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Tag: watermelon

  • 15 healthy benefits of eating watermelon

    15 healthy benefits of eating watermelon

    Watermelon, a refreshing and hydrating summer favorite, is much more than a tasty treat. It’s packed with essential nutrients, antioxidants, and health benefits that can support your overall well-being. Here are 15 reasons why adding watermelon to your diet can be a great choice for your health:

    1. Hydration

    Watermelon is about 92% water, making it an excellent choice for staying hydrated, especially during hot weather. Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining body temperature, transporting nutrients, and keeping your joints lubricated.

    2. Rich in Nutrients

    Watermelon is low in calories but high in essential nutrients. It’s a good source of vitamins A and C, which are vital for skin health, immune function, and vision. Additionally, watermelon provides important minerals like potassium and magnesium.

    3. Heart Health

    Watermelon contains lycopene, an antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. Lycopene helps lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems.

    4. Anti-inflammatory properties

    The lycopene and vitamin C in watermelon have anti-inflammatory effects. Chronic inflammation is linked to many serious diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. By reducing inflammation, watermelon can help lower your risk of these conditions.

    5. Supports digestion

    Watermelon contains dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health. Fiber helps maintain regular bowel movements, preventing constipation and promoting a healthy gut.

    6. Weight management

    Watermelon is low in calories and has a high water content, which can help you feel full longer. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to manage their weight, as it can satisfy your sweet tooth without adding many calories.

    7. Skin and hair health

    Vitamin A in watermelon is crucial for maintaining healthy skin, while vitamin C supports collagen production, which strengthens hair and skin. Regular consumption of watermelon can lead to healthier, more vibrant skin and hair.

    8. Muscle soreness relief

    Watermelon contains the amino acid citrulline, which can help reduce muscle soreness. Citrulline improves blood flow and reduces muscle fatigue, making watermelon a great post-workout snack.

    9. Boosts immunity

    Vitamin C, found in watermelon, is known to boost the immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting infections.

    10. Aids in detoxification

    Watermelon’s high water content helps flush toxins out of the body through urination. Additionally, the fruit’s antioxidants support liver function, further aiding the body’s detoxification process.

    11. Bone health

    Lycopene in watermelon has also been linked to bone health. It helps reduce oxidative stress, which can weaken bones and lead to conditions like osteoporosis.

    12. **Eye health

    Watermelon is rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. This vitamin is essential for maintaining good vision and preventing age-related macular degeneration.

    13. Improves circulation

    The citrulline in watermelon converts to arginine, another amino acid that helps improve blood flow and circulation. This can have benefits for heart health and sexual function.

    14. Reduces oxidative stress

    The antioxidants in watermelon, including vitamin C and lycopene, help reduce oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals in the body. This can reduce the risk of chronic diseases and slow down the aging process.

    15. May reduce cancer risk

    Some studies suggest that the lycopene in watermelon may help lower the risk of certain types of cancer, particularly prostate cancer. Lycopene’s antioxidant properties protect cells from damage and inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

    Watermelon is a delicious and versatile fruit that offers a host of health benefits. From supporting heart health and reducing inflammation to aiding in hydration and detoxification, watermelon is a nutrient-dense food that can easily be incorporated into your diet. Whether enjoyed on its own, in a salad, or as a refreshing juice, watermelon is a tasty way to boost your health and well-being.

  • Health benefits of watermelon seeds

    Health benefits of watermelon seeds

    Watermelon is an extremely popular fruit. While we all enjoy eating this sweet refreshing fruit, we usually discard the tiny seeds scattered in it without realising or rather knowing of their health benefits. These seeds are loaded with nutrients including fatty acids, essential proteins and lots of minerals. These seeds are rich in vitamin B like thiamine, niacin, folate and minerals like magnesium, potassium, manganese, iron, zinc, phosphorus and copper. Besides, they are a great source of calories with 100 grammes of watermelon seeds providing around 600 grammes of calories.

    Watermelon seeds, also called as ‘tarbooj ke beej‘ in Hindi are used in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines.  Roasted watermelon seeds are served as a snack or used to garnish salads. In Nigeria, they are used in certain soups. Watermelon seed oil is extracted from these seeds which are beneficial for your hair and skin. To say the least, watermelon seeds are edible and can be a healthy option.

