Watermelon is one of the most famous fruits all around the world. It is a fruit which belongs to the Cucurbitaceae and the species Citrullus lanatus. It is widely distributed in sub tropic and tropic regions. This is an extensive vegetable crop which has round and oval round shape. It has smooth and dark rind. It is rich in vitamins, such as Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C. Also, it is rich in minerals, such as manganese, zinc, copper, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and calcium. Also, this rind has flavonoids, phenolic compounds, lycopene, amino acids, chlorophyll and citrulline.
The watermelon rind is the outer layer which has green exterior and it fades to pale white inside before offering red and pink flesh of the fruit. This rind is harder and less juicy. This rind has large percentage of nutrients, but usually people discard leaves. When this is dried, then it becomes thin and curled. It forms cylindrical or irregular shapes of different sizes with yellow, yellow – green or dark brown on outer surface. You can boil this rinds with sugar and other ingredients. You can make a salad by combining the pieces of watermelon peel and onion. You should add black pepper to it for taste.
When watermelon rind is consumed in excessive amounts, then it can cause injury of spleen and stomach. This can result to diarrhea, gastrointestinal dysfunction and other diseases. People who have dampness and cold in the stomach and spleen should not use watermelon rind in their diets. The watermelon rinds are widely used in the Balkans to make something which is known as “slatko od lubenica”.
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Health benefits of watermelon rind
Prostate health
This rind is a great source of lycopene that is acting as antioxidant. It can help to ward off prostate cancer. There should be done a lot more studies in the future to discover the exact relationship between lycopene and prevention of cancer. Also, this rind has diuretic properties which can help to maintain the urinary tract in healthy working order.
Chronic ailments
It is known fact that this rind has lycopene and citrulline which support in neutralizing free radicals before they cause cellular mutation and lead to chronic ailments.
Libido
The watermelon rind is related with progressing sexual performance having the effects of blood vessel constriction by allowing better flow of blood to intimate areas. The watermelon rind can help to promote the sexual performance and libido with the partner.
Healthy pregnancy
There are some studies in which are shown that the watermelon rind has natural sugars which can help to minimize the symptoms of morning sickness and swelling which are related to pregnancy due to the high amounts of potassium.
Lose weight
It is known fact that this rind is a low calorie snack which can support the weight loss due to the high amounts of fiber. Also, watermelon rind will make you to feel full by stimulating the metabolism and promoting fat burning capacity to shed some pounds.
Strengthen immunity
In a single serving of one cup of watermelon rind there is more than 30% of the daily requirement for Vitamin C which enhances the immune system. It is known that the Vitamin C is stimulating the white blood cells production which is acting as a first defense line against infections and foreign pathogens.
Maintain blood pressure
The watermelon rind has high amounts of potassium. We know that the potassium is acting as vasodilator by lowering the stress and strain on arteries and blood vessels. Also, the watermelon rind can reduce your chances of coronary heart disease, heart attacks, stroke and atherosclerosis.
Skin health
The watermelon rind is rich in lycopene, flavonoids and antioxidants which are known to lower the free radical effects and oxidative stress. It can minimize the appearance of age spots, wrinkles and blemishes which are seen in older people. This is a reason why you should add watermelon rind in your diet if you want to stay protected in your old ages.
