How to choose a watermelon?

August - the traditional period when the mass-selling watermelons appear. In addition, the watermelons are delicious, there are still some properties that make a watermelon is not just a treat, but also a very useful product. Watermelon contains 88 - 94% water, 9% - easily digestible sugars such as fructose, glucose and sucrose, vitamins - B1, B2, C, carotene, pantothenic and folic acid, and minerals - magnesium, potassium, iron, etc. All These elements are very beneficial to the digestive process in humans. The flesh of watermelon contains a delicate fiber, which reduce cholesterol levels in the body. Watermelon - it's the best diuretic. Watermelon juice perfectly cleanses the liver and kidney of the body and thus contributes to the improvement of those bodies in stagnation. Therefore, watermelon recommend that those who have the tendency to form stones in the liver and kidneys. Watermelon helps with an upset stomach as neutralizes the excess acids. In addition, watermelon is useful for people with weak cardiovascular system for patients with multiple sclerosis, gout and arthritis. However, we all know that in some cases, these juicy berries can cause acute poisoning. The natural aging time of watermelons - August - September. But they appear in trade since the beginning of July, and then in June. Vendors usually say that it is "early" varieties, but in the nature of even the earliest varieties ripen until late July - is if the summer months have been particularly hot. What are these miracles of nature that you can enjoy a month or two ahead of schedule? The answer is simple: In order to quickly watermelon ripe, they are often overfed nitrogen fertilizers in large quantities "saturate" micronutrients. Injections of potassium permanganate, so that the flesh was a natural red color. An overdose of nitrogen fertilizers leads to an increased content of nitrates. What are nitrates and dangerous than they first talked about in our country in the 70's, when Uzbekistan had happened a few massive gastrointestinal poisoning melons by over-feeding them ammonium nitrate. In the world of science Nitrates knew much earlier. Nitrates - a salt of nitric acid, which accumulate in the food and water at an excess content in the soil of nitrogen fertilizers. However, we note at once: agricultural products entirely free of nitrates does not happen, because they are a major source of nitrogen in plant nutrition. Nitrogen - is one of the most important chemical elements in plant life, since it is necessary for the synthesis of amino acids from which proteins are formed. Therefore, to obtain not only high, but high yields to make the soil mineral and organic nitrogen fertilizers. Normally, the nitrates are harmless, and even a small number produces the body. Acceptable their content in food - 60 mg / kg. The main reason for any negative consequences are not so much nitrates as their metabolites - nitrites. Nitrite interacts with hemoglobin to form methemoglobin, which can not carry oxygen. As a result, developing hypoxia (oxygen starvation). In the normal state of man found in the blood of about 2% methemoglobin. If its content increases to 30%, the symptoms of acute poisoning (dyspnea, fatigue, headache), at 50%, death can occur It would seem that there are many "popular" way to determine the "nitrate" watermelon, but experts say that this figure can be determined only in laboratory conditions. And yet, for conscience 'sake, let us remember some of them. So, in order not to run into too "stuffed" chemistry watermelon need: to squeeze a watermelon - if he is not cracking, but the kind of ripe, so mature, not without "help", crumble meat into a glass of water - the "chemical" watermelon stain the water pink or red, the flesh is of course fully ripe watermelon will simply make the water turbid; question - where to get a glass of water when buying a watermelon, even if you do it notched (see below)? slice of watermelon should not be smooth, ideally, he lit the sugar grains and veins should not be thick and yellow. Another danger - the microbes that get into the juice during transportation, if the skin of the watermelon there were small cracks. Many of these "guests" can cause acute intestinal infection. Not buy cut or incised watermelons - a common technique to prove sellers ripeness of watermelon - cut from it a little pyramid - can contribute to the emergence within the pathogens, for which the sweet juice - an ideal place proliferate. Time until you reach with the purchase of home in the heat, just enough to pay necessary attention to the place of sale. Sell ??watermelons are permitted only in specially equipped places to shelter. Fruits should be based on a pallet height of not less than 20 cm from the ground. Canopies protect from rain, and the trays prevent rotting. In addition, the rind of watermelon absorb lead and harmful elements from exhaust gases. Therefore, the distance to the nearest road should not be less than 5 m. In any case, the house must wash your watermelon and pour over boiling water. For the record: the first signs of poisoning by nitrates - fatigue, severe headache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and in some cases, possible fever and aches in the joints. Especially dangerous vysokonitratnye vegetables for children under 1 year old and nursing mothers. Protivonitratnye mechanisms in children generated only one year, and the mother's milk does not create serious barriers for nitrate. The risk of buy-threatening health watermelon with nitrates is reduced by the end of August. By this time the melons have kept pace with the natural way and need to use artificial technology disappears. So, if you do not want to risk once again - wait for the season.