European University of Lefke (EUL) Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Faculty Member, Assist. Prof. Dr. Nazal Bardak Perçinci gave information about the benefits of watermelon and melon from summer fruits.

Stating that colourful fruits take their place on the shelves with the summer season and it will be possible to talk about the different benefits of each colour fruit, Perçinci stated that the fruits provide many vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for the body along with the flavour. Perçinci, who said, “The common features of summer fruits are the high amount of water they contain,” continued his information about the benefits of watermelon and melon from summer fruits as follows;

Watermelon is the fastest food for athletes to replace lost minerals

Considering the world, watermelon, whose consumption and production is quite high, is the most produced fruit type after tomato. The water content is approximately 92%. 100 grams of watermelon provides the body with approximately 30 kilocalories of energy. One serving is about 200 grams and approximately one thin slice. This amount of watermelon corresponds to a standard fruit change of 60 kilocalories. 100 grams of watermelon contains 8 grams of carbohydrates, 0.6 grams of protein, 0.2 grams of fat. Vitamin and mineral content is also very high and 100 grams of watermelon is 14% of daily vitamin C requirement, 12% of vitamin A requirement, 3% of potassium mineral requirement, 2% of magnesium requirement and vitamins B1, B5, B6. meets 2% of the requirement. It is very rich in carotenoids. Especially it is a valuable source of carotenoids called lycopene and beta carotene and citrulline, which is an important amino acid type, and brings many benefits in terms of health. The benefits can be summarized as follows: it fights cancer, protects from cardiovascular diseases, improves skin health, is the fastest food for athletes to replace lost minerals, prevents dehydration.

Due to the ratio of water in melon, it is important in pregnancy nutrition and sports nutrition.

Melon is a low-calorie and highly fibrous food. There are 150 grams, that is, 1.5 grams of fiber in one serving of melon. This fruit with high fiber content helps the intestines to work. Many yellow and orange fruits are rich in beta carotene. Beta carotene is a component that can easily turn into vitamin A, with this feature it gives positive effects on eye health. It has been seen in some studies that beta carotene can prevent cataract formation. In addition, beta carotene in melon is very useful for strong immunity and general health.

Due to the containing vitamins A, B, D, fiber and water, it is of great importance in nutrition and sports nutrition during pregnancy and takes its place in the nutrition menus in special cases. It is also thought to be effective in protecting skin health and cardiovascular diseases, but due to the fruit sugar content it contains, the portion should be adjusted by considering fasting blood sugar levels from diabetic people. 100 grams average as nutritional content; It contains 34 Kcal, 8.6 g carbohydrates, 0.84 g protein and 0.19 g fat.