It's that time of year again for watermelons to hit the market. Eating a few bites on a hot summer day can help beat the heat. Legend has it that watermelons were introduced to China from the West during the Five Dynasties period, hence the name "watermelon" (xi gua, meaning "western melon"). Its nature is considered quite cooling, so it is also commonly known as the "cooling melon" (han gua) in folk culture.
Watermelons are rich in various vitamins, such as A, B, and C, as well as protein and multiple minerals, including iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc. The juice is exceptionally high in glutamic acid, arginine, fructose, and malic acid. With a water content as high as 96.6%, it ranks first among all melons and fruits, earning it the prestigious title "King of Summer Fruits."
The flesh, rind, and seeds of the watermelon are all used for medicinal purposes. In medical books throughout history, there are numerous records of watermelon being used as medicine, believed to have effects such as relieving summer heat, quenching thirst, promoting urination, treating throat infections, and detoxifying alcohol. Modern research has also confirmed that watermelon has multiple benefits, including heat relief, diuretic effects, blood pressure reduction, and expelling parasites, making it quite versatile in medical applications. Watermelon promotes urination and reduces swelling, helping to expel excess moisture from the body and has a detoxifying effect in summer. By slicing the rind into shreds or thin pieces, boiling it in water, and adding tomatoes, eggs, and seasonings, you can make a soup that helps relieve summer heat and promotes urination. Watermelon seeds have a blood pressure-lowering effect. Taking 9 to 15 grams of watermelon seed kernels, decocted in water for drinking, or eating them raw or roasted and chewed, can all help lower blood pressure and is suitable for patients with hypertension. A decoction of watermelon roots and leaves can treat diarrhea and enteritis. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the watermelon rind is called "xī guā cuì yī" (green watermelon rind). It is sweet and cool in nature and is an excellent remedy for sore throats.
While watermelon is a great food, there are some precautions. As a raw and cold food, it is quite cooling. Therefore, individuals with a weak constitution, those with excessive menstrual flow, chronic gastritis patients with poor digestion, and the elderly should not consume it in large quantities. Eating too much can damage the spleen and stomach, leading to bloating, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Due to its high sugar content, diabetics should also avoid eating too much watermelon. Consuming a large amount of watermelon at once can dilute gastric juices and may also cause indigestion and a decrease in gastrointestinal resistance.