Watermelon
Watermelon
Watermelon is a delicious summer fruit packed with nutrients and 92% water content. It hydrates and helps keep the body cool during the hot months of summer.
Since Watermelon has high water content, it helps in weight loss by making you feel full and reducing the urge to overeat. It is beneficial in managing sexual problems in both men and women such as premature ejaculation and loss of libido. Consumption of Watermelon also helps in improving digestion because of its high fibre content.
Watermelon is widely used in the cosmetic industry to keep the skin and hair healthy due to its hydrating properties. In Ayurveda, Watermelon is considered to provide a cooling effect and remove dryness which helps manage acne and pimples. Applying Watermelon pulp or juice also protects from sunburn due to its Sita (cold) and Ropna (healing) properties[1-4].
Since Watermelon has high water content, it helps in weight loss by making you feel full and reducing the urge to overeat. It is beneficial in managing sexual problems in both men and women such as premature ejaculation and loss of libido. Consumption of Watermelon also helps in improving digestion because of its high fibre content.
Watermelon is widely used in the cosmetic industry to keep the skin and hair healthy due to its hydrating properties. In Ayurveda, Watermelon is considered to provide a cooling effect and remove dryness which helps manage acne and pimples. Applying Watermelon pulp or juice also protects from sunburn due to its Sita (cold) and Ropna (healing) properties[1-4].
What are the synonyms of Watermelon?
Citrullus lanatus, Tarbuj, Kalingada, Kalingu, Phuti, Kakri, Tarmuj, Karigu, Kalling, Bacchaanga, Kalingad, Karbuj, Kharbuja, Tarbuja, Darbusini, Kummattikai, Thannimathai, Thannir Mathan, Kummattika, Puchakayi, Kallangadi, Kallachi, Karabooja, Kekkarike
What is the source of Watermelon?
Plant Based
Benefits of Watermelon
1. Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual Dysfunction in men can be in the form of loss of libido i.e. having no inclination towards a sexual act. There can also be a low erection time or semen expelled soon after a sexual activity. This is also referred to as ‘early discharge or premature ejaculation. Regular intake of Watermelon helps in proper functioning of male sexual performance. This is due to its Vajikarna (aphrodisiac) property. Watermelon also gives an excellent result in case of loss of libido in women.
Tips:
a. Take Watermelon fresh fruit 1/2- 1 cup or as per taste.
b. Take it after some light food preferably in the daytime.
c. This will help in maintaining a healthy sexual life.
2. Hyperacidity
Hyperacidity means an increased level of acid in the stomach. An aggravated Pitta impairs the digestive fire, leading to improper digestion of food and production of Ama. This Ama gets accumulated in the digestive channels and causes hyperacidity. Regular intake of Watermelon helps to reduce the acid level in the stomach because of its Sita (cold) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2-1 cup of Watermelon fresh juice.
b. Drink it before taking food once or twice a day to get rid of hyperacidity.
3. Burning sensation of urine
Burning sensation of urine is a common symptom of urine infection or due to less intake of water. An aggravated Pitta produces toxins in the body. These toxins accumulate in the urinary channels and creates a burning sensation. Eating Watermelon helps to get rid of burning sensation. This is because of its Sita (cold) and Mutral (diuretic) properties.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2-1 cup of Watermelon fresh juice.
b. Drink it after taking light food once or twice a day.
c. Repeat this daily to get rid of burning sensation of urine.
Sexual Dysfunction in men can be in the form of loss of libido i.e. having no inclination towards a sexual act. There can also be a low erection time or semen expelled soon after a sexual activity. This is also referred to as ‘early discharge or premature ejaculation. Regular intake of Watermelon helps in proper functioning of male sexual performance. This is due to its Vajikarna (aphrodisiac) property. Watermelon also gives an excellent result in case of loss of libido in women.
Tips:
a. Take Watermelon fresh fruit 1/2- 1 cup or as per taste.
b. Take it after some light food preferably in the daytime.
c. This will help in maintaining a healthy sexual life.
2. Hyperacidity
Hyperacidity means an increased level of acid in the stomach. An aggravated Pitta impairs the digestive fire, leading to improper digestion of food and production of Ama. This Ama gets accumulated in the digestive channels and causes hyperacidity. Regular intake of Watermelon helps to reduce the acid level in the stomach because of its Sita (cold) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2-1 cup of Watermelon fresh juice.
b. Drink it before taking food once or twice a day to get rid of hyperacidity.
