What are watermelon rinds treated for? Watermelon and watermelon rinds: health benefits and harm. These masks are quite easy to prepare.

Watermelon is a melon family crop Pumpkin. It can be oval or spherical in shape with red, crimson, less often yellow or pink flesh. It has choleretic, antisclerotic and some other health benefits.

Its homeland is Africa. Wild varieties are still found in the desert regions of South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana.

In ancient times, it was a valuable source of moisture for the local population and nomads. Later, tribes living in the Nile Valley learned about sweet varieties. From there it began to spread to the Mediterranean coast of Africa and further to Europe, Central Asia, India and China.

In Russia, watermelons first appeared on the banks of the Volga thanks to supplies along the Great Silk Road. For a long time, cultivation was limited to areas near Astrakhan and Kuban due to the cold climate. Now the crop is successfully grown in many regions: on farms and in private plots.

Watermelon is rich in vitamins, macro- and microelements (sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium and a small percentage of iron).

The antioxidant lycopene gives watermelon pulp its red color. Based on it, drugs are being developed for the treatment and prevention of cancer of the digestive system.

Other sources of this valuable phytonutrient: red grapefruits and guavas.

With an overdose of lycopene, allergic rashes and itching are observed. Fortunately, the content of this substance in the melon crop is small, which brings the likelihood of an allergy to watermelon to zero.

100 g of watermelon pulp contains 25–27 kcal.

Properties beneficial to the body

• Possesses diuretic effect. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, it cleanses the kidneys and urinary tract without washing away beneficial microelements from the body. Used for swelling to remove excess fluid. And in case of cystitis, it helps to quickly cleanse the kidneys and bladder.
• Perfectly quenches thirst, since it consists of 90% water.
• Suitable as sweet substitute for diabetics and in moderate amounts does not affect blood sugar levels.
• The fruit contains fiber (approximately 0.4 g per 100 g). It speeds up intestinal function and metabolic processes, so it will be useful for people with chronic constipation. Together with the accumulated food processing products, the body will be cleansed of waste and toxins.
• Thanks to choleretic function large portions (up to 3–5 kg of pulp per day) are recommended for Botkin’s disease, cholecystitis, cirrhosis, and poisoning.
• Folic acid stimulates cerebral circulation, improves memory. With regular use, cholesterol in the blood decreases, the risk of vascular diseases and stroke decreases.
• Watermelon Antioxidants slow down cell aging, improve the condition of the skin, hair, nails. It’s not for nothing that watermelon is called the “berry of youth.”

Harm and contraindications

Modern technologies for growing watermelons negatively affect their quality. For rapid growth and rich harvest, chemical fertilizers are used.

In people with a weak gastrointestinal tract, nitrates can cause vomiting, intestinal upset, fever, and weakness. This is especially dangerous for children and the elderly.

Contraindications:

• chronic diseases of the digestive system;
• urolithiasis (the diuretic effect can cause the movement of stones);
• diarrhea;
• late stages of pregnancy.

Watermelon diet

Watermelon, due to its relatively low calorie content, is popular among diets for quick weight loss.

They are considered the most gentle fasting days. This is usually one day a week when the diet is limited to watermelon, green tea and water.

Exist diets lasting 3, 5, 7, 10 days. Some menus allow diluting the diet with black bread, rice, and coffee without sugar. Such food can hardly be called nourishing and varied, so few people survive more than 5 days.

It is necessary to take into account: in the first 2-3 days the weight will go away due to fluid loss.

In general, the diet allows you to lose up to 7 kg. But the lost pounds can come back as easily as they went.

For long-term weight loss, fasting days are more suitable: less stress for the body, and cleansing of toxins is ensured.

For the health of pregnant women and children

Laxative, diuretic and choleretic decoctions and infusions are made from watermelon peels for:

• treatment of diseases of the kidneys, liver, gall bladder;
• dissolving kidney stones;
• relieving swelling;
• removing salts from the body;
• getting rid of constipation.

The peel does not need to be boiled. Can be dried and candied or ground into powder to add to food. The raw materials are dried in the sun, in a special dryer or oven.

