Summer is here, and so is the constant need to keep ourselves hydrated and fresh. What better than a bowl full of watermelon, which is not only tasty, but filling and healthy too. One of those fruits boasting of high-lycopene content, watermelon has a lot to offer, especially when you are looking to lose weight. Rich in numerous nutrients and health benefits, watermelons make for a great snacking option. The fruit is known to promote heart care, healthy kidneys, relief from heat stroke and is believed to help normalise blood pressure too. If you ever feel like binge eating or crave sugar, trust a watermelon to do the job without worrying about the calories. Renowned Nutritionist, Dr. Shilpa Arora shares, 'Watermelons consist of 94 percent water, lycopene, potassium and a lot of other nutrients. It has fiber that is a wonderful source to keep the digestion process going.'
So while a watermelon may be a healthy fruit to enjoy overall, when you eat it is equally important. It is recommended to not consume watermelons at night right before going to bed. "I would not recommend consumption of watermelon or any fruit after 7 pm. Watermelon is slightly acidic and if consumed at night, it may delay the process of digestion when the body is inactive. The best time to eat watermelon is around 12-1 pm when the digestion rate is high and active."
Also Read:5 Side Effects Of Eating Too Much Watermelon
According to experts, watermelons are not a good alternative to munch on at night and may cause certainhealth issues -
Watermelons are not digestion friendly when it comes to consuming it at night and may cause irritable bowel syndrome and other problems, making your stomach upset the next day. The digestive process is slower than usual at night, hence, it is recommended to keep off sugary and acidic foods.
- Watermelons have a large percentage of natural sugar which may promote weight gain in some cases if eaten at night.
- Consisting of a huge percentage of water, watermelons may actually lead to frequent trips to the toilet leading to poor sleep and sleep deprivation and fatigue the other day.
What Does Ayurveda Recommend?
Ayurveda, according to Dr. Dhanvantri Tyagi, does not recommend eating watermelon or any fruit at night as they promote diarrhea and in some cases, constipation too. Hence, it is advisable to eat alternative foods rather than fruits. The right time to eat a watermelon is in the morning or afternoon and not after that. "Considering these hot summers, one must remember to soak the watermelon in water for some time, as it minimises any harm to the consumer. You must eat the watermelon right when it is bought, do not store it, and rather have it fresh for best results on health." Dr. Dhanvantri insists.
The Good Side - Benefits of Watermelons
While nobody recommends consumption of watermelons at night, let us not forget that watermelon when eaten in the daytime has many benefits.
Also Read:Summer Care: 4 DIY Watermelon Juice Face Masks For A Flawless Skin
Here are a few reasons that will make you fall in love with watermelons this summer:
1. Refreshing Fruit to Beat The Heat
The hot sun may take a toll on your body, but watermelons are great to prevent heat strokes. It also keeps you hydrated because of the water content. Try having watermelons regularly so as to prevent yourself from falling sick insummers.
Read also : (Heatwave Safety: 7 Tips You Should Follow This Summer to Stay Healthy)2. A Friend of Our Kidneys
Watermelons are full of potassium, the nutrient that helps to flush all the toxins from the kidneys.
Watermelons contain lycopene which is a powerful antioxidant that protects and repairs the body from causing multiple diseases. It also carries beta-carotene that has anti-aging properties that keeps you active and young. Vitamin C and potassium helps reducing cholesterol and keep the heart safe.
The phytonutrients present in the watermelons help maintain the healthy functioning of eyes. Lutein, Vitamin C and beta-carotene help in preventing degeneration, hence protecting your eyes from blindness and cataract.
Also Read:Drinking Water After Eating Watermelon: Is it Safe or Not?
5. Maintains High Blood Pressure
The magnesium and potassium contents in the watermelons are responsible for keeping the blood pressure normal.
How to Make the Most of Watermelons
Here are healthy yet fun watermelon drinks to savor this summer!
1. Lime and Watermelon Tonic
The Detox Cookbook & Health Plan book by Maggie Pannell has suggested this refreshing juice that will not only quench your thirst but also cool your body. It reads, "This refreshing juice will help to cool the body, calm the digestion and cleanse the system - and may even have aphrodisiac qualities." A mix of watermelon, chilled water, lemon juice, clear honey (to taste) and ice cubes will rejuvenate your mind too!
