Watermelon is a major fruit belonging to family Cucurbitaceae and species Citrullus lanatus which is widely distributed in sub tropic and tropic regions. It is an extensive vegetable crops which is large, oval round or oblong in shape with smooth skin, dark rind and occasionally pale green stripes that turn yellowish green when ripe. It is rich in vitamins and a good source of phytochemicals.
Watermelon rind is a tough outer layer which has green exterior which fades to pale white inside before offering red and pink flesh of the fruit. Rind is harder and less juicy. The rind possesses large percentage of nutrients but usually people discard the leaves. It encompasses low calories and high content of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, potassium, Vitamin B6 and zinc. It is loaded with citrulline, chlorophyll, amino acids, lycopene, phenolic compounds and flavonoids.
Rind when dried becomes thin and curled. It forms irregular or cylindrical shapes of different sizes with yellow, yellow-green or dark brown on outer surface. Now let us have a look on the health benefits it offers:
- Skin health
Watermelon rind is filled with lycopene, flavonoids and antioxidants that are known to lower free radical effects and oxidative stress. It minimizes the appearance of blemishes, wrinkles and age spots that is seen as people ages.
- Maintain blood pressure
Rind contains high level of potassium that acts as a vasodilator by lowering stress and strain on arteries and blood vessels. It reduces the chances of atherosclerosis, strokes, heart attacks and coronary heart disease.
- Strengthen immunity
A single serving of 1 cup of rind offers more than 30% of daily requirement for Vitamin C that enhance immune system. Vitamin C stimulates the white blood cells production that acts as a first line of defense against infection and foreign pathogens.
- Lose weight
It is a low calorie snack that supports weight loss due to high content of fiber. It makes one feel full by stimulating metabolism and promoting fat burning capacity to shed some pounds.
- Healthy pregnancy
Study have shown that the rind possess natural sugars that helps to minimize symptoms of morning sickness and swelling related with pregnancy as it has high content of potassium.
- Libido
Rind is related with progressing sexual performance having the effects on blood vessel constriction by allowing better flow of blood to intimate areas. It promotes sexual performance and libido with partner.
- Chronic ailments
Rind has lycopene and citrulline that supports in neutralizing free radicals before they causes cellular mutation and lead to chronic ailments.
- Prostate health
As a great source of lycopene which acts as an antioxidant that helps to ward off prostate cancer. Further research is needed to discover the exact relationship between lycopene and prevention of cancer. It contains diuretic properties that maintain urinary tract in healthy working order.
Culinary uses
- Make the preserves by boiling chunks of watermelon rind with sugar and other ingredients.
- Prepare a salad by combining the pieces of watermelon peel and onion. Add black pepper for taste.
Side effects
- When consumed in excessive amounts, it causes injury of spleen and stomach. It may result to diarrhea, gastrointestinal dysfunction and other diseases.
- Not to be used by patients with dampness and cold in stomach and spleen.
References:
https://www.ijcmas.com/special/5/G.%20Gladvin,%20et%20al.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watermelon_rind_preserves
http://www.chineseherbshealing.com/watermelon-rind/