1. Kidney cleansing powder is prepared from the dehydrated top layer of the rind. You need to consume it 3 times a day, 1 tsp, with water.
2. At gallbladder diseases A tincture is suitable: pour 100–200 g of dried peels into 1 liter of boiling water and leave for about an hour. Drink one glass at a time throughout the day.
3. For obesity 2 tsp. grated fresh pulp, pour a glass of boiling water, leave for half an hour. Take 3 times a day.
4. Used for external use for headaches - applied fresh to the temples, for joint pain applied to areas of inflammation.
5. The ground white part of the peel is used for sunburn and as face masks.

Crust jam

For the classic recipe you will need:

• 1 kg of sugar and crusts;
• about 600 ml of water;
• lemon and orange;
• , vanillin, cinnamon to taste.

Cooking method:

1. Remove the green part, leaving only the white strip under the crust.
2. Cut into arbitrary pieces.
3. Boil water, add sugar, add lemon and orange juice.
4. Cook until the sugar is completely dissolved.
5. Pour the resulting syrup over the crusts and put on fire.
6. After boiling, keep on fire for about 10 minutes.
7. Cool, cook for 10 minutes and cool again.
8. Repeat until the jam reaches the desired consistency.
9. Pour into sterile jars and seal.

Why are they dangerous?

The rinds of watermelon grown outside of the natural ripening season can be harmful to health. Therefore, it is advisable to buy berries both for food and for treatment from mid-August.

Specimens with excess nitrates, which accumulate just closer to the peel, are unsuitable.

Infusions and gruels must be prepared fresh every day, since storage in the refrigerator is unacceptable!

Selection and storage

• The tail of a ripe watermelon is dry.
• Smooth, glossy pulp of an unnaturally bright red color is a sign of nitrates. Dip a piece into the water: if it turns red, there are nitrates.
• If the watermelon ripened naturally in the garden, a stain will remain where the fruit touches the ground. A good ripe “bellied” one has a yellow spot.

Only a laboratory test can show the real level of nitrates. Therefore, a conscientious seller must have a conclusion that his products have been analyzed and are safe for health.

The best varieties to try

• “Astrakhansky” is the most common variety in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. During the season, it accounts for up to 80% of the products of markets and shops.
• “Photon” is small in size, oblong, with tender flesh. Average weight - 3–5 kg.
• “Ogonyok” is small (up to 3 kg) with bright red flesh and dark, stripe-free skin.
• "Gift of the Sun"- a find for a true gourmet. It is distinguished by its yellow color with pronounced stripes.
• "Lunar" - small fruits with yellow flesh.
• "Charleston Gray"- elongated large fruits of light green color without stripes or spots.

In the USA, so-called seedless watermelons are common, which, in fact, are sterile hybrids. How healthy such berries are is a big question.

Most housewives associate the crusts left after eating watermelon with other preserves, because few people know that medicines can be prepared from these ingredients. The harm and benefits of watermelon rinds largely depend on the original quality of the aromatic berry.

Fruits grown with the help of nitrates and stimulants will never have the therapeutic effect on the body that a natural product is capable of. To some extent, they are even dangerous to the health of adults and children.

Beneficial properties of watermelon rinds

The sweet and tasty pulp of watermelon undoubtedly has a positive effect on the human body, but in terms of healing properties it is noticeably inferior to the rind of the fruit. This part of the berry contains sugars, proteins, dietary fiber, organic acids, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. In combination with a large amount of moisture, this gives a strong diuretic effect, which affects health in the following way:

• Swelling that occurs due to kidney and heart diseases goes away.
• Water-salt metabolism indicators are normalized.
• High blood pressure decreases.
• Extra pounds go away, the severity of cellulite decreases.
• The condition of gout improves.
• The body recovers faster after a long illness or aggressive treatment.
• Toxins, waste, and excess salts are removed from the body.
• Inflammatory processes affecting the digestive organs are suppressed.
• Stones in the kidneys and bladder pass away more easily, and the likelihood of new formations being formed is reduced.
• Constipation goes away, the frequency and quality of stool normalizes.