Also Read:5 Spectacular Benefits of Watermelon and Refreshing Recipes
2. Fresh Watermelon and Cucumber Juice
How about we mix two summer foods together to make a cooler that's tasty and healthy? Prepare some quick juice from fresh watermelon and cucumbers, with a dash of mint to give it an even better taste. It will help your body cool down from the hot summer day.
If you feel like having a hearty and heavy watermelon drink, mix some strawberries, watermelon and tangy yoghurt to make a yummy smoothie. Do remember to miss out on sugar as the natural taste of melon and berries will make it sweet enough.
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According to experts, watermelons are not a good alternative to munch on at night and may cause certain health issues - Watermelons are not digestion friendly when it comes to consuming it at night and may cause irritable bowel syndrome and other problems, making your stomach upset the next day.
What are the benefits of eating watermelon for dinner? ›
Here are 11 health benefits of watermelon:
- 1) It's frontloaded with essential nutrients. ...
- 2) It offers a big dose of lycopene. ...
- 3) Watermelon helps keeps you hydrated. ...
- 4) It adds to healthy digestion. ...
- 5) It could help with weight management. ...
- 6) It may improve heart health. ...
- 7) It could work to reduce cancer risk.
Eating nothing but watermelon can also produce gas, bloating, and diarrhea. If you exercise when you're not taking in many calories or nutrients, you could become dizzy, tired, or weak. And following the watermelon diet for a prolonged time might lead to loss of muscle tissue.
What happens if I eat watermelon at night? ›
Is It Safe To Eat Watermelon At Night? There is no scientific proof that eating watermelons at night can be harmful to your health. But as per Ayurveda, consuming watermelon at night can cause irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive problems.
Why is my stomach hurting after eating watermelon? ›
That's because it's packed with fructose, a natural sugar that is tough on our GI system because it's hard for it to be completely absorbed. That causes gas, and sometimes an upset stomach in some people. If you fall into that category, try trading watermelon for cantaloupe.
Is watermelon good for your kidneys? ›
Diuretic & Kidney Support
Watermelon is a natural diuretic which helps increase the flow of urine, but does not strain the kidneys (unlike alcohol and caffeine). Watermelon helps the liver process ammonia (waste from protein digestion) which eases strain on the kidneys while getting rid of excess fluids.
What does eating watermelon before bed do? ›
Watermelon
There are plenty of options when it comes to finding fruit that is both healthy and helps induce the right amount of sleep. Since watermelons are around 80% water, they're a great hydrating snack that's still delicious to eat right before it's time to sleep.
Does watermelon detox your body? ›
As for cleansing the body, nutrition experts like Mauney are quick to point out that no food item will flush toxins from your system. Your body already has a natural detoxification system thanks to your liver and kidneys, and focusing on one particular food like watermelon is not going to impact that.
Does watermelon cleanse colon? ›
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that watermelon specifically can cleanse your colon. While watermelon is a hydrating and nutritious fruit that can provide a variety of health benefits, including aiding digestion due to its high water and fiber content, it is not a magic solution for colon cleansing.
Is watermelon good for blood pressure? ›
Watermelon
Watermelon contains an amino acid called citrulline. The body converts citrulline to arginine, and this helps the body produce nitric oxide, a gas that relaxes blood vessels and encourages flexibility in arteries. These effects aid blood flow, which can lower high blood pressure.
Avoid mixing your watermelons, muskmelons, cantaloupe and honeydews with other fruits. Try not to mix acidic fruits, such as grapefruits and strawberries, or sub-acidic foods such as apples, pomegranates and peaches, with sweet fruits, such as bananas and raisins for a better digestion.
Is watermelon too high in sugar? ›
Although watermelon is high on the GI scale, it has a low glycemic load, which means it will have only a slight effect on a person's blood sugar levels after consumption.
What is the healthiest fruit? ›
Blueberries take the title of healthiest fruit. Blueberries' stunning hue comes from their anthocyanins — an antioxidant believed to be responsible for their numerous health benefits. Long-term studies suggest that including blueberries in your regular lineup may lower the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
How long does watermelon stay in your stomach? ›
Watermelons are the quickest when it comes to fruit digestion, as it only takes them 20 minutes to leave your stomach. Its cousins, melons, as well as oranges, grapefruit, bananas and grapes, will leave your stomach in about 30 minutes. Foods rich in fiber help the digestive tract to function more efficiently.
What is watermelon belly? ›
Watermelon stomach is a condition in which the lining of the stomach bleeds, causing it to look like the characteristic stