. The benefits of melon for the body also lie in vitamins A and C. They strengthen the immune system and have a positive effect on vision. B vitamins, together with folic acid and vitamin PP, help the normal course of processes such as metabolic and energy, putting the central nervous system and skin in order.
5. Melon contains a large amount of fiber, which gives it special benefits, making the intestines work better, and also influencing the digestive system.

Melon juice can also have a healing effect, being an excellent diuretic. If we compare it with beet juice, which crystallizes the liquid, then a melon drink does not do this, which allows everyone to drink it without any restrictions for health reasons. It normalizes renal activity, including the bladder and the entire excretory system.

Melon juice is also used to treat dermatoses and various skin rashes, including allergic ones. It is successfully used even for psoriasis. This drink is also good for hair, stimulating the appearance of new hair follicles and strengthening existing ones. This is an excellent remedy against baldness.

Even in ancient times, melon was successfully used to treat many health problems:

• Various gastrointestinal diseases with mental disorders;
• Kidney and liver diseases;
• Removed stones from the urinary organs;
• Various skin diseases;
• CNS disorders, including melancholic and depressive states.

Melon helps boost the immune system. Low calorie diet helps overweight people improve their figure by following this diet for a while. But before you begin self-treatment of any problem, you should consult with a specialist.

This berry can relieve fatigue and eliminate insomnia and nervous disorders. Melon seeds solve the male problem by increasing potency. To do this, you need to grind them to a pulp, taking 1 tsp 3 times a day. before eating.

This fruit can also improve your appearance, as it nourishes dry skin, filling it with radiance, softness and elasticity.

The benefits and harms of melon - contraindications

The benefits and harms of melon, photo

Melon can be harmful to health in the following cases:

1. While breastfeeding.
2. In the presence of a stomach or duodenal ulcer, as well as other gastrointestinal diseases manifested in acute form.
3. Personal intolerance, manifested by an allergic reaction.
4. Diabetics should consume this fruit in moderation, after consulting with their doctor in advance.

Pregnant women can and should eat melon if there are no health problems listed above. But at the same time, observe the measure without overeating, and this is a maximum of 200 g. And also observing the following recommendations:

• You should not eat it on an empty stomach or drink it with any drink, including water;
• Melon should be consumed separately from all other products, maintaining a pause of one hour.

To get only benefits from eating melon without harm to health, you need to approach its purchase wisely:

1. The fruit must have a beautiful and aesthetic appearance without any kind of dents or other damage.
2. The presence of a bright aroma with the presence of vanilla and pear notes.
3. You should definitely listen to its sound by tapping a little on the body of the melon. The sound should be a little dull.
4. The junction of the melon with the stalk should be smooth and dry.
5. On a melon ripened in a melon, a small dent will appear when you apply light pressure. And when you run your fingernail over the surface of the fruit, you will see greenish flesh.

Considering all these descriptions, there is no need to worry about the quality and excellent taste of such a berry.

This berry is successfully used in such areas as traditional medicine and cooking. For example, to get rid of kidney stones, you need to prepare the following decoction:

• Melon seeds – a handful are crushed and filled with hot water – 20 ml;
• Leave for a day, then strain and drink a third of a glass before meals.

It should be taken twice a day, having previously received permission from your doctor.

Cough is treated with this drink - juice is squeezed out of the melon pulp and taken 3 times a day, half a glass.

The following recipe for a great dessert will delight you with its taste and aroma:

• Divide the fruit into two parts, removing the seeds;
• Place grapes in the cavity;
• Gelatin is soaked separately - 1 pack, diluting it with sugar - 25 g, heating it all in a water bath;
• Add cherry juice to the resulting mixture;
• Pour all this into the melon and put it in the refrigerator.

Cut the finished dish into slices and serve.

You can make a melon cocktail:

• Grind the pulp using any available method;
• Add sugar - 25 g, lemon juice and mint - all to taste.

Beat all this well, dilute with water, add ice and serve.

By consuming this magnificent fruit in moderation, you can solve many health problems, become an energetic and cheerful person, and simply enjoy the wonderful taste and unsurpassed aroma.

The juicy pulp of melon contains many vitamins and other valuable substances. This allows the fruits to be used not only in cooking, but also for medicinal, cosmetic and dietary purposes. What are the benefits of melon? How to use it for beauty and health?