    As stated earlier, watermelon seeds are a rich source of nutrients and minerals and therefore, should not be discarded. These seeds have a hard outer covering so they should be chewed before swallowing to get their nutritional content. Some of the health benefits of watermelon seeds are given below.

    1. Your body requires amino acids but there are some essential amino acids such as arginine and lysine which the body cannot produce on its own and these have to be provided from food sources. Watermelon seeds contain some of these essential amino acids such as tryptophan and glutamic acids. Lysine helps in calcium absorption to facilitate the formation of collagen and connective tissues in the body whereas arginine improves the body’s metabolism, cardiovascular system and sexual health.
    1. Watermelon seeds are good sources of magnesium with 100 grammes of seeds providing 139 percent of the recommended daily requirement. Magnesium is vital for normal heart functioning, maintenance of normal blood pressure, supporting metabolic process and protein synthesis. It is also beneficial in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension besides controlling blood pressure and diabetes.
    1. Watermelon seeds contain lycopene which is good for your face and also helps in improving male fertility.
    1. These seeds are excellent sources of multivitamin B and can replace some of the supplements. Vitamin B present in watermelon seeds comprises of niacin, folate, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid. B vitamins are vital for maintaining healthy blood, nervous system and effective immune response.
    1. These seeds can be used for treating diabetes. Boil a handful of watermelon seeds in 1 litre water for 45 minutes, keeping the pot covered. This concoction should be taken every day like tea.
    1. Watermelon seeds are effective in recovering health after illness and sharpening your memory.
    1. Almost half of the watermelon seed contains oil which comprises of 20 percent saturated fat and the rest monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat including omega-6 fatty acids. One cup of dried watermelon seeds contains around 50 grammes of fat which constitutes about 80 percent of the daily recommended value. Thus, watermelon seeds are an important source of calories and energy.
  • Infertility: These fruits can boost fertility

    Infertility: These fruits can boost fertility

    Many couples are grappling with infertility without knowing what to do.

    A naturopath, Dr Solomon Abutoh, says there is no cause for alarm because the condition can be treated.

    According to him, regular consumption of juicy fruits, such as oranges, pineapples and water melon can help to correct the condition.

    He  suggested that apples, pawpaw, bananas and strawberry should be part of daily diet to help detoxify the system.

    According to him, vegetables, such as waterleaf, pumpkin leaves (ugu), ewedu, lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, Brussels sprout and carrots are also useful.

    He said: “When couples clear or detoxify their systems, especially digestive, hormonal and reproductive pathways, they would be fertile enough to produce their young.”

    The alternative medicine practitioner recommended whole meal, bread and oats for men challenged by infertility.

    “Similarly, seeds, such as ogbolo, melon (egusi in Yoruba) and sunflower oil as well as wheat germ oil and peanuts are good in boosting fertility. They should reduce alcohol consumption; nicotine from tobacco should be minimised or done away with, as these deplete male’s semen production capabilities,” Abutoh said.

    Honey, he said, should replace white sugar during breakfast. For women, he approved plants, such as hormonal adjusters like jokoje in Yoruba, milk thistle and ewedu.

    Pounded yam, Abutoh said, should be consumed moderately three times a week, adding that eggs and oily fish are ideal for male and female.

    “Beef is not too good at this period, though it contains iron and protein, which could be sourced from fish, eggs, vegetables.  Where there are infections, a physician must be consulted to determine type of infection and appropriate treatment thereof,” he said.

    The alternative medicine practitioner identified age, erectile dysfunction (ED) and blocked tube, among others as problems affecting fertility.

    Age, he said, is the major problem because couples above 30 years are more likely to experience the condition since their reproductive organs are losing their natural abilities to perform optimally.

    Describing infertility, he said, it is a health condition that is generating problems in family and social circles.

    “Infertility is a biological situation whereby couples are unable to have children of their own after 12 months of having intimacy,” he said.

    He said infertility can be primary and secondary. “Primary infertility means a couple has never produced any child while secondary portends they have produced, but stopped midway, especially before menopause,” he said.

