Refreshing and juicy, in addition to being one of the star fruits of the summer, watermelon has multiple health benefits.
What properties does watermelon have?
Although it is true that watermelon is mostly water, it also has other nutrients that provide many health benefits.
- Moisturizing and purifying. With a high water content (approximately 92%), it is perfect for quenching thirst and extremely refreshing in the hottest months. Two slices of watermelon would equal a glass of water. It is precisely this water content that provides it with diuretic and purifying properties. So it is ideal to compensate for excesses or if you notice that you have fluid retention.
- Ideal for losing weight. As it has very few calories, you can eat more than any other fruit when you want to lose weight and it is also very satisfying.
- Antioxidant The characteristic red color of watermelon is a consequence of its lycopene content. This pigment is known for its antioxidant power and the Spanish Heart Foundation assures that it has vasodilator properties that protect against high blood pressure, clot formation, reduce cholesterol production and reduce the risk of stroke. The more ripe the watermelon, the higher the concentration of lycopene.
- Natural vitamin supplement. Provides vitamin A, which is good for your eyes, vitamin B6, which is involved in the formation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin; and vitamin C which is an antioxidant.
- Fight muscle pain and improve circulation. According to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, watermelon would help relieve muscle pain after exercise, increase muscle mass, and improve athletic performance. The reason? Its content in L-citrulline, an amino acid found in watermelon and melon. L-citrulline also helps relax blood vessels and improve circulation.
How much watermelon can you eat?
If you love watermelon and wonder how much you can drink, the answer is a lot but without going crazy …
- The whole matters. The dietitian-nutritionist Alba Villalba, from the Júlia Farré center, argues that “restricting or limiting the consumption of watermelon (or any other fruit) as dessert or between meals would be absurd, since it will always be better to eat fresh fruit than a processed food such as fruits in syrup or sugary dairy desserts. Eating fruit every day at all hours would be preferable to taking any other snack or ultra-processed food to eliminate hunger and it would also help us with fluid intake and maintain good hydration ”. However, it does recognize that if it is consumed in excess (as when any other food is abused), it displaces others that are no longer included in the diet and this can affect the intake of nutrients.
- Be careful with the sugar. Sara Martínez, an expert in nutrition at Alimmenta, a dietitian clinic in Barcelona, points out that like all fruits, watermelons also contain sugar and that it should not be exceeded. A portion of 250 g (a medium cut without peel) provides about 10-18.75 g of sugar (1 sachet and a half of sugar - two sachets and a half) and exceeding that portion would already suppose a somewhat high contribution of sugar.
- Not all sugar is the same. Alba Villalba clarifies that the intrinsic sugar in fruit has a different effect on our metabolism than the added sugar in food, since the sugar in fruit is accompanied by fiber and other nutrients and these will make its absorption slower and the blood glucose does not skyrocket after ingestion. In her opinion, what should concern us is the amount of sugar in cookies or sugary yogurts or the sugar that we put in coffee. However, add that a serving of watermelon would be about 2 thin slices and that this amount should be enough for desserts or between meals.
Can you eat watermelon at night?
There are still those who believe that it is not convenient to eat watermelon at night because it is indigestible.
- Difficulty digesting it. Although it is a false belief that it is indigestible, it is true that for some people watermelon can be difficult to digest if it is taken after other foods. The reason is its high water content; This dilutes gastric juices and makes digestion take longer.
- To avoid inconvenience. In that case, and to avoid such discomfort, it is best not to take it as a dessert and, instead, eat it at least half an hour before or half an hour after consuming other foods.
How to take advantage of watermelon
Taking it fresh as it is is very appetizing, but it is not the only way you can consume it. Here are some other ideas to enjoy it:
- In juice. Pass it through the blender with a little water. You can mix it with milk, yogurt … to make a smoothie or make a watermelon gazpacho.
- In salad. It combines very well with arugula, cucumber, mango … Complete it with a little fresh cheese, feta or cottage cheese as Delicous Martha proposes in its dishes with watermelon.
- Granita. Cut it into chunks, freeze it, and then run it through the blender along with the same amount of fresh watermelon. Or try our watermelon lime slush.
- Grilled. Cut pieces about 2 cm wide, drizzle with a little oil and grill for five minutes on each side. And you can also combine watermelon with melon and grilled chicken.
