5 COMMON FRUITS FOUND IN NORTHERN NIGERIA. #3- WATER MELON (Citrullus lanatus)
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Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), is a
nutrient dense food that provides a high amount of vitamins, minerals and
antioxidants for a low amount of calories.
It is a member of the botanical
family Cucurbitaceae.
There are 5 common types of
watermelon:
·
Seeded
·
Seedless
·
Mini
·
Yellow
·
Orange
A seedless watermelon is a sterile
hybrid, which is created by crossing male pollen for a watermelon, containing
22 chromosomes per cell, with a female watermelon flower with 44 chromosomes
per cell. When this seeded fruit matures, the small white seed coated inside
contain 33 chromosomes, rendering it sterile and incapable of producing seeds.
In Northern Nigeria, it is grown in
states such as Kano, Sokoto.
NUTRITIONAL CONTENT OF WATERMELON
there are a lot of nutrients
contained in all part of a watermelon. This includes the seed, the rind, the
white flesh nearest the rind.
·
Vitamin A, B6, C
·
Potassium
·
Amino acid
·
Lycopene
·
Iron
·
Manganese
·
Calcium
·
Magnesium
HEALTH BENEFIT OF CONSUMING WATERMELON
v
Lowers risk of heart disease.
v
It is made up of 92% percent water. The water
content helps keep you hydrated, reduces your body temperature and prevents
heatstroke.
v
Abundant calcium and potassium helps in flushing
out toxins in the body’s kidney.
v
Vitamin A constituent helps the eyes stay healthy.
It prevents premature eye degeneration
and unfortunate eye diseases.
v
Rich in water and fibre which aids in digestion,
as it helps promote regularity in the digestive tract.
v
Vitamin A in it helps keep the skin and hair
moisturized.
v
Through its antioxidant properties, it is
helpful in reducing the risk of cancer.
v
Watermelon seeds are low in calories and are
nutrient dense;
·
Contains Magnesium which helps to maintain nerve
and muscle function.
·
Contains iron which helps the body convert
calories to energy. Iron is important in carrying oxygen through the body
(haemoglobin).
·
Contains fats which are useful in protecting
against heart attack and stroke, and lowering levels of bad cholesterol in the
blood.
v
The rind, which is the green skin which is
usually thrown away is completely edible;
·
It improves one’s sexual performance.
·
It improves athletic performance.
·
It reduces blood pressure. It can help obese
adults in controlling their blood pressure.
·
Contains an antioxidant that could ward off
prostate cancer.
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