Watermelon: nutritional and medicinal properties. Cultivation.

Watermelon is a berry of the pumpkin family. They are attributed to the fake berry group, and some botanists call it pumpkin.

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Watermelon is a healthy product that gives the body not only a feeling of freshness, but also benefits the heart, helps reduce cholesterol and, consequently, reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

The amino acid citrulline makes it invaluable for athletes, and the presence of antioxidants in its composition is associated with cancer prevention.

Watermelon is a low-calorie berry, which consists mainly of water. However, you should not abuse it and try to lose weight with it, as it contains a lot of carbohydrates and sugars and has a very high glycemic index.

However, it is also impossible to underestimate the benefits of watermelon for the body, as it contains useful trace elements and vitamins. And its seeds, although they have an excessively high energy value, are the richest source of phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and vitamin B3.

Healing properties

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At first glance, it may seem that a watermelon, 90% liquid, does not particularly enrich the body with useful elements, but in fact, along with it, a person receives a significant dose of vitamin C, which protects the cells from damage and gives elasticity to the skin and blood vessels, as well as vitamin A, which is directly involved in the process of visual perception.

As for minerals, watermelon provides the intake of a large amount of magnesium, which has a beneficial effect on the contractility of the muscles. In addition, it is essential for normal calcium absorption. Without magnesium, bone renewal is not possible. Especially much of this trace element in watermelon seeds (130% of the daily norm in 100 g). Watermelon (less meat and more seeds) is rich in phosphorus, which gives strength to bones and teeth.

Contraindications

Watermelon is contraindicated in dropsy, diarrhea, colitis, diabetes. Watermelon can not be eaten with other foods, it is full of flatulence. Watermelon, like melon, should be consumed between meals.

How to grow watermelons at home

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People who do not have a garden or orchard have no choice but to grow a watermelon at home on the balcony. Both tomatoes and cucumbers are grown on balconies. So why not try to grow watermelons?

• To do this, you must choose the largest and best seeds, without cracks. Before planting, the seed should be heated in the sun.

• The seeds are planted in pots or large containers. A large capacity is needed not to transplant seedlings later.

Pollination of watermelons in the garden.

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If the flower does not pollinate, the fruit will not grow. It is wonderful if bees, bumblebees and other insects fly to the garden. What if they are infrequent guests or watermelons grow in a greenhouse?

Then you can attract bees or pollinate flowers by hand. Flying insects will be attracted to a sweet smell, you can plant plants or flowers with a sweet smell pronounced in advance next to watermelons, or simply sprinkle water with sugar or honey from time to time.

Reference:

https://okdiario.com/salud/propiedades-sandia-beneficios-salud-2852051
https://www.nytimes.com/es/2016/07/14/los-beneficios-de-la-sandia-que-quiza-no-conocias/
https://www.portalfruticola.com/noticias/2017/11/20/como-cultivar-sandias-en-macetas-y-espalderas-guia-basica-del-cultivo-de-la-sandia/
https://cosasdeljardin.com/uncategorized/polinizacion-manual-sandias-trucos-polinizar-manualmente-las-sandias/