To obtain the listed results, watermelon rinds do not have to be boiled or subjected to complex processing. The blanks can be dried, used in powder form or.

Watermelon rinds for kidney and gallstones

The use of folk remedies based on watermelon rinds accelerates the process of removing salts from the body. Thanks to this, the organs are cleaned of small grains of sand, and new pebbles are not formed. To cleanse your kidneys, you can use one of the following approaches.

• You need to prepare a powder from the green outer layer of the peel. It should be taken 1-2 teaspoons up to 3 times a day, washed down with warm water. You can add a little honey to the liquid for taste.

Tip: If it is not possible to use an electric dryer to dry watermelon rinds, you can also use an oven. But you should not lay out the preparations on baking sheets, this can lead to damage to the elements. It is better to use a wire rack, under which you should place a baking sheet or bowl to collect moisture.

• Prepare powder from the top green layer of watermelon rind. Take 2 tablespoons of the composition, pour 2 cups of boiling water over the mixture and leave for 40-45 minutes. The drink should be drunk during the day, taking 3-4 approaches after meals.
• Take 1 tablespoon of powder prepared from the green part of the peel and pour 1.5 cups of boiling water. Boil the mixture for 5 minutes over low heat, then leave for another hour. Divide the liquid into three doses and drink it, sweetened with honey, half an hour before meals.

If stones form in the gallbladder, another remedy should be used. To prepare it, pour 150 g of dried watermelon rinds into 1 liter of boiling water and leave for an hour. The resulting drink should be drunk throughout the day, drinking no more than 1 glass at a time.

Watermelon rinds for colitis and dysbiosis

To cope with the unpleasant manifestations of colitis or dysbacteriosis, you can make jam from watermelon rinds or use one of the following approaches (the rinds must be cleared of the green layer):

• Take 100 g of fresh or 80 g of dried preparations and fill them with 2 cups of boiling water. Let the mixture sit for an hour and strain. Divide the finished drink into 5 parts and drink it during the day before meals.
• Pour a tablespoon of crushed dry watermelon rinds into a glass of boiling water and simmer for 10 minutes over low heat. Then leave the mixture for another 10 minutes and divide it into three parts. We drink the decoction throughout the day, regardless of meals.
• You can simply take dry peels, ground into powder, washed down with water and honey. A single serving is 1 g of product, 5 sessions need to be done per day.

If indigestion is accompanied by constipation, then this remedy will help. Take 0.5 kg of crusts and 0.5 liters of boiling water, combine the ingredients and boil for half an hour over very low heat. We drink the finished product warm, half a glass 2-3 times a day.

Watermelon rinds for obesity

Many diets allow the consumption of watermelon, because this fruit helps to lose excess weight. Folk remedies prepared from berry peels give even more pronounced positive results. They not only help normalize weight, they are effective against severe obesity. Only the white part of the crusts is used to prepare the compositions.

• You need to steam 2 tablespoons of crusts in 0.5 liters of boiling water, using a thermos. The finished drink is drunk during the day in several doses.
• Fresh peels need to be grated, obtaining 2 teaspoons of mass. Pour a glass of boiling water over them and leave covered for 20 minutes. You need to drink 3 glasses of this infusion per day.
• Take 2 tablespoons of crushed dried peels, mix with the zest of 1 lemon. Pour the resulting mass with a glass of boiling water and leave for at least 2 hours, wrapped in a warm cloth. Take 3 tablespoons at least 4 times a day, 10 minutes after meals.

Of course, all of the methods listed will give the required result only if changes are made to the diet. Additionally, the technique should be supported by physical exercise.

External use of watermelon peels

Decoctions, infusions, fresh and dry watermelon rinds can not only be taken orally. They are no less effective when used externally. Here are the most popular options for using products for medicinal purposes:

• Fresh crusts can be bandaged to the temples, this will relieve headaches and migraines.
• Fresh peels are also applied to the joints to relieve inflammation or ease pain.
• Any wound will heal faster if you apply a still wet crust or a compress with watermelon broth to it.
• Porridge made from the crushed white part of watermelon rinds relieves the discomfort of sunburn.
• The same porridge can be poured with boiling water and left for half an hour. You will get an excellent face mask with rejuvenating and whitening effects.

