August is a season of sweet gourds, known both for their wonderful taste and health benefits.
Water melons and yellow melons contain vitamins A, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, C, E, H, and PP, as well as potassium, calcium, zinc, copper, manganese, iron, chlorine, sulfur, phosphorus, and sodium. Moreover, they are rich in water and fiber.
As Chief Dietologist of the University Clinic Venera Averkieva told us, yellow melons, containing more fats and carbohydrates, are richer in calories than water melons, “Water melon fibers help in normalizing metabolism. A well-known ability of water melons is cleansing kidneys and liver thanks to their potent diuretic and choleretic properties. Eating water melons reduces cholesterol levels in blood”.
Yellow melons are also beneficial for patients with kidney and liver diseases, as well as increasing general immunity.
“Yellow melon also has anti-stress properties. Its fragrant and juicy flesh raises spirits and fights insomnia and anxiety. Melons are rich in folic acid, which is good for blood production and reducing bad cholesterol”, said Dr. Averkieva.
Speaking about dietary properties, the interviewee recommended employing fasting day techniques, “During such a day you have to eat 1.5 kg of ripe yellow melon flesh and drink 2 – 2.5 liters of non-sweet liquids. By having one such day a week you can easily lose 5-6 kg in a couple of months”.
Water melons contain less sugar and more water, so they are also an excellent choice for a fasting day.
Dr. Averkieva explained, “You can eat 1 – 1.5 kg of water melons, rye crisp breads, and crackers; no tea or coffee during such a day. This diet is not only beneficial for your body shape, it’s also a great cleansing – you get rid of excessive salt and cholesterol, give your immune system a boost. But you cannot use melon diets with diminished function of kidneys or kidney stones of more than 4 mm in diameter”.
Excessive intake of water melons is also not recommended to diabetes patients and those with renal insufficiency. Yellow melons can be detrimental to people with diabetes, gut diseases, stomach and duodenal ulcers, and during lactation.