    Abutoh said women are not the only cause of infertility as men also have something to do with it. “It is wrong to ascribe infertility to women aloneThe fact, however, remains that it takes the male and the female to bring forth a child. It is absolutely wrong therefore to point accusing fingers at the woman alive, as has frequently been the case,” he said.

    He said women who still see their menses should ovulate every 28 days to be able to have babies of their own.

    “The follicle stimulating and the Leutenizing Hormones must be functioning at optimum to make for quality production of eggs in the ovaries. The fallopian tubes which connect the ovaries with the uterus (womb) must be free of any blockade or rupture, however slight, as the corpus leutus are meant to glide through without any form of inhibition,” he said.

    Abutoh said further: “There must not have been any form of mechanical damage to the tubes or the uterus in the process of previous dilatation and curettage (D and C) on the part of the women, especially during previous illegal, termination of pregnancies by the female concerned.

    “The female blood and entire reproductive system including the vagina,                           urethra and even the urinary bladder must be free of infections, especially  bacterial and fungal whether sexually transmitted or not.

    The woman having challenges, he said, must be emotionally balanced as it could interfere with the relevant reproduction hormones.

    Besides, the women must not be exposed to prolonged use of contraceptives, as they are capable of depleting the chances of ovulation, and indeed conception.

    He identified erectile dysfunction, a situation where a man is unable to sustain an erection, stressing that the process of reproduction in males revolves around the question of erection.

    The alternative medicine practitioner said the man’s reproduction system, such as testes, prostate gland and bladder as well as urethra, must be free of infections like bacterial, fungi and viral, whether or not sexually transmitted.

    He said the male sperm bank must not be below 400 million per ejaculation, adding that it must have the needed motility.

    Moreover, it is another fact, which determines the liveliness of the male sperm and ability to swim through the female organ to the cervix, to fertilise the female eggs within the fallopian tubes, before implementation in the uterus.

    He said excessive consumption of alcohol is capable of undermining the male’s ability to effect conception, even when the female situation are intact, especially in secondary infertility as the man ages.

    He advised men to be in the right frame of mind, before and during intimacy for the whole process of erection and proper ejaculation.

    Traces of diabetes mellitus, he said, in the male could affect erection as even sustenance thereof.

    Abutoh said orthodox tests remain the best way to determine an infertile woman.

    “We ask them to test for infection (Urine/Blood, Swabs), Then genotype, hormone fests (LH, FSH) and Prolactin. Progesterone/oestrogen and hysterosalpinogram, laparoscopy and fertiloscopy,” Abutoh said.

    Men, he said, are also told totest for infection (Urine/Blood), genotype and diabetes (fasting blood sugar).

    Others are semen analysis/count and motility test for per cent of fully active, slightly active or dead semen.

    This test, he said, determines the capability of the male semen to penetrate right through the cervix, to fertilise the eggs released by the ovaries.

  • Watermelon: The super fruit

    Watermelon: The super fruit

    The founder of Pax Herbal Clinic and Research Laboratories, Rev. Father Anselm Adodo, answers the first question. A magnet-therapist,  Dr Cyril Omisande of Cyrillic Holistic Health Clinic, answers the second.

    The Harmattan is a season in the West African subcontinent, which occurs between the end of November and the middle of March. It is characterised by dry and dusty north easterly trade wind, of the same name, which blows from the Sahara Desert over West Africa into the Gulf of Guinea.

    Have you ever wondered why so many people crave for watermelon and why it is a favourite fruit for many? It is because watermelon is a super nutritious fruit in every sense of the word, an all season fruit.

    Watermelon, botanically known as citrullus lanatus, is a native of Africa, originating in the Southern African region. It is a popular fruit in Nigeria. Watermelon grows well in temperate regions, which explains why it grows very well in northern Nigeria such as Plateau State where the climate is less hot. However, watermelon can be cultivated in any part of Nigeria if adequate soil moisture is maintained. It is said that watermelon grew wildly in the African forest over 1000 years ago, from where it was transported to Asia and America, and other parts of the world. Watermelon has been selected and produced as a hybrid, which has resulted in the bigger and sweeter variety that is popular today.

    The outer rind of watermelon fruit is green, hard and thick and slightly sour in taste, while the interior is red or pink, succulent and sweet, but not sugary in taste, and contains many seeds. Watermelon is most nutritious when it is fully ripe. For this reason, very ripe watermelon is best if one wants to get its full medicinal values.

