In the last month of summer and the first half of autumn, one of the most favorite delicacies of Russians are watermelons and melons. These fruits of the pumpkin family are very tasty and aromatic, refresh well and quench thirst in the hot season. In addition, watermelons and melons contain many health benefits.
Vitamins in watermelons
Watermelon pulp is 90% water and has a very low calorie content (according to various estimates, from 27 to 38 kilocalories per 100 grams). At the same time, watermelon contains almost no fat. This allows us to classify this fruit as a dietary product.
Watermelons are distinguished by a varied vitamin composition. Ascorbic acid has the highest concentration: 100 grams of pulp contains about 8% of the daily value of vitamin C. Given the fact that watermelons are usually eaten in rather significant quantities, they can be considered a good source of ascorbic acid.
In addition to vitamin C, watermelon pulp contains B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, folic acid), vitamin PP, carotene and tocopherol. There are also useful minerals in the composition of watermelon: iron, magnesium, potassium, as well as a little phosphorus and calcium. In addition, watermelon pulp is rich in easily digestible natural sugars, dietary fiber, pectin and organic acids.
Regular consumption of watermelons in food heals the cardiovascular and nervous systems, removes sand from the kidneys, improves the functioning of the liver and intestines, increases immunity and slows down the aging process. Watermelon is also an excellent product for fasting days.
Vitamins in melons
Melons, like watermelons, are composed primarily of water. The calorie content of the melon is also low - an average of 34-38 kilocalories per 100 grams. Sugar melons are less watery and more caloric. In general, the sugar content in melons is higher than in watermelons, therefore, melons are considered "heavier" and are not recommended for people who are overweight.
The vitamins that make up melons are practically the same as in watermelons. However, compared to watermelons, the amount of these vitamins is much higher. Melon is especially rich in powerful antioxidants: vitamin C and vitamin A. The complex of B vitamins contained in melon pulp is also more diverse than that of watermelon. In addition to vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B9, the melon pulp also contains vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid).
In addition to vitamins, melon contains a variety of minerals, including potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, calcium, chlorine, sulfur, zinc and iodine. In particular, the melon pulp is rich in cobalt. This trace mineral, rarely found in food, is essential for the synthesis of vitamin B12. In addition, cobalt is important for normal blood formation and the functioning of the nervous system.
The inclusion of melon in the diet has a general strengthening effect on the entire body, prolongs youth, improves the condition of the skin, hair and nails, stimulates digestion and removes toxic substances from the body.
