Most people think that melon is a fruit, but they are mistaken. Melon comes from the pumpkin family and is a vegetable. The melon ripens from August to September, and it blooms once a year. The length of its stem reaches three meters, depending on the variety, the leaves can be of different shapes and lengths. The fruits of a vegetable are round and oval, orange or light green, inside with a white fragrant flesh.
These delicious vegetables began to grow more than 4000 years ago. Her homeland is Asia Minor, East Indies and Africa. This gourd tolerates drought and heat. It came to Russia from Asia in the 17th century, it began to be grown everywhere - the most favorable climate for this vegetable is considered to be the south of Russia and the Astrakhan region.
In other regions of Russia, melon began to be cultivated in greenhouses, as well as watermelons. Currently, there are practically no places where wild melon grows. The calorie content of the "false berry" is very small, so she was so fond of women who are watching the figure. Its aroma, juiciness and high taste are highly appreciated in cooking.
What varieties of melon exist?
The melon population has in its arsenal many of the most diverse varieties, differing from each other in size and taste characteristics. The most popular and sweetest are:
· Honey variety: it is round, elongated and oval in shape, greenish in color and without outlines on the peel. Inside with a sweet and juicy pulp of light green or orange. Honey melon - its calorie content is about 30 kcal.
· Torpedo - this species is rich in enzymes, this contributes to its quick and easy digestibility and normalization of the intestinal tract. The largest fruits weighing up to 4 kg.
· Variety "collective farmer" - probably the most popular type with a bright aroma and delicate pulp. "Berry" spherical in shape and smooth peel, weighing up to 1 kg.
Is melon useful and what is its composition?
90% of the gourds consist of water, because of this the calorie content of the melon so low - no more than 36 kcal. Low fat content and a whole range of useful trace elements make this product indispensable. It includes: phosphorus, calcium, silicon, zinc, potassium, magnesium, fiber, starch, nicotinic and folic acids, disaccharides, ash, aromatic and volatile substances, extractive and nitrogenous substances.
There is a lot of iron and folic acid in it, this combination perfectly increases hemoglobin and stimulates blood circulation. The peel contains chlorophyll, it is responsible for the functioning of the hematopoietic system and the proper functioning of the glands. In order for this valuable substance to enter the body, the skin must be passed through a juicer or ground in a blender.
She also quenches thirst well and lowers appetite. In the pulp there is a hormone of happiness - serotonin, which helps to increase mood. And its seeds are a natural aphrodisiac, therefore it is recommended to use melon for men to improve potency. It is better to eat fresh food, you need to eat it separately from other products, because digestion is possible.
One of the best remedies in the fight against exhaustion and anemia is also melon. Calorie content is small, and the benefits are huge. It also actively reduces the negative effect of antibiotics and significantly enhances their effect. The fruits of this culture are able to replace drugs with an upset digestive system.
To strengthen immunity, also eat melon. "False berry" is a natural antidepressant and has a beneficial effect on the central nervous system. Women can use it as face and neck masks - it prevents wrinkles and improves skin color.
Drink melon juice on an empty stomach for the treatment and prevention of worms. The same juice can be drunk for people suffering from constipation and hemorrhoids. When compressing, do compresses, they not only facilitate the clinic, but also contribute to a quick recovery.
For those who want to lose weight or cleanse the body, melon is also suitable. Its calorie content is so small that several fruits of this “berry” can be eaten per day. It is rich in fiber, which helps to eliminate excess cholesterol and stimulates the intestines.
Kids under three years old are not recommended to give this fruit. Even older children need to be careful to give melon and then no more than two pieces per day. People with diabetes need to reduce the consumption of vegetables to a minimum.