    Watermelon is known to be very high in Beta-carotene and lycopene when it is very ripe. The rind is also said to be edible, preferably after boiling. A lot of people have asked me if it safe to blend the rind and seeds of watermelon and drink. The answer is yes, there is no harm in blending both the seeds and the rinds of the ripe watermelon fruit. Note, however, that apart from the fibre and roughage, there is little nutrients in the rinds. The ripe interior is the most nutritious and beneficial part of the fruit.

    Watermelon is rich in vitamins A, B6, C, calcium, magnesium, protein, potassium, niacin and thiamine. However, lycopene, which is also present in tomato, is the most well-known phytonutrient present in watermelon. Watermelon is made up of 92 per cent water, has little or no fat, is low in sodium and also low in calories.  Fruits like watermelon allow the human body to function optimally because of the high contents of antioxidants. Antioxidants are good protection against cancer, arthritis, diabetes and high blood pressure, while Amino Acids boost the body’s immune system, thereby protecting against all forms of diseases.  Lycopene, which is also present in tomatoes, grapefruits and guava, is beneficial for a healthy heart, strong bone, and helps to prevent prostate cancer.

    To really maximise your lycopene intake, let your watermelon fully ripen. The redder your watermelon gets, the higher the concentration of lycopene becomes. Beta-carotene and phenolic antioxidant content also increases as the watermelon ripens. Watermelon seeds are also very nutritious, especially if they are sprouted and shelled. They are high in protein, magnesium, vitamin B and good fats. But do not substitute the seeds or the rinds for the fruit itself. Other benefits of watermelon are:

     

    Prevents heat stroke

    Watermelon is effective in reducing both your body temperature and blood pressure. Many people in tropical regions eat this fruit every day in the afternoon during summer to protect themselves from heat stroke. The high amount of water in watermelon also stimulates a release of excess liquid in the body.

     

     Treats kidney disorders

    Watermelons contain a lot of potassium, which is very helpful in cleaning out the toxic depositions in the kidney. Moreover, they are helpful in reducing the concentration of uric acid in the blood, thereby reducing the chances of kidney damage and the formation of renal calculi in that organ. In addition to this, being high in water content, watermelons induce frequent urinating, which is again helpful for cleaning of the kidneys. Also, the antioxidants present in watermelon ensure good health of the kidneys for a long time and reduce signs of premature aging like wrinkles and age spots on the skin.

     

    Regulates blood pressure

    The amount of potassium and magnesium present in watermelons is very beneficial in terms of lowering blood pressure. Potassium is considered a vasodilator, meaning that it releases the tension on blood vessels and arteries, thereby stimulating blood flow and reducing the stress on the cardiovascular system. The carotenoids present in these fruits also prevent hardening of artery walls and veins, thereby helping to reduce blood pressure and the chances of blood clots, strokes, heart attacks, and atherosclerosis.

     

    Prevents cancer

    Watermelons have gained a lot of attention in recent years, primarily because of their impressive level of lycopene, a carotenoid phytonutrient compound that is increasingly being linked to cancer prevention. Lycopene has been shown to significantly reduce the risks of prostate, breast, colon, lung, and endometrial cancer. All in all, between the antioxidant potential of vitamin C and the impact of lycopene, watermelon is a great anti-cancer fruit!

     

    Controls diabetes

    Diabetics, who are supposed to have a low energy and low sugar diet, often complain about starving since they don’t get to eat their staple diets, which gives them the feeling of being half-fed. Watermelons can be a good supplement for them. In spite of being sweet in taste, a thick wedge will give them very few calories, since ninety-nine percent of its total weight is composed of water and roughage. Moreover, the vitamins and minerals such as potassium and magnesium help in proper functioning of insulin in the body, thus lowering the blood sugar level. Arginine, another component found in watermelons, is very effective at enhancing the impact of insulin on blood sugar. Diabetics can also have curries, steaks, and salads made from watermelon rinds, which are even lower in sugar.

     

    Heart friendly

     

    Lycopene, a carotenoid found in abundance in watermelon, improves cardiac functions. Beta-carotene, known for its great antioxidant and anti-aging properties, keeps you young at heart and prevents age-related cardiac problems. The roughage in watermelon, along with vitamin C, carotenoids, and potassium (potassium cuts the risk of a heart attack), helps to reduce cholesterol and keep your heart safe from many dangerous conditions.

    The best way to eat watermelon is to eat it. It’s as simple as that. Just make sure you go for the very ripe fruit. If you prefer to squeeze out the juice to drink, no problem. Some people prefer to blend the whole fruit: seeds and rinds inclusive, that is also good, provided you keep in mind that the fruit itself is the most nutritious and beneficial, not the seed or the rinds. Want to give yourself a treat? Avoid the temptation to rush to the nearest fast-food shop. Go rather to the nearest local market where you can get yourself a healthy ball of watermelon, which is cheaper than a loaf of bread. Your body will be happy you did.

  • Watermelon: The super fruit

    Watermelon: The super fruit

    The founder of Pax Herbal Clinic and Research Laboratories, Rev. Father Anselm Adodo, answers the first question. 

    1) Harmattan is here and my family members are becoming hydrated, coupled with sore throat, what do you suggest I do?

    The Harmattan is a season in the West African subcontinent, which occurs between the end of November and the middle of March. It is characterised by dry and dusty north easterly trade wind, of the same name, which blows from the Sahara Desert over West Africa into the Gulf of Guinea.

    Have you ever wondered why so many people crave for watermelon and why it is a favourite fruit for many? It is because watermelon is a super nutritious fruit in every sense of the word, an all season fruit.

    Watermelon, botanically known as citrullus lanatus, is a native of Africa, originating in the Southern African region. It is a popular fruit in Nigeria. Watermelon grows well in temperate regions, which explains why it grows very well in northern Nigeria such as Plateau State where the climate is less hot. However, watermelon can be cultivated in any part of Nigeria if adequate soil moisture is maintained. It is said that watermelon grew wildly in the African forest over 1000 years ago, from where it was transported to Asia and America, and other parts of the world. Watermelon has been selected and produced as a hybrid, which has resulted in the bigger and sweeter variety that is popular today.

    The outer rind of watermelon fruit is green, hard and thick and slightly sour in taste, while the interior is red or pink, succulent and sweet, but not sugary in taste, and contains many seeds. Watermelon is most nutritious when it is fully ripe. For this reason, very ripe watermelon is best if one wants to get its full medicinal values.

    Watermelon is known to be very high in Beta-carotene and lycopene when it is very ripe. The rind is also said to be edible, preferably after boiling. A lot of people have asked me if it safe to blend the rind and seeds of watermelon and drink. The answer is yes, there is no harm in blending both the seeds and the rinds of the ripe watermelon fruit. Note, however, that apart from the fibre and roughage, there is little nutrients in the rinds. The ripe interior is the most nutritious and beneficial part of the fruit.

    Watermelon is rich in vitamins A, B6, C, calcium, magnesium, protein, potassium, niacin and thiamine. However, lycopene, which is also present in tomato, is the most well-known phytonutrient present in watermelon. Watermelon is made up of 92 per cent water, has little or no fat, is low in sodium and also low in calories.  Fruits like watermelon allow the human body to function optimally because of the high contents of antioxidants. Antioxidants are good protection against cancer, arthritis, diabetes and high blood pressure, while Amino Acids boost the body’s immune system, thereby protecting against all forms of diseases.  Lycopene, which is also present in tomatoes, grapefruits and guava, is beneficial for a healthy heart, strong bone, and helps to prevent prostate cancer.

    To really maximise your lycopene intake, let your watermelon fully ripen. The redder your watermelon gets, the higher the concentration of lycopene becomes. Beta-carotene and phenolic antioxidant content also increases as the watermelon ripens. Watermelon seeds are also very nutritious, especially if they are sprouted and shelled. They are high in protein, magnesium, vitamin B and good fats. But do not substitute the seeds or the rinds for the fruit itself. Other benefits of watermelon are:

     

    Prevents heat stroke

    Watermelon is effective in reducing both your body temperature and blood pressure. Many people in tropical regions eat this fruit every day in the afternoon during summer to protect themselves from heat stroke. The high amount of water in watermelon also stimulates a release of excess liquid in the body.