Description and characteristics of maturation

Melon belongs to the pumpkin family. It is an annual herbaceous plant with long creeping stems. Several side shoots extend from the main stem. Among the hybrid varieties there are bush varieties with shortened vines. Large leaves on long petioles are arranged alternately on the stem. The leaves are five-lobed or entire in shape, with slight pubescence. Whiskers grow from the axils of the leaves and take root in the soil to obtain additional nutrition.

Begins to bloom in mid-June. Forms male and female flowers. Early varieties begin to bear fruit within 55 days from the moment sprouts appear, late varieties – after 100–110 days. The melon fruit is a false berry. The shape can be oblong, flattened, round. The crust is yellow or greenish. The pulp is fragrant, sweet, yellow in color.

Rules for selection and storage

How to guess the sweetness and taste of a berry? To choose a truly tasty and healthy melon, you need to follow six rules.

1. No damage. There should be no cracks or dents on the peel. Pathogenic microorganisms penetrate into the damage. They not only cause spoilage of the pulp, but can also become a source of infection with infectious diseases.
2. Color . Green spots on the skin of a melon indicate the unripeness of the fruit, brown spots indicate its spoilage.
3. Sound . If you hit a ripe melon with your hand, you will hear a dull sound.
4. Pedicel. A ripe fruit has a dry “tail”.
5. Aroma. Ripe melon exudes a sweet honey-pear aroma. Unripe - almost no smell.
6. Softness. You can determine ripeness by lightly pressing your finger on the base of the fruit. If it is dense, it is not ripe enough.

Melon can be stored for quite a long time in a dark, cool basement. It is placed in a net and suspended. When storing several melons at once, hang them at a distance, making sure that there are no points of contact. Fruits should not be stored next to potatoes and apples - such “neighbors” emit ethylene, which contributes to rapid overripening.

Whole melon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. To increase shelf life, it is wrapped in paper. Cut fruit should not be kept in the refrigerator for more than a day. If there is any excess melon left, it is best to cut it into slices and freeze it.

Benefits of melon and chemical composition

Fresh melon is a dietary product - its calorie content is only 33 kcal per 100 g. The dried and dried “queen of melons” have much more calories - up to 300 kcal. The aromatic pulp contains a lot of fiber and juice. Melon is 90% water. The remaining 10% is distributed between proteins, fats, carbohydrates and ash.

The chemical composition of melon contains many useful substances - vitamins and minerals. Eight compounds are considered especially valuable.

1. Potassium – helps reduce blood pressure.
2. Magnesium – strengthens the heart, fights cholesterol plaques.
3. Calcium – helps strengthen bone tissue and prevents the development of osteoporosis.
4. Iron – increases hemoglobin levels, prevents the development of anemia.
5. Vitamin A – prevents atherosclerotic changes on the walls of blood vessels.
6. B vitamins– normalize metabolic processes, strengthen the nervous system.
7. Vitamin E – lowers blood pressure, prevents the formation of blood clots.
8. Vitamin C – strengthens the immune system, increases the elasticity of capillaries.

All these vitamins are contained in melon in fairly high concentrations. The introduction of ripe fruits into the daily diet in summer and autumn helps to avoid vitamin deficiency and strengthens the immune system.

Healing properties

The valuable property of melon for women is to normalize hormonal levels, for men - to increase potency. In addition, the medicinal properties of melon have a complex effect on the entire body. Nine properties give the healing power of melon.

1. Tonic. With regular use, physical activity, endurance, and mental abilities improve.
2. Diuretic. Excess fluid is gently removed from the body. This property is used in dietetics, in the treatment of hypertension, kidney diseases.
3. Choleretic. Promotes a stable, regular outflow of bile, which improves the condition of pancreatitis.
4. General strengthening. By saturating the body with vitamins and mineral salts, the body's protective abilities are increased.
5. Laxative. For constipation, it has a mild laxative effect.
6. Cleansing. When consumed regularly, melon cleanses the intestines well of toxins, removes toxins from the body, and slightly reduces the level of bad cholesterol in the blood.
7. Participation in hematopoiesis. Many substances contained in melon help improve blood counts.
8. Strengthening the nervous system. The introduction of melon into the daily diet helps to stabilize the emotional background - the severity of depression and aggression decreases.
9. Strengthening joints and bones. Melon is recommended for gout, rheumatism, arthritis. Its use reduces swelling, reduces the severity of pain, and partially restores joint mobility.

Sometimes disputes arise - is melon a fruit, berry or vegetable? Many sellers and chefs are of the opinion that this is a dessert vegetable. But botanists say that melon is a false berry.

