Now is the season for watermelons, but not all of them are healthy. Expert Tatyana Putina told us how to identify a watermelon with nitrates.
— If you place the pulp of a watermelon in water at 18-20 degrees, then if there are nitrates, it will turn pinkish-reddish , — the specialist noted.
The main signs of the presence of nitrates:
- the color of the pulp is bright red with purple shade,
- white and yellow veins,
- absence of graininess of the watermelon cut,
- coloring of the seeds in a yellowish-orange color,
- cracking.
Tears and cavities in the pulp indicate the presence of growth hormone and overripeness.
In addition, the presence of nitrates can be determined using indicator strips or a portable compact nitrate meter. Most nitrates accumulate in watermelon rind.
Nitrates are chemical compounds that accumulate in some vegetables and fruits, including watermelons. What is important to know?
In the body, nitrates can turn into nitrites, which, in turn, bind to hemoglobin and reduce its ability to carry oxygen. This leads to methemoglobinemia, a condition that is dangerous to health.
Nitrites can form nitrosamines, which are potentially carcinogenic substances and increase the risk of developing cancer.
High nitrate content causes digestive disorders such as nausea and diarrhea.
To minimize the risk, it is recommended:
- Buy watermelons from trusted producers.
- Avoid watermelons with obvious signs of chemical processing.
- Eat watermelons in reasonable quantities.
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Important! The information is provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and do not self-medicate under any circumstances. At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor.