Watermelon is a favorite fruit of both adults and children. Many people know about the benefits of it, but few know that its benefits are not only in the juicy and sweet pink interior, but also in the watermelon peel. Yes, what we usually throw away turns out to be used to treat various diseases and it is also used as a cosmetic product.
Why is watermelon peel so healthy?
Chemical and vitamin composition of watermelon peels
The main component of watermelon is water. The content in the pulp is at least 90%, but water is found in large quantities in the watermelon peel. In addition to water, watermelon peel contains: organic acids, lycopene, pectin, saccharides, cellulose, chlorophyll, amino acids, vitamins (A, C, E, PP, group B), potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, phosphorus, silicon, zinc, iron. It also contains fiber, which is involved in the normalization of the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Benefits of watermelon peel
Let's find out how beneficial it is to use watermelon peel:
- relieves swelling caused by heart and kidney problems;
- normalizes the water-salt balance;
- lowers blood pressure;
- helps in the fight against excess weight, with cellulite;
- improves the general condition of gout;
- accelerates the recovery process of the body after prolonged illness or aggressive treatment;
- removes harmful substances from the body;
- inhibits inflammatory processes that occur in the digestive system;
- promotes the elimination of kidney stones in the bladder and also reduces the likelihood of their recurrence;
- eliminates problems with bowel movements;
- dry peel powders mixed with water prevent diarrhea;
- the juice of fresh watermelon peels is used externally for trophic and ulcers; furunculosis, acne and blackheads, bedsores of mild to moderate severity;
- juice or porridge of the fresh peel, cures mild and moderate sunburn;
- the fresh juice of watermelon peel is used in cosmetics to remove pigmentation and improve the appearance of aging or sagging skin;
- fresh watermelon peel juice is used as a gargle for sore throat;
- fresh watermelon peels help relieve headaches as well as to relieve migraine attacks.
How to prepare watermelon peels?
Watermelon peels are used not only fresh but also dried and are also used in the preparation of infusions and decoctions.
Once the pulp of the watermelon is completely removed, it is necessary to carefully remove the green outer skin from the peel and cut into the thinnest possible slices. The cut up peel is placed in a thin layer on a baking sheet. You can dry them in the sun or in the oven. The oven temperature can vary between 30-50°C. The average drying time is 1.5 hours. First, a significant portion of the moisture evaporates, after which the oven temperature rises to 65-70°C. This allows you to get high-quality dried peel suitable for storage. High-quality raw materials become brittle and slightly colored. Dried peels should be placed in a linen or paper bag. They are stored in a cool and dry place.
Watermelon peel, like any fruit, is able to accumulate harmful substances that farmers often use when fighting diseases in crops, with pests and weeds. To get the benefits without any harm, it is good to use the peel only of proven products, which are grown organically pure without toxic chemicals. You can avoid the harmful effects by soaking the peeled pieces for several hours in clean and cold water, after which the raw materials are suitable for use in the preparation of decoctions, as well as for drying.
How are watermelon peels used?
In the treatment, a scheme has been proven very well, in which a teaspoon of ground and dried peel is eaten on an empty stomach, while drinking a small amount of warm water with the addition of a teaspoon of colored natural honey. Such a drug helps well when taken three times a day before meals.
For the treatment of some diseases it is more effective to use the peels in the form of extracts and decoctions. The healing decoction should be prepared only from the soft peeled part of the peel. 100 grams of watermelon peel should be covered in 1 liter and boiled over low heat for half an hour. To obtain a high quality decoction, it must soak for another hour, then it needs to be strained. It is desirable to intake it chilled in several portions for 1 day.
A decoction of watermelon peel powder is prepared by putting 1 tablespoon of powder in 350 ml of boiling water. Boil it and leave it to simmer for 5 minutes on low heat. The finished decoction should be left to soak for 60 minutes. This liquid should be divided into 3 doses. You can take it with a small amount of honey, 30 minutes before eating.
The extract is prepared using dry raw materials. 150 grams of dry peel are covered with 1 liter of boiling water and left to soak for 1 hour. Divide the resulting volume of liquid into 5 doses for 1 day so that you can drink 1 glass at a time.
For the extract you can use a powder, which is obtained from dried watermelon peels, which are grinded in a blender or coffee grinder. For 0.5 liters of boiling water you need 2 tbsp. of this powder. Leave it to soak for 40-45 minutes. The resulting amount should be divided into 3-4 doses per day. It should be consumed after meals.
Contraindications to the consumption of watermelon peels
When using watermelon peels, you must remember that they are a strong diuretic and therefore expel potassium from the body. Therefore, it is mandatory to include foods containing this element in the diet.
You should be careful in the presence of individual intolerance, as well as severe allergic reactions. It is very important to follow the recommendations for dosing the components in the process of preparing decoctions or medicinal extracts.
See more about the benefits of watermelon seeds. If you haven't tried the unique taste yet, see how to make watermelon peel jam.
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