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Yes, you can beat the summer heat with watermelons


Temperatures are rising and the summer is usually hottest just before the wet season.  
 
Notice how people who are cautious enough to carry umbrellas when rain is predicted push themselves behond safety limits in the sun? The result is heat exhaustion, a condition where excessive loss of body fluids results in a corresponding rise in body temperature. In some instances, if the body's temperature rises dramatically enough, heat stroke happens.   
The watermelon's cooling effect comes from its component citrulline, which is converted to arginine in the body.
"Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not promptly and properly treated," wrote Dr. Melissa Conrad Stöppler, an American board-certified anatomic pathologist, in an article that appeared on MedicineNet.com.
 
Heat stroke and heat exhaustion, fortunately, by eating watermelon. This is according to Dr. Willie T. Ong, an internist-cardiologist who was given the Outstanding Filipino Physician Award by the Department of Health in 2007. 
 
"Watermelon has long provided a safe source of fluid for many desert regions in the world," Dr. Ong explained. "Watermelon's cooling effect comes from its component citrulline, which is converted to arginine in the body".
 
Arginine is a component needed to produce nitric oxide, a substance that relaxes the blood vessels, improves blood flow and may even protect from heart attack and stroke. It can also help remove ammonia from the body, said Dr. Ong. 
 
He reported that, in South Africa, watermelon rind is placed on the forehead and temples to cool a headache. In India, just like in the Philippines, watermelon is sold by vendors everywhere during summer.
 
According to Dr. Ong, every two cups of watermelon (280 grams) contain 80 calories, zero fat, 27 grams of carbohydrates, 10 milligrams of sodium, 80 micrograms of Vitamin A, lots of Vitamin Bs, 80 milligrams of Vitamin C, 18 milligrams of lycopene, and ample amounts of potassium, iron, and calcium.
 
As such, Dr. Ong considers watermelon as a natural energy drink. "Watermelon gives a rich source of B vitamins, electrolytes and potassium," he said. "The B vitamins are needed for energy production and potassium is essential for heart and muscle contraction."
 
Compared to an apple, watermelon has only half as much sugar, and yet, "it tastes sweeter because of its high water content," Dr. Ong pointed out.
 
Don't throw away those watermelon pulps! They can be used to treat heat rash and burns. Hot rashes are pimple-like eruptions at teh back and chest area due to excessive sweating and heat.
 
As a home remedy, Dr. Ong suggested that we "Place a watermelon rind in a refrigerator and let it cool. After a few hours, apply the inner part of the rind on the affected areas of the body. The cooling effect of the watermelon rind relieves the heat rash".
 
The water in the fruit is said to be made of 92 percent pure alkaline water. "Compared to acidic juices of oranges and pineapple (which may irritate people with ulcer and gastritis), watermelon is safe for your stomach," Dr. Ong says.
 
Not only that.  Watermelon is good for the kidneys, bladder, and those having problems with gout. 
 
“Just like coconut water, watermelon is effective for cleansing the kidneys and bladder," informed Dr. Ong.
 
People with urinary tract infection or kidney stones may help treat their conditions by drinking lots of watermelon juice (and distilled water, too). As for those with gouts, Dr. Ong assured that "Watermelon does not contain uric acid, and can help people with gout by reducing the amount of uric acid in the body."
 
So, keep the doctor away by eating watermelon this summer. "During the hot and humid weather, nothing beats a cold, sweat and juicy slice of watermelon. It's healthy and refreshing," Dr. Ong concluded. – KDM, GMA News 
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