Watermelon is known as a product with a diuretic effect, which helps to remove sand in gallstone disease. How true this statement is, is it possible to eat the fetus in case of illness? This is a topic for discussion in this article.
The chemical composition and calorie content of the product
Juice and pulp of the berry, as botany is called watermelon, provides the body with a large number of vitamins, minerals and other useful substances.
The fruit is rich in such substances:
Vitamins | Macronutrients |
ascorbic acid | silicon |
pyridoxine (B6) | potassium |
pantothenic set (B5) | magnesium |
riboflavin (B2) | - |
thiamine (B1) | - |
beta carotene | - |
folic acid | - |
retinol (A) | - |
vitamin PP | - |
Trace elements | Amino acids |
cobalt | valine |
iron | isoleucine |
copper | threonine |
molybdenum | phenylalanine |
manganese | citrulline |
The product is low-calorie, only 27 kcal / 100 g. The main part is water, in small amounts there is fiber, sugar and pectin.
Is it possible to watermelon with gallstone disease
With cholelithiasis, the outflow of bile is disturbed, while stone fractions are formed from its elements, clogging the ducts of the liver, the common duct, and the lumen of the gallbladder. One of the reasons is a metabolic disorder. This primarily concerns elements such as bilirubin (pigment) and cholesterol (lipid compound).
The vitamins of group B, E, and A contained in the fetus improve the metabolic processes, the breakdown of fats, and the water-salt balance. Elements significantly increase the protective properties of the body, improve the function of blood formation and blood flow. Vitamins contribute to the regeneration of liver cells, strengthening and elasticity of the walls of the gallbladder.
Important! In the presence of large stones with gastrointestinal tract diuretic products and medications are contraindicated. Under their pressure, a large stone fraction will provoke pain, an inflammatory process, and rupture of channels.
The berry consists of 92% of water, coming from the stomach to the choleretic organs, the liquid dilutes the thickened bile. Under the diuretic effect of the watermelon, the vessels expand, respectively, and clogged ducts, small stones and grains of sand are removed naturally.
Stagnation of bile in the body causes edema, provokes an increase in pressure. Bile acid, which stagnates, has a destructive effect on the cells and walls of capillaries and blood vessels. Natural watermelon diuretic, reducing the amount of fluid, eliminates these problems. Antioxidants protect membranes and cells, ascorbic acid and minerals strengthen the walls of blood vessels.
Useful properties of watermelon
The pulp of the berry is saturated with many elements necessary for children for normal development and for adults to maintain health.
For children
Minerals and vitamins present in watermelon, antioxidants are necessary for the children's body to form all systems. Ascorbic acid is an essential element for strengthening the immune system. Along with group B, the element helps to improve metabolism, takes part in the function of blood coagulation.
B2, B6, beta-carotene are responsible for visual acuity, purity of the lens of the eye. Together with thiamine, vitamins stimulate growth and strengthen the central nervous system of the child. When playing sports with children and adolescents, elements contribute to energy production, strengthen muscle muscles, and reduce the risk of injuries. Group B elements, retinol and tocopherol will help teenagers during hormonal changes to avoid stress, maintain skin health, and improve digestive processes.Did you know? Watermelon is the main dish in the Vietnamese feast tradition of New Year's celebration. Red pulp symbolizes good luck and prosperity in the new year.
Minerals and amino acids improve brain function, memory function and concentration.As the child grows, they protect the heart muscle, strengthen the nervous system, promote the production of hormones and the development of a healthy reproductive system.
For adults
Regular consumption of watermelon will help adults who regularly eat or snack on the go, restore the microflora of the digestive tract, improve metabolic processes. Sweet liquid removes toxins from the body in a natural way, toxins (alcohol, tobacco), and the breakdown products of drugs. The berry contributes to weight loss by regulating the water-salt balance and the breakdown of fat cells.Elderly people suffering from gout, watermelon will help remove the accumulation of salts from the body. Citrulline supplies blood and oxygen to muscle tissue, contributes to energy production. Thiamine and riboflavin help reduce susceptibility to stress, eliminate the symptoms of chronic fatigue, and eliminate insomnia.
Watermelon contains most of the necessary substances during pregnancy. (How much pulp can be eaten during this period should be checked with a doctor.) Helps a woman during the menstrual cycle: restores the body after blood loss, relieves pain. During menopause, the berry strengthens the central nervous system, reduces the symptoms of the ebb and flow, supports the beauty of the skin, healthy hair.
An important role is played by the composition of watermelon for men's health: improves testosterone production, increases libido. For athletes or men in heavy physical work, regular use of the product will help restore strength, convert food into energy. Minerals and vitamins in the composition strengthen muscles and bones, improve tissue elasticity.Did you know? In South America, mini-watermelons are grown up to 4 cm in size. Fruits are popular in restaurants as a stand-alone snack or as an ingredient in salads and desserts.
Lycopene, present in the pulp of the fetus, has long been recognized by official medicine as an element that can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Antioxidant is important as a prophylactic against adenoma of the prostate, ovaries and uterine tumors.
The main rules for choosing a fresh product
Some producers do not hesitate to grow crops to increase profits, stimulating their growth by chemical means. As a result, the amount of nitrates harmful to the body after consuming such a product can lead to poisoning. Therefore, it is recommended to buy watermelon from sellers who have all sanitary certificates for the goods.
Criteria for choosing ripe berries:
- the surface of the peel should be smooth, without cracks or other damage;
- the peduncle (tail) must be dry;
- the peel of a ripe watermelon glistens;
- when tapped with knuckles a dull sound is heard;
- the skin color is uniform, if the variety is striped, then the stripes are clear;
- the berry, which has ripened naturally, has a yellow imprint on the peel (the place of contact with the ground).
Features of the use of watermelon in gallstone disease
In unlimited quantities, watermelon can be harmful instead of useful properties, so if you have a disease use in dosage:
- in the presence of established small stones, after consultation with the doctor, you can eat watermelon 1-2 times a week, in portions of 200 g;
- in the presence of sand, the daily rate may be within 500 g.
Important! Do not eat the product from the refrigerator, as the cold provokes compression of the walls of the gallbladder, this in turn gives a pain symptom.
Crusts are considered the most useful part of the fetus. They can be prepared for the winter by drying, in winter to prepare a medicinal decoction. To prepare the crust, pour water and boil for 30 minutes, drink 2-3 times a day, 150-200 ml each.
Contraindications and possible side effects
- It is forbidden to give a watermelon to children under 2 years old. It is contraindicated in the following conditions:
- pyelonephritis and kidney stones;
- large stones with gill;
- acute form of inflammation of the prostate gland;
- colitis.
The use of berries can aggravate the condition in case of impaired function of the urinary organs, diabetes, obesity. With excessive use, diarrhea, an allergic reaction is possible.
The normalized use of watermelon with gastrointestinal tract is not prohibited, but, on the contrary, is useful. It is important to remember that it is advisable to discuss any product during an illness with a doctor so as not to harm yourself.