Even if you simply wipe the skin of your face and body with a cut of watermelon rind, you can significantly improve the condition of the epidermis.

Harm and danger of watermelon rinds

The compositions described above from the “unnecessary” part of the berry cannot be used only if there is an individual intolerance to the main ingredient. In all other cases, preparations bring only benefits to the body. True, the products have one feature that must be taken into account when conducting therapy. Regular consumption of watermelons or medicines based on their rinds can lead to potassium deficiency. Honey should be included in the diet to replenish mineral reserves.

Before you start preparing any of the listed natural medicines, you need to make sure the quality of the purchased watermelon and the absence of nitrates in its composition. This can be done like this:

1. You should not buy watermelons with brightly colored flesh with a purple tint.
2. A smooth cut surface and bright shine of the seeds indicate the presence of nitrates.
3. The yellow layer between the red and white parts of the pulp is a sign of low quality product.

Before taking formulations based on watermelon preparations or using them externally, it is recommended to strain the liquid mass. This will improve its taste and prevent the body from oversaturating with active ingredients. Prepared foods should be stored unopened at room temperature and not in the refrigerator. A fresh product is prepared every day.

Many believe that the main value of watermelon is its scarlet, juicy pulp, which is so loved by both little sweet tooths and adults. Despite the fact that the main component of watermelon is water, the fruit, under the green rind, contains up to 13% sugars, dietary fiber and pectin, proteins, organic and amino acids. The sweet pulp of watermelon contains a number of vitamins and macroelements, antioxidants and other beneficial substances that are important for the human body.

At the same time, most consumers of this giant berry either forget or do not know at all about the properties and benefits of watermelon rinds (see). But almost all the bioactive substances present in the pulp are also found in this part of the watermelon. The crusts contain less moisture and sugar, but significantly more fiber and chlorophyll, amino acids and some other active components.

When enjoying watermelon, there is no need to rush and throw away the remaining peels, which in folk medicine are used as an excellent diuretic, cleansing, analgesic, choleretic and expectorant.

In traditional medicine recipes, the peels are used to prepare juice, infusions and decoctions, and both raw and dried peels have a healing effect, which are easy to preserve and use throughout the year.

Use of raw watermelon rinds in folk medicine

Juice from the light part of the rind promotes the passage of urine; it is used for edema, inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system and is included in diet food for weight loss. The benefits of watermelon rinds become obvious if you drink 100 ml of this juice on an empty stomach. Raw watermelon rinds are useful for migraine pain, poor health, fatigue and overwork. In this case, slices of watermelon rind are applied to the temples.

The moisture, amino acids, vitamins and microelements contained in fresh watermelon rind are an excellent way to maintain beautiful skin. Porridge from the following plant materials:

• actively moisturizes;
• regulates the functioning of the sebaceous glands;
• has a mild anti-inflammatory effect;
• relieves swelling and tones.

Watermelon rinds are useful in the treatment of digestive disorders; in particular, rind-based remedies are included in therapy for colitis, dysbacteriosis and dyspepsia in adults and young patients.

As a remedy, traditional medicine suggests making decoctions and infusions from watermelon rinds.

Decoction of watermelon rinds

Patients suffering from obesity, kidney and gastric diseases can feel tangible benefits from watermelon rinds if they take half a glass of fresh decoction three times a day.

100 grams of crushed peeled watermelon rinds require a liter of water. The mixture is kept on low heat for about half an hour, after which the product is infused for about an hour, filtered and cooled.

Infusion of watermelon rinds

For spasmodic stomach pain, diseases of the biliary tract and liver, excess weight and inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract, traditional medicine recommends taking watermelon rinds in the form of an infusion.

To make it, crushed watermelon rinds are dried and then poured with boiling water at the rate of 500 ml of boiling water per 80 grams of raw or two tablespoons of dry crushed watermelon rinds. The product is infused and filtered, after which 80 ml of watermelon infusion is taken three times a day before meals.

