Friday, June 01, 2007

Cleansing Power of Watermelon

Last night at the 14-Day Renewal Cleanse, I mentioned the incredibly cleansing power of watermelon. One of the participants inquired as to why the watermelon has such a great ability to cleanse. In fact, you could do a 3-Day cleanse just eating watermelon. Juicng the rind, when your melon is organic, has value as well. I think a perfect addition to this is juicing wheatgrass or barley grass througout the day, drinking anywhere from 2-6 ounces.

Here is what Brigitte Mars says about watermelon in her book Rawsome. Brigitte is a wonderful herbalist and always has such a fresh take on nutrition of fruits, vegetables, weeds and other plants. I met her at the Raw Spirit Festival in 2006 and she is just delightful. She took a group of us on a spontaneous herb walk, and the doc (well, that's me) learned alot! Thanks Brigitte!

Watermelon is cold, sweet and refreshing and provides a safe reliable fluid in many desert regions of the world. Watermelon is considered a rejuvenating blood tonic and very alkalinizing. It is also antibacterial, antioxidant, anticoagulating, a digestive aid, diuretic, and laxative. It lubricates the intestines and has an affinity for the bladder, kidney, stomach and heart. Watermelon is a good source of beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium, and silicon. It actually has half as much sugar as an apple, yet tastes sweeter, because it is mostly (92%) water. Watermelon contains the red pigment, lycopene which is proving to prevent cancer. It also contains glutathione, which guards against cataract formation. Watermelon helps lift the spirits from depression and has been used to improve halitosis, hangover, mouth sores, sore throat, and urethral pain. Watermelon makes an ideal food during a cleanse.

When the white spot that touches the ground, turns yellow or cream colored, it indicates ripeness. Avoid melons with a green or white belly. Select a melon heavy for its size. When the melon is thumped, it should have a dull, hollow sound. If the skin is scraped with one's nail and it comes off easily, the melon is ripe. Smell for a sweet fragrance. Best to enjoy watermelon alone, but try it with other melons in a fruit salad or juice it. Enjoy a cool watermelon sorbet.

Watermelon rind contains chlorophyll and can be eaten (close to the skin) or run through a juicer for building the blood and strengthening the glands. In some parts of South America, watermelon rind is applied to the temples and forehead to cool a headache. Watermelon pulp is used topically to treat heat rash and burns. The black watermelon seeds are a traditional remedy for strengthening the kidneys. The seeds, juice and pink flesh can all be juiced together. They contain curcurbocitrin which dilates the capillaries. Look for watermelons with seeds and eat them! I promise, a melon won't grow in your belly.

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I recommend that your watermelons have SEEDS and that they are organic. Enjoy!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

hey Doc! thanks for the entertaining and very informative post!