3. Burning sensation of urine
Burning sensation of urine is a common symptom of urine infection or due to less intake of water. An aggravated Pitta produces toxins in the body. These toxins accumulate in the urinary channels and creates a burning sensation. Eating Watermelon helps to get rid of burning sensation. This is because of its Sita (cold) and Mutral (diuretic) properties.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2-1 cup of Watermelon fresh juice.
b. Drink it after taking light food once or twice a day.
c. Repeat this daily to get rid of burning sensation of urine.
How to use Watermelon
1. Watermelon Fresh juice
a. Take 1/2-1 cup of Watermelon fresh juice.
b. Drink it before taking food once or twice a day to get rid of hyperacidity.
2. Watermelon fruit bowl
a. Take a fresh Watermelon.
b. Remove the peel and cut it into small pieces.
c. Have it in your breakfast or as a snack bowl.
a. Take 1/2-1 cup of Watermelon fresh juice.
b. Drink it before taking food once or twice a day to get rid of hyperacidity.
2. Watermelon fruit bowl
a. Take a fresh Watermelon.
b. Remove the peel and cut it into small pieces.
c. Have it in your breakfast or as a snack bowl.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Yes, Watermelon can be eaten on an empty stomach. All the essential nutrients of Watermelon are absorbed effectively by the body when consumed on an empty stomach.
Ayurvedic View
Eating Watermelon on an empty stomach helps to give relief from hyperacidity.
Modern Science View
No adverse effects appear when Watermelon seeds are consumed. But excessive consumption must be avoided.
Modern Science View
Consuming a reasonable amount of Watermelon is not harmful. However, a large amount can elevate the amount of lycopene and potassium in the body. It may lead to nausea, indigestion, diarrhea and bloating.
Modern Science View
It is generally advisable to avoid eating Watermelon with milk as it can lead to the production of excessive gas and cause discomfort.
Ayurvedic View
Watermelon should not be eaten after milk. This is because Watermelon is Guru (heavy) in nature and takes time to digest. Milk also has Kapha increasing property which might make digestion difficult causing gas or indigestion.
Modern Science View
Watermelon contains fruit sugar and is sweet in taste. But it is not high in sugar. Watermelon has low glycemic load which means that it will not alter your blood sugar level much after eating it.
Modern Science View
Watermelon contains vitamin C that keeps the skin young, healthy and glowing. Its antioxidant property helps to fight against the free radicals and prevent cell damage and controls the aging of skin[6].
Tips:
1. Take the pulp of Watermelon.
2. Apply it on the face as a mask.
3. Keep it for 5-10 minutes.
4. Then rinse it with cool water.
Tips:
1. Take the pulp of Watermelon.
2. Apply it on the face as a mask.
3. Keep it for 5-10 minutes.
4. Then rinse it with cool water.
Ayurvedic View
Skin dullness generally occurs due to the imbalance of Pitta dosha. Watermelon has the property of balancing Pitta dosha which helps to maintain a glowing skin.
References
- Oseni OA, Odesanmi OE, Oladele FC.Antioxidative and antidiabetic activities of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) juice on oxidative stress in alloxan-induced diabetic male Wistar albino rats.Niger Med J. 2015;56(4):272–277.
- Sharma S, Dave V, Paliwal S, et al.Gastroprotective activity of reconstituted red fruit pulp concentrate of Citrullus lanatus in rats.Anc Sci Life.2014;34(2):103–108.
- Kumari A, Rao J, Kumari J, et al.Analgesic activity of aqueous extract of Citrullus lanatus peels.Advances in Pharmacology and Pharmacy.2013;1(3):135-138.
- Naz A, Butt MS, Sultan MT, et al.Watermelon lycopene and allied health claims.EXCLI J. 2014; 13:650–660.
- Olaniyan MF, Elizabeth B, Moyinoluwa E, et al.Health Promoting Bioactivities of Fruit Juice of Water Melon (Citrullus lanatus) in Rabbits Overdosaged with Panadol Extra Using Liver Biomarkers Bioactivities of Fruit Juice of Water Melon (Citrullus lanatus) in Rabbits Overdosaged with Panadol Extra Using Liver Biomarkers.European academic research.2016;4(6):5640-5657.
- Reetu and Tomar.Watermelon : A valuable horticultural crop with nutritional benefits.Popular Kheti.2017;5(2):5-9.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.