How to dry watermelon rinds?

Dried watermelon rinds retain all active substances and have a beneficial effect on gastrointestinal disorders, constipation and inflammatory processes in the digestive organs.

You can take the herbal preparation in the form of a powder mixed with honey, or in the form of decoctions, to which other herbs, such as calendula, calamus and yarrow, are added for greater benefits.

The dense white part of the peel is used for medicinal purposes. Before drying watermelon rinds or making decoctions and infusions from fresh raw materials, first remove the hard colored layer.

Then the peels are cut into thin elongated plates, convenient for placing in an electric dryer or on baking sheets. Watermelon rinds are dried at a temperature of 55–60 °C until the raw material completely loses moisture, when pieces of rinds become light and brittle.

When drying, it is important not to allow the temperature to rise so that the benefits of watermelon rinds are preserved at the highest possible level.

Contraindications and possible harm from healthy watermelon rinds

Since harmful substances, for example, heavy metals and nitrates, can accumulate in the surface layers of melons, then, despite the existing benefits, harm from watermelon rinds also cannot be excluded. To avoid the negative impact of products based on plant raw materials, they take only high-quality, safe for humans, grown in compliance with all rules of agricultural technology.

You can be on the safe side and remove nitrates from the crusts by soaking the peeled pieces for 2-3 hours in clean cold water.

During this time, most toxic substances pass into moisture, and the peels can be used to prepare decoctions, candied fruits and jams, and can also be dried after removing traces of water. The beneficial properties of plant raw materials are preserved if candied fruits are prepared from the peels. However, healthy watermelon rinds here are harmful to anyone who suffers from diabetes or wants to lose weight.

But for kidney colic, pain in the stomach, ailments associated with the pancreas, gout and a number of other diseases, candied fruits will be a good addition to the menu. Products based on watermelon rinds are also harmful to those who are prone to diarrhea and suffer from urolithiasis. Crusts can also cause damage to health during exacerbation of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Watermelon peel face mask - video

Hello, friends! Today our topic is: The benefits of watermelon rinds. As already noted, watermelon is beneficial in vitamins and microelements. Watermelon rinds contain large quantities of vitamins and microelements, as well as a lot of fiber necessary to maintain digestion.
Watermelon has proven itself to be a good remedy for fighting kidney stones.

The benefits of watermelon rinds - application.

1. Watermelon rinds can be boiled and the infusion drunk to combat kidney stones.
   Especially green thin crusts help fight edema caused by diseases of the heart, blood vessels, liver and kidneys, as well as combat colitis.

1. To combat colitis, cut the thin green peel from the white pulp of watermelon rinds, chop, dry in the oven and store in a jar. Pour a glass of dried watermelon rinds about 5 boiling water into a thermos and leave for about two hours. Drink 100 g of infusion 5 times during the day.

1. To combat diarrhea, grind dry watermelon green rinds and take 1 tsp every 2 hours with water.

1. Watermelon rinds, like cabbage leaves, effectively help with headaches. Apply watermelon rinds to your temples and forehead, secure with a bandage and change them as they heat up. They absorb everything bad from the body and release substances that are beneficial to the body.

1. To combat rheumatism, fresh watermelon peels are good, which should be applied to sore spots and changed as they warm up.

1. To treat sunburned skin areas, it is useful to apply finely chopped watermelon rinds to the sunburned areas. Leave the watermelon peels on the skin for 1 hour and rinse with cool water.

1. To treat a sore throat, you can gargle with watermelon rind juice.

1. Juice from watermelon rinds is useful in restoring the body after alcoholism and hepatitis. It is recommended to drink half a glass of watermelon rind juice 4 times a day.

Results.

Watermelon rinds are healthy and widely used for various ailments. Don't throw away watermelon rinds.
Make a boil, cut off the green peel in a thin layer and dry it in the oven for future use, it will be useful for treating diarrhea, colitis, and swelling.
Make freshly squeezed juice from the thick pulp of watermelon rinds. Watermelon juice contains practically no sugar and is very healthy. Juice from watermelon rinds will strengthen the immune system and restore strength after illness and medication. It can be consumed with honey.

