If you don’t already know about the health benefits of watermelon, you’re soon to find out. Watermelon is one of the best foods in the world to provide a full kidney detox.
Don’t get me wrong – there are many plant-based foods that improve the health of your kidneys, but watermelon is the best (and least talked of).
Watermelon and Kidneys
Watermelon is an excellent natural diuretic, meaning that it helps increase urine flow, but doesn’t strain the kidneys (unlike alcohol and caffeine).
Most people with kidney disease also have high blood pressure. High blood pressure can actually make the state of your kidneys worse, and can lead to kidney failure. Watermelon contains a compound called citrulline, which relaxes and dilates blood vessels and helps lower high blood pressure. In turn, this helps ease strain on the kidneys, improving their health.
Watermelon also contains a little something called lycopene, which improves blood flow via vasodilation (relaxation of blood pressure) – how cool is that?
That’s not the only thing this fruit does in regards to kidney detox. It actually helps the liver process ammonia (waste product from protein digestion), which, again, eases kidney strain while getting rid of excess fluids and sodium retention.
Watermelon and Cancer
Watermelon is very alkaline. It is one of the most alkaline forming fruits on the planet. Eating plenty of alkaline-forming foods helps reduce your risk of developing disease and illness caused by a meat, eggs and dairy-heavy diet (aka. acid-forming diet). With more alkalinity, you reduce your risk of developing cancer later in life.
It contains a host of vitamin C, which protects from free-radical DNA damage and lycopene helps reduce inflammation and neutralize free radicals.
Ginger and Kidneys
Ginger helps activate antioxidant pathways, and provides significant protection to our kidneys.
This root also contains a compound called gingerol, which is an incredibly potent antioxidant. It helps draw toxins out of the kidney area, and increases blood circulation in that area, helping to dissolve hard masses like kidney stones.
Ginger and Cancer
Last but not least, ginger contains both antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties. Gingerols in ginger are anti-inflammatories that inhibit the effects of different molecular factors that switch on certain cancer genes (like those of the ovaries and prostate). It has also been found to induce apoptosis in cancer cells (apoptosis is cell death – ginger targets cancerous cells but leaves healthy cells alone!).
Now for the recipe!
Watermelon Ginger Juice Recipe
Ingredients:
– 5 cups fresh watermelon (plus 1 cup rind if the melon is organic and not waxed – otherwise, leave out)
– 3 inches fresh ginger root
– 1 lime, peeled
– 4 sprigs mint
Method:
Run all of the above ingredients through a juicer, like the Breville, and enjoy immediately. Alternatively, you could blend the recipe if you do not have a juicer.
Can I use lemon instead of lime? What is actually the difference between a lemon and a lime?
Yes, you can. I just prefer lime with lemon as they are a bit sweeter.
Hi Carly
Let me start by saying I LOVE all your posts…but especially those related to cancer.
I am currently beating stage 3 lung cancer and wondered if you have info on what's best to build myself back up after the treatments. I'm currently doing 6 weeks of daily radiation and chemo next week will be round 2 of 2. It's 6 days straight.
Before diagnosis I was eating vegan 90% organic…bur the recommended I add back some proteins so I added free range organic eggs and wild salmon 1x week.
I was juicing daily but was told that the antioxidants work AGAINST the treatment and to stop until treatments are done. That I get all I need from my diet alone…according to the dietician.
I'm so confused!!!?
Any words of wisdom…and/or links to accurate information about this would be amazing.
Thanks again for all the GREAT work!
Kind regards…Michele
Hey Michelle. Your dietician is very wrong. Your body NEEDS antioxidants in order to fight off the cancer. Please try to go plant-based while healing. Include PLENTY of green juices, and green smoothies (all organic), eat root veggies, nuts and seeds (soaked and sprouted beforehand), and fresh, ripe fruit. Please check out the suggestions I have on this article: https://livelovefruit.com/chemotherapy-kills/