Treatment of diseases

All parts of the melon – pulp, rinds, seeds – have medicinal properties. In folk medicine, different recipes are used, the composition of the ingredients depends on the specific disease.

Pulp

The use of melon pulp is common in the treatment of colds and intestinal problems.

• Depression. Melon contains substances that promote the production of serotonin. For depression, fresh pulp is included in the daily diet.
• Pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma. The pulp is kneaded and a chest compress is made from it.
• Indigestion. For constipation or intestinal problems, arrange a fasting day on melon.
• Cirrhosis of the liver . The pulp is introduced into the daily diet in moderation. Melon alleviates the condition due to its high cleansing ability.

Juice

Juice contains a higher concentration of nutrients. It is used for a variety of diseases.

• Cough and runny nose. Drink one glass of fresh melon juice twice a day.
• Prevention of helminths. Children are given half a glass of melon juice a day to prevent the appearance of worms.
• Allergy. A warm bath with a glass of melon juice and peel added to the water helps relieve an allergy attack.
• Urolithiasis disease. To soften kidney stones, take half a glass of melon juice with the addition of parsley decoction twice a day.

Seeds

Melon seeds have more pronounced medicinal properties than melon pulp. They are often used to treat kidney diseases and lower blood sugar levels.

• Stones in the kidneys . One tablespoon of melon seeds is poured into a glass of hot milk. Leave for half an hour, filter. Take half a glass warm before meals. Frequency of administration: twice a day. In addition to urolithiasis, an infusion of seeds with milk treats prostate diseases.
• Impotence. Chew and swallow 2 g of seeds daily.
• Venereal diseases. The seeds are ground in a coffee grinder or blender. Add one teaspoon of powder to 300 ml of boiling water and simmer for 20 minutes in a water bath. The decoction is taken before meals for two to three weeks.
• Edema. Add one tablespoon of whole seeds to a glass of boiling water and leave for three hours. Take 100 ml up to five times a day.
• Diabetes . If sugar is high, pour one tablespoon of crushed seeds into a glass of boiling water and leave until it cools completely. Take a full glass three times a day before meals.

Peel

The peel, in addition to vitamins and minerals, contains chlorophyll. It has a therapeutic effect on many diseases.

• Nosebleeds. Squeeze the juice out of fresh peels and drop two to three drops into each nostril.
• Sore throat and bronchitis. The crusts are crushed, wrapped in gauze, and compresses are applied to the chest or throat area.
• Burns and hematomas. Apply a fresh peel to the damaged area.

Melon pulp must be present in the daily menu during antibiotic treatment. It has two beneficial properties at once - it enhances the effect of the tablets and reduces their toxic effects on the body.

Contraindications and possible harm

The harm of melon is minimal - negative consequences are possible only with excessive consumption or allergies. The following contraindications for melon are distinguished:

• diabetes;
• gastritis and gastric ulcer;
• stage of exacerbation of liver and kidney diseases;
• inflammatory processes in the intestines.

In late pregnancy, discomfort may occur due to the diuretic effect of melon. During breastfeeding, eat melon in small portions and monitor the baby’s well-being. A large amount of fetal pulp eaten by the mother can cause indigestion and diarrhea in the child.

Judging by the reviews, it is better not to eat melon on an empty stomach, and not to consume it with milk and alcoholic beverages. In people with a sensitive digestive system, this combination causes a side effect - diarrhea.

Use in dietary nutrition

Despite its sweetness, melons are often included in diet menus. The beneficial properties of melon contribute to gentle and effective weight loss. In dietetics, four properties of the fruit are used.

1. Improved metabolism. Melon speeds up metabolism and helps obtain energy from fat deposits.
2. Fast saturation. Melon is a nutritious product containing only substances beneficial to the body. The juicy pulp provides a satiating effect for a long time, without clogging the body with toxins and extra calories.
3. Purgation. Fiber helps cleanse the intestines and normalizes its functioning. Food is digested faster and less fat is deposited in problem areas.
4. Fluid removal. The diuretic effect of melon rids the body of excess fluid, promoting weight loss.

The essence of the diet

The melon diet consists of fasting days once a week. These days you are allowed to eat only melon and drink at least two and a half liters of pure mineral or spring water.

The duration of the diet is two months. During this time there will be only eight fasting days. The amount of pulp per day - about 1.5 kg - is divided into six meals - approximately 250 g at a time. If the feeling of hunger is intolerable, you can add a small portion of natural low-fat yogurt to the fasting day menu. During the diet you can lose from 4 to 7 kg.