And don't forget. It's simple and useful.

In summer and autumn, most people eat watermelons, which are wonderfully refreshing, quench thirst, and cleanse the kidneys and the entire body. However, many people don't realize that watermelon rinds, as well as their bright softness, can provide health benefits, especially to the joints.

Watermelon rinds have been used since ancient times to make lanterns, and they have also been added to dishes or used for medicinal purposes.

In folk medicine, watermelon rinds are used to treat joint diseases, remove salts, treat oral ulcers, and also for cosmetic purposes.

It is better not to throw away watermelon “waste”, but to use it externally for medicinal purposes to treat urticaria, muscle fatigue, skin defects, rashes, and itching.

Signs of watermelon with nitrates:

• the pulp is bright red with a purple tint;
• the cut surface is smooth, the seeds have a bright shine;
• the fibers between the rind and the red flesh have a yellow tint;
• check: throw a piece of pulp into a glass of water, stir and look at the water. If the water is cloudy, then the watermelon is of good quality, but if it is pink or red, it is better not to eat it.

The permissible proportion of nitrates is 60 mg per 1 kg. It is better to use watermelon rinds only from good quality watermelon without nitrates, or with a minimal amount.

Watermelon contains citrulline, which has a diuretic effect (). Therefore, it is often used to treat and cleanse the kidneys, liver diseases, stomach diseases, and eliminate edema. In addition, it has a wound-healing, antipyretic effect, and also improves skin condition. Dry watermelon rind can cure oral ulcers (topically applied) and have a positive effect on joint health. In addition, the crusts can be used to treat impotence and dry cough.

The pulp of watermelon, as well as the rind, has a lot of positive properties. The fruit consists of 90% water, which is an excellent diuretic; it also effectively removes toxins from the body and reduces the level of bad cholesterol. This berry is often used to treat rheumatic diseases such as arthritis, as well as salt deposition in joints, atherosclerosis, and diarrhea. In folk medicine, watermelon is used to cleanse the kidneys of sand () and detoxify the body ().

Application of watermelon peels

You can make jam, marmalade from watermelon rinds, or dry them and use them for medicinal purposes. Watermelon rinds contain chlorophyll, plant fiber, folic acid, pectin, vitamins A, B1, B2, PP, minerals potassium, manganese, and iron. Watermelon rinds can neutralize acidity, i.e. create an alkaline environment.

Recipe No. 1 For joint diseases, as well as to eliminate swelling and remove salts, traditional medicine recommends using dry watermelon rinds. To do this, dry the watermelon “waste” – the green rinds – in the oven (the upper green part). Grind the dry peels and take one teaspoon three times a day half an hour before meals. The product should be washed down with warm water (0.5 cups) mixed with 1 teaspoon of honey. After this, eat some dried fruits.

Recipe No. 2 You can make healthy tea from dry watermelon rinds. To do this, take 100 g of crusts, pour 500 ml of boiling water in a thermos, and leave to steep for several hours. Take 100 ml infusion 5 times a day. This tea is useful to drink for diseases of the joints, kidneys, and to eliminate swelling.

Recipe No. 3 To eliminate swelling, it is recommended to brew dry watermelon rinds as tea. To do this, take 1 tbsp. spoon of crushed peels, pour 250 ml of boiling water. Take 100 ml of the drink in the morning and evening on an empty stomach.

Watermelon peels can also be applied to sore spots, sunburn, acne, etc. use externally. They can eliminate headaches; to do this, apply them to your temples and forehead. You can also tie the scabs to the sore joints with a bandage and wait until the pain subsides.

Patients with osteochondrosis and vegetative-vascular dystonia are recommended to take a bath with the addition of watermelon or watermelon rinds. To do this, take 200 g of crushed watermelon rinds or pulp, add 100 g of baking soda. Dissolve the prepared mixture in the bath (). Course of treatment: 2 weeks. Don't miss watermelon season!