The controversy over what is tastier - a watermelon or melon, probably, is as unresolvable as the question of what was before - a chicken or an egg. Supporters will find both goodies. We will try to understand: what is more useful - watermelon or melon?
To begin with, we give brief "biographies" of the participants in the dispute.
Watermelon
Watermelon is a native of hot Africa. The wild fellow of a cultural water-melon still lives in the deserts Namib and Kalahari. Cultivated it back in ancient India and Egypt, more than 3000 years ago. In Europe, it came only in the Middle Ages, but long before that was known in the Arab countries.
Watermelon is a plant of the pumpkin family. He has a long weaving stem, large leaves cut into three lobes and light yellow flowers. Fruit watermelon - a berry, weighing from 1 to 15 kg.
Melon
Melon comes from South-West Asia and Africa. In the countries of Asia Minor and Central Asia it has been grown for more than 2000 years. In the times of the Roman Empire, she was well known in Europe, but later they were forgotten and remembered again only in the 16th century.
Melon - the closest relative of a cucumber, belongs to the same family of pumpkin. Has a long braided stalk, large leaves, light yellow flowers.
Fruit is a false berry, weighing from 300 g to 20 kg.
Useful properties of melon and watermelon
The fruits of watermelon and melons have a similar composition, which determines some similarities and their properties. Most of the watermelon and melon are water. Per 100 g of product:
- 92.6 g of water at the watermelon;
- 88.5 g of water in melon.
Then carbohydrates:
- 5.8 g of carbohydrates, on average, contains watermelon;
- 7.5 g - melon.
The amount of proteins in melon and watermelon is almost the same - about 0.7 g. Everything else is vitamins, microelements and fiber. According to the vitamin and mineral composition, these two berries are also similar:
- contain small amounts of B vitamins, vitamins A, E and PP;
- in watermelon more folic acid (8 μg) than in melon (6 μg). Folic acid supports the immune system, promotes the normal formation and functioning of white blood cells, is indispensable in pregnancy;
- but in the melon there is more vitamin C (7 mg in watermelon, 20 mg in melon);
- such minerals as sodium and phosphorus in melon and watermelon are approximately the same;
- in watermelon and melon a lot of iron and potassium, minerals useful in anemia and cardiovascular diseases;
- in watermelon in large quantities contains lycopene - a powerful antioxidant, protecting the body from atherosclerosis and cancer;
- and in the melon there is a lot of silicon, which strengthens the immunity, making our skin, hair and nails beautiful.
Caloric content of melon and watermelon is also approximately the same, and lies within 28-35 kilocalories.
These fruits are recommended for the prevention and treatment of nephrolithiasis and cholelithiasis (watermelon is excluded if the stones are very large, since its high diuretic effect can provoke stone movement), gout, anemia, atherosclerosis, and certain stomach diseases. In watermelon and melon a lot of fiber, than they are especially useful for cleansing the body.
Contraindications to use
However, despite all its medicinal properties, the use of watermelon and melon still has some limitations:
- In the fruits of these melons, many carbohydrates, in particular fructose, so they should be used with caution for people with diabetes, and those who want to lose weight.
- Pregnant women should also limit their
ration the amount of these berries, tk watermelon can provoke swelling, and melon upset stomach. - Eating watermelon and melon is best outside meals. This is especially true for melons, it is very poorly combined with other products.
- In a day it is recommended to consume no more than 2-2.5 kg of watermelon, and not more than 500-800 grams of melon.
In conclusion, we note that both watermelon and melon are useful, each in its own way. The main thing to know is how to properly use them and listen to your body.