     

     Treats kidney disorders

    Watermelons contain a lot of potassium, which is very helpful in cleaning out the toxic depositions in the kidney. Moreover, they are helpful in reducing the concentration of uric acid in the blood, thereby reducing the chances of kidney damage and the formation of renal calculi in that organ. In addition to this, being high in water content, watermelons induce frequent urinating, which is again helpful for cleaning of the kidneys. Also, the antioxidants present in watermelon ensure good health of the kidneys for a long time and reduce signs of premature aging like wrinkles and age spots on the skin.

     

    Regulates blood pressure

    The amount of potassium and magnesium present in watermelons is very beneficial in terms of lowering blood pressure. Potassium is considered a vasodilator, meaning that it releases the tension on blood vessels and arteries, thereby stimulating blood flow and reducing the stress on the cardiovascular system. The carotenoids present in these fruits also prevent hardening of artery walls and veins, thereby helping to reduce blood pressure and the chances of blood clots, strokes, heart attacks, and atherosclerosis.

     

    Prevents cancer

    Watermelons have gained a lot of attention in recent years, primarily because of their impressive level of lycopene, a carotenoid phytonutrient compound that is increasingly being linked to cancer prevention. Lycopene has been shown to significantly reduce the risks of prostate, breast, colon, lung, and endometrial cancer. All in all, between the antioxidant potential of vitamin C and the impact of lycopene, watermelon is a great anti-cancer fruit!

     

    Controls diabetes

    Diabetics, who are supposed to have a low energy and low sugar diet, often complain about starving since they don’t get to eat their staple diets, which gives them the feeling of being half-fed. Watermelons can be a good supplement for them. In spite of being sweet in taste, a thick wedge will give them very few calories, since ninety-nine percent of its total weight is composed of water and roughage. Moreover, the vitamins and minerals such as potassium and magnesium help in proper functioning of insulin in the body, thus lowering the blood sugar level. Arginine, another component found in watermelons, is very effective at enhancing the impact of insulin on blood sugar. Diabetics can also have curries, steaks, and salads made from watermelon rinds, which are even lower in sugar.

     

    Heart friendly

    Lycopene, a carotenoid found in abundance in watermelon, improves cardiac functions. Beta-carotene, known for its great antioxidant and anti-aging properties, keeps you young at heart and prevents age-related cardiac problems. The roughage in watermelon, along with vitamin C, carotenoids, and potassium (potassium cuts the risk of a heart attack), helps to reduce cholesterol and keep your heart safe from many dangerous conditions.

    The best way to eat watermelon is to eat it. It’s as simple as that. Just make sure you go for the very ripe fruit. If you prefer to squeeze out the juice to drink, no problem. Some people prefer to blend the whole fruit: seeds and rinds inclusive, that is also good, provided you keep in mind that the fruit itself is the most nutritious and beneficial, not the seed or the rinds. Want to give yourself a treat? Avoid the temptation to rush to the nearest fast-food shop. Go rather to the nearest local market where you can get yourself a healthy ball of watermelon, which is cheaper than a loaf of bread. Your body will be happy you did.

  • Benefits of watermelon many, says expert

    Benefits of watermelon many, says expert

    A naturopath Dr. Robert Adamu has urged Nigerians to consume water melon as has many health benefits.

    According to Adamu, watermelon, which contains about 92 percent of water, is a refreshing fruit with nutrients; each juicy bite has significant levels of vitamins A, B6 and C, and lots of lycopene (about 20 milligrams per two-cup serving), antioxidants and amino acids that are healthy.

    Adamu said: “Lycopene is a phytonutrient, which is a naturally occurring compound in fruits and vegetables that reacts with the human body to trigger healthy reactions. It is also the red pigment that gives watermelons, tomatoes, red grapefruits and guavas their color.

    “Lycopene has been linked with heart health, bone health and prostate cancer prevention. It’s also a powerful antioxidant thought to have anti-inflammatory properties.

    To maximise lycopene intake, experts advise consumers to allow the watermelon to be fully ripened.”