To maintain the achieved results, they continue to organize preventive fasting days on melon once every two weeks. However, keep in mind that the season will end, so it is better to prepare the product for future use - freeze it.

Application in cosmetology

Melon pulp and seeds are often used in home cosmetology. They are used to make face masks and hair products.

For face

Melon has a complex effect on the skin - softens it, enriches it with vitamins and nutrients, and slightly whitens it. Five products are prepared based on the aromatic berry for all skin types.

1. For whitening. A tablespoon of dry melon seeds is crushed, poured with half a glass of boiling water, and left to cool completely. The infusion is filtered and used to wipe the skin twice a day.
2. From dryness. Mix a tablespoon of mashed melon pulp and grape juice. The mass is distributed over the face and washed off after 15 minutes.
3. For hydration. Mix a couple of tablespoons of melon pulp, a dessert spoon of vegetable oil and egg yolk. The mixture is applied to the skin and left for about 20 minutes.
4. For food. Mix a tablespoon of melon juice, vegetable oil and sour cream. Add a little barley flour to the consistency of thick sour cream. The mixture is distributed over the face and neck, after 15 minutes the excess is removed with a cotton swab dipped in green tea.
5. For acne. A piece of melon is mashed into puree, mixed with beaten egg white and kefir. Distribute over the face and leave for up to half an hour.

For hair

Melon can be applied to hair of any level of oiliness. With its regular use, curls become softer and silkier. Inositol and silicon help strengthen hair follicles and stop hair loss. Three masks are used.

1. To strengthen. Rub fresh juice into the scalp ten minutes before washing.
2. Anti-fat. Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to a glass of melon juice. Apply to the scalp and leave for about ten minutes.
3. For shine. Moisten the hair along the entire length with melon juice, wrap it in polyethylene and a towel. Keep for about 20 minutes.

Preparations for the winter

The berry is available for sale only in summer and autumn. But you can prepare melon for the winter so that you can delight yourself with a fragrant dessert all year round. Compotes, jams, and thick aromatic honey are prepared from melon pulp.

Dried slices

Description . Dried melon is stored all winter. You can then cook compotes from it, or use the preparations for treatment. During the drying process, most vitamins and nutrients are retained.

Step by step recipe

1. The melon is cut, cleaned of seeds and peel.
2. The pulp is cut into thin strips.
3. Place on an oven rack preheated to 220˚C.
4. After 15 minutes, the temperature is reduced to minimum, the door is opened slightly.
5. Dry for six hours, turning the slices every half hour.

Compote

Description . Compote can be prepared not only from melon, but also other berries and fruits can be added to it. To add a piquant taste and aroma, melon compote is seasoned with cinnamon, cloves, orange or lemon zest.

Step by step recipe

1. Peel the melon, cut 500 g into small pieces.
2. Boil syrup from a liter of water and 650 g of sugar, boil for up to ten minutes.
3. Pour pieces of melon into the syrup and boil for three to four minutes.
4. The pulp is placed in sterile jars, filled with syrup, and rolled up.
5. The jars are turned over, wrapped, and left to cool.

Jam

Description . Melon jam turns out tender and fragrant. A slightly unripe melon remains firm, while a ripe one boils down into jam.

Step by step recipe

1. A kilogram of melon pulp is cut into small cubes and poured with 300 ml of water.
2. Boil for no more than five minutes, pour the water into another pan, and quickly rinse the cubes with cold water.
3. Add 1 kg of sugar to the melon broth and prepare syrup.
4. Dip a melon into it and leave for six hours.
5. The cooled jam is put back on the fire, boiled for three minutes and cooled. The procedure is repeated twice more.
6. At the last boiling, add 5 g of vanillin and 4 g of citric acid.
7. The jam is poured into sterile jars and sealed.

Melon goes well with bananas. You can make aromatic jam by taking a kilogram of melon and banana and two kilograms of sugar.

Melon honey

Description . Melon honey is an original, natural sweetness that is brewed without adding sugar. To prepare it, you need to take juicy but ripe fruits.

Step by step recipe

1. Melons are peeled and seeded and cut into large pieces.
2. The pulp is passed through a meat grinder or juicer.
3. Squeeze out as much juice as possible.
4. The juice is poured into a saucepan and placed on low heat.
5. Periodically skim off the foam and boil until thick.
6. Honey is poured into sterile jars and sealed.

