The biologist spoke about the dangers of early watermelons and melons

Early watermelons and melons are undesirable for children to consume because of the accelerated cultivation technology, which implies the active use of nitrates. Associate Professor of the Department of General Biology and Bioecology at the State University of Education, biologist Vitaly Polov, told Izvestia on June 24.

"When growing early watermelons and melons (especially in closed soils), nitrogen fertilizers are used, which plants absorb in nitrate form, but they are used throughout agriculture," the biologist said.

At the same time, all products, according to him, are monitored by Rospotrebnadzor before entering retail chains. And if the maximum permissible concentration (MPC) of nitrates in them exceeds the norm, such products will never be allowed for sale.

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Early watermelons and melons may contain the maximum allowable amount of nitrates. Eating such watermelons or melons in large quantities can lead to an upset stomach, possibly an allergic reaction, and fever. It should also be limited for children under 3 years of age.

"Because if an adult has enzymes that decompose nitrates, then in children these enzymes are either not produced or are produced in insufficient quantities. That is, such melons or watermelons are not dangerous for adults, but it is undesirable for children to use them, except as a treat, in minimal quantities," Polov warned.

He explained that it is possible to determine whether watermelon or melon contains high levels of nitrates only in a specially equipped laboratory. It is impossible to do this by taste or appearance.

The biologist advised buying early watermelons and melons at official retail outlets, where they were accurately monitored for nitrate content. If this is not possible, then it is worth waiting for the peak of the season, when watermelons and melons grown in the open ground will be sold with minimal use of nitrogen fertilizers, which means that the nitrate content in them will be minimal.

Earlier, on June 10, nutritionist Margarita Koroleva gave advice on choosing and eating summer berries. According to the expert, all berries that have grown naturally without chemicals are useful to a healthy person.