    He said the redder watermelon gets, the higher the concentration of lycopene becomes. “The fruit’s beta-carotene and phenolic antioxidant content also increase as the watermelon ripens. Beta carotene is an antioxidant found in red-orange fruits and vegetables. It helps with immunity, skin, eye and the prevention of cancer. Based on scientific tests, antioxidants contained in watermelon are an effective cure for oxidative stress that is inevitable in the human body,” he said.

    Besides, watermelon, he said, lowers blood pressure, also known as hypertension, which is a very common pre-condition to heart attack, strokes and other fatal diseases if not early treated. “Watermelon reduces kidney disorder, which can lead to kidney malfunction.

    According to him, the fruit has abundant supply of both potassium and calcium each of which helps to flush out the toxin in the body. ‘’The extra calcium reduces the concentration of uric acids in the blood. And the fruit helps in these processes of body maintenance,” he explained.

    He listed other health benefits of this wonder fruit to include fostering a well-mechanised, uninterrupted timely digestion, helping in prevention of gastrointestinal problems e.g. constipation, which are commonly caused by poor diet and inadequate fluid consumption.

    Adamu said watermelon helps in skincare since it contains vitamin C and E, which help in prevention of skin diseases and infections and smoothens the skin.

    “Besides, it has been proven to help in hair growth and hair maintenance. I recommend watermelon for muscles and nerves support. This is because it is rich in potassium, which is highly beneficial to muscles. It determines the degree and frequency with which muscles contract and relaxes.

    “Watermelon consumption has also been recommended as a curative measure for physical and external wound-healing incurred in the course of daily activities. The presence of ascorbic acids or vitamin C is involved in all phases of human wound-healing. It is recommended that about 60 mg or more of vitamin C should be consumed daily,” he stated.

    • Jasini is in the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.
  • Health benefits of cucumber and watermelon

    Health benefits of cucumber and watermelon

    Medinat Kanabe takes a look at the benefits inherent in eating cucumber and watermelon.

    Cucumber is that long, cylindrical green fruit with watery, fresh taste seen mostly everywhere. It comes in different sizes and has rounded edges.

    It belongs to the same plant family as squash, pumpkin, and watermelon called the Cucurbitaceae family. Like watermelon, cucumbers are made up of 95 percent water, which means eating them on a hot summer day can help you stay hydrated.

    Watermelon on the other hand can be described as a large, roundish, or elongated fruit. It is about 95 per cent water, 6 per cent sugar which makes it very sweet.

    There are many different types of watermelon. Some have a green rind on the outside and red-pink flesh on the inside with black seeds.

    Some can have yellow flesh and some can be seedless. The green rind on the outside is not usually eaten, though some people use it as vegetable.

    Both fruits are said to have Vitamins K, B, copper, potassium, vitamin C, and manganese and can help one to avoid nutrient deficiencies that are widespread.

    They also contain unique polyphenols and other compounds that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and much more.

    According to a nutritionist, Dr Timilehin Adebayo, cucumber and watermelon are very nutritious and very good fruits for the support of the heart.

    “It allows the heart to regulate well. It works with the kidney and liver to reduce the cholesterol and excess fat in the liver and also regulates the blood sugar in the system. It also cleans the blood. It is also good to go with other fruits like the carrot and garden eggs.”

    He said the green part, the seeds and the white of cucumber and every part of the watermelon is very good for the body and added that the best way to eat the fruits and make it function well in the body is to eat it all.

    “But first the person must wash the fruit well before eating it. When you eat only the inner part and throw the back and seeds away, the animals will pick them up and eat which cause them to look very fresh. The back part makes the skin look very fresh.”

    He advised that when one wants to eat the fruits, he or she should either swallow or chew the seeds. “You can swallow because it is not up to the size of a tablet,” he added.

    He noted that swallowing the seeds will not cause harm to the body and that both watermelon and cucumber gives good nutrients and aids excretion.

    He warned though that cucumber and watermelon are not medicines. “They cannot be used as drugs when one is sick.”

    9 benefits the cucumber and watermelon

    Protect your brain

    They contain an anti-inflammatory flavonol called fisetin that appears to play an important role in brain health. In addition to improving your memory and protecting your nerve cells from age-related decline, 1fisetin has been found to prevent progressive memory and learning impairments in mice with Alzheimer’s disease.