Candied fruit

Description . You can make candied melon for future use. They are stored for a long time at room temperature. Candied fruits are added to muesli, desserts, and ice cream. For lovers of natural sweets, they successfully replace candy.

Step by step recipe

1. The melon is peeled, the pulp is cut into arbitrary pieces of a beautiful shape and the same size.
2. Pour half a liter of water into the pan, add two tablespoons of lemon juice. Pieces of pulp are dipped into boiling water and boiled for no more than five minutes.
3. The liquid is drained.
4. Make syrup from half a liter of water and three glasses of sugar.
5. Boiled melon is dipped into the syrup, boiled for 15 minutes, cooled and left for about eight hours. The procedure is repeated twice more.
6. During the last cooking, add three more tablespoons of lemon juice.
7. Take out the cooled melon slices and place them on a baking sheet.
8. Place in the turned off oven for a week. The door is left ajar.
9. Candied fruits are rolled in 100 g of powdered sugar and dried for another two to three days.
10. The finished product is placed in clean and dry glass jars and covered with a cloth.

If you take into account contraindications and possible side effects, treating melons at home will only bring benefits. Its pulp is a natural source of vitamins, folic acid, and fiber. The introduction of melon into the daily diet has a beneficial effect on health.

What value does melon have for our body, what are the health benefits and harms? What is the value of melon seeds? Let's take a closer look at all these nuances. Melon not only tastes great, it is a storehouse of valuable vitamins. After all, it is rare to meet a person who does not like melon, a tasty and sweet fruit. This is a real delicacy. The fragrant gift of summer is as tasty as it is healthy. The best time to consume melon is during the harvest season. At this time it is most useful and tasty.

Useful composition of melon

Melon is extremely rich in vitamins, as studies have shown, only it contains more vitamin C than an orange. The composition contains carbohydrates, organic acids, food enzymes, proteins, dietary fiber, a wide list of various vitamins and minerals. The sweet taste can vary in many shades: nutmeg, honey, pineapple, slightly pear or vanilla.

Also, depending on the variety, the peel of this fruit may have different colors and textures. Its flesh can be white, rich yellow, orange, reddish, and the melon itself can be of different sizes and shapes. Be that as it may, wonderful taste and aroma unites all available varieties, of which there are approximately 6 thousand.

People often wonder: is a melon a fruit or a berry? This is where the fun begins, the fact is that there is no definite answer to this question, because this fruit is related to vegetables, fruits, and berries. It can be considered a fruit because it is sweet and quite large. At the same time, it can be positioned as a berry, because it corresponds to the characteristics of a berry - it is a multi-seeded fruit with juicy pulp.

However, if you delve into the jungle of botanical classifications, it becomes clear that melon is nothing more than a pumpkin. Pumpkin is a multi-seeded fruit of a herbaceous plant, with juicy pulp and a hard shell, which can sometimes reach large sizes.

Despite the botanical subtleties, people often call melon a fruit or berry (as a “relative” of watermelon). These culinary and everyday terms have successfully taken root among summer residents, gardeners and simply lovers of this sweet fruit.

Benefits of melon and contraindications

The list of useful substances is truly impressive.

However, remember a simple rule: eat melon only as an independent dish! Do not mix it with other products to avoid digestive upset.

What is included in the chemical composition of this sunny fruit that appears on our tables towards the end of summer?

Now let's look at the reasons why eating melon can be harmful to health:

• It is not recommended to eat melon and dairy products at the same time. This rule also applies to alcohol.
• During breastfeeding, it is better to avoid this delicacy so as not to cause harm or provoke indigestion in the baby.
• Diabetics should not use it due to the high sugar content in its composition.
• If you have any gastrointestinal diseases of infectious origin, you should refrain from eating the tasty fruit. If you have gastritis or stomach ulcers, you should not eat melon.
• It is extremely undesirable to combine the intake of melon with starchy foods.
• Don't overeat! No matter how tasty it is, in large quantities it can cause indigestion, bloating, nausea, and intestinal turmoil.
• Also keep in mind that it is better not to eat melon on an empty stomach.

As mentioned above, you should not combine the use of melon with other foods. Before enjoying this sweet fruit, at least 3 hours must pass (after eating). Nutritionists recommend not drinking water or other drinks after you have eaten melon, since the water content in its composition is already quite high. The prohibitions also include the individual reaction of the body to a given fruit (allergies).

Finally, it is worth saying that it is best to purchase melons in trusted places, because they have the ability to accumulate nitrates. When you buy them “by the road,” you never know what they fertilized or sprayed with.

Melon seeds, benefits and harm

Not only the pulp of the fruit, but also the seeds have healing properties. Their medicinal qualities have been known for a long time. Do not assume that seeds are food waste. The composition of vitamins in seeds is the same as in the fruit, only their concentration is lower. The use of seeds as a natural medicine is still as popular today as before.

Let's look at their positive properties:

• Melon seeds work as a natural diuretic and choleretic agent.
• They have a cleansing effect on the digestive system, support liver function and improve intestinal function.
• During pregnancy, it is recommended to consume melon seeds, as they contain folic acid, which has a positive effect on the formation of the fetus and will not cause any harm to the unborn baby.
• For coughs, bronchitis, and respiratory diseases, the seeds speed up the healing process and promote the removal of sputum.
• It is useful to give melon seeds to children. The content of vitamins and other useful components in the seeds has a beneficial effect on the development of the young body, improving thought processes and memory.
• Keep in mind that seeds are extremely high in calories (555 kcal per 100 g), but due to their ability to lower blood sugar, consuming them helps diabetics control their weight.
• Since ancient times, melon seeds have been considered a fairly effective aphrodisiac, as well as a remedy that can treat male diseases. To do this, the seeds were finely ground and eaten 1 teaspoon three times a day.

Harm that melon seeds can cause to health:

• Frequent and excessive consumption of seeds can cause weight gain. If you are prone to obesity, do not overuse this product.
• You should not eat seeds on an empty stomach, especially for those who have problems with the spleen.
• The simultaneous consumption of melon seeds, dairy products, alcoholic beverages, and honey is not recommended.
• You should not eat seeds if you have a stomach ulcer or serious gastrointestinal diseases.
• Sprouted melon seeds will only cause harm, because they contain a completely different, undesirable ratio of vitamins and microelements.

Also remember that you should not eat seeds from unripe melons!

Melon seeds, photo:

The benefits of melon for women

• Due to its high silicon content, it acts on the female body like youth pills.
• Daily intake of the aromatic pulp of the fruit has a beneficial effect on the condition of hair and skin.
• As mentioned above, with its help you can easily and “deliciously” lose an extra couple of kilograms (metabolism speeds up).
• It is very useful for expectant mothers: it has a positive effect on the fetus, helps cope with edema (due to its diuretic effect), and works as a mild laxative.
• Melon calms the nervous system; consuming it really lifts your mood.
• Many people are interested in whether melon is useful during menopause? The answer will be positive, since it is folic acid that has a beneficial effect on the body during this period.
• Eating melon helps get rid of depression, improves concentration and memory.
• A few slices eaten at night improves sleep.
• By the way, if you are a sunbathing lover, be sure to include it in your daily diet. It has been noticed that the tan actually spreads better over the skin and lasts longer.

The benefits of melon for men

• This miracle fruit is also useful for men's health.
• If a man often enjoys melon, the risk of developing various heart diseases will significantly decrease.
• Lovers of this fruit are less likely to suffer from gout and atherosclerosis.
• Joint diseases in the stronger sex are also successfully “treated” by eating melon; it works as an excellent preventative and alleviates the symptoms of the disease.
• As for the intimate sphere of life, dried melon seeds ground in a coffee grinder, mixed with honey (1:1), are the real “Viagra” of natural origin. This effective and centuries-tested remedy should be taken before meals. The main thing in this matter is not to overdo it, so as not to disrupt the functioning of the spleen.

Now you know how melon is beneficial for our body; health is based on moderation in consumption and knowledge of your body. If you have any doubts about using it, or suddenly feel unwell after taking it, be sure to consult your doctor.

How to choose a melon

Choose only whole fruits with intact skin. Under no circumstances should the melon be rotten; in this case, the option of “cutting off the spoiled” is not even considered. The surface of the fruit must be free of defects.

The highest content of useful elements is present in fresh fruits. A good melon should have a pronounced pleasant aroma and should be slightly elastic to the touch. If you notice unpleasant nuances in its smell, it means that it is already either overripe or spoiled.

Melon variety Evdokia

Unfortunately, the melon season is not as long as we would like, so when the time comes, take advantage of the moment! Let the yellow-sided melon become a frequent guest on your table; the benefits and harms of its use have been described in this article. If there are no contraindications, eat this sunny fruit with pleasure and treat your friends and family!