    Reduce cancer risk

    The fruits contain polyphenols called lignans (pinoresinol, lariciresinol, and secoisolariciresinol), which may help to lower your risk of breast, uterine, ovarian, and prostate cancers.

    They also contain phytonutrients called cucurbitacins, which also has anti-cancer properties.

    Fight inflammation

    They may help to “cool” the inflammatory response in the body.

    Antioxidant properties

    Watermelon and cucumber contain numerous antioxidants, including the well-known vitamin C and beta-carotene. They also contain antioxidant flavonoids, such as quercetin, apigenin, luteolin, and kaempferol, which provide additional benefits.

    Cucumber freshens breath

    Placing a cucumber slice on the roof of your mouth may help to rid your mouth of odor-causing bacteria. According to the principles of Ayurveda, eating cucumbers may also help to release excess heat in your stomach, which is said to be a primary cause of bad breath.

    Manages stress

    Cucumbers contain multiple B vitamins, including vitamin B1, vitamin B5, and vitamin B7 (biotin). B vitamins are known to help ease feelings of anxiety and buffer some of the damaging effects of stress.

    Support digestive health

    They are rich in two of the most basic elements needed for healthy digestion: water and fiber. If you struggle with acid reflux, you should know that drinking water can help suppress acute symptoms of acid reflux by temporarily raising stomach pH; it’s possible that water-rich cucumbers may have a similar effect.

    Maintain healthy weight

    The fruits are very low in calories, yet they make a filling snack (one cup of sliced cucumber contains just 16 calories). The soluble fiber in them dissolves into a gel-like texture in your gut, helping to slow down your digestion. This helps you to feel full longer and is one reason why fiber-rich foods may help with weight control.

    Support heart health

    They contain potassium, which is associated with lower blood pressure levels. A proper balance of potassium both inside and outside your cells is crucial for your body to function properly.

    As an electrolyte, potassium is a positive charged ion that must maintain a certain concentration (about 30 times higher inside than outside your cells) in order to carry out its functions, which includes interacting with sodium to help control nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and heart function.

    They make a great base for vegetable juice

    There are many ways to enjoy the fruits, such as fermented or raw in vinegar-based salads. If you’re looking for something different, cucumbers make an ideal base for your vegetable juice due to their mild flavor and high water content. In fact, a simple juice of cucumber and celery is ideal for those new to juicing.

  • Beat the heat with delicious watermelon

    Beat the heat with delicious watermelon

    Feeling thirsty and wish to refresh your body with something cool, delicious as well as nutritious? Then watermelon is your best bet. With its high water content, juicy watermelon will help you beat the heat and stay cool in the dry weather being experienced presently.

    Due to its high water content (92 percent), watermelon is packed with hydration power to keep you feeling refreshed, thus preventing dehydration which could cause fatigue, headaches and poor concentration.

    Besides its sweet, refreshing taste, watermelon is full of health boosting nutrients that are beneficial to the body. For instance, it contains Vit A, C and potassium, a mineral that helps lower blood pressure. Watermelon also contains dietary fiber for healthy digestive tract, thus good for constipation.

    Another important nutrient in watermelon is lycopene, which is also found in tomatoes and other red vegetables and fruits.

    Lycopene acts as a super antioxidant, stopping free radicals from damaging the body’s cells and affecting the immune system. Some research even suggests that lycopene may help fight heart disease and several types of cancer. Like other fruits and vegetables, watermelons may be helpful in reducing the risk of cancer through their antioxidant properties. Lycopene in particular has been linked to reducing prostate cancer cell proliferation, according to research.

    It also has anti-inflammatory properties due to its lycopene content making it good for arthritis, joint pains and muscle soreness after an intense work out session.

    Watermelon has skin and hair benefits because of its high Vitamin A and C content. Vitamin A helps keep skin and hair moisturized and it also encourages healthy growth of new collagen and elastin cells. Vitamin C is also beneficial in this regard as it promotes healthy collagen growth which helps the skin retain moisture, plumpness and fresh look.

    Watermelon can be eaten in a variety of ways including in salad dishes such as tomatoes and watermelon salad, pineapple, apple and watermelon salad, plum, pawpaw and watermelon salsa as well as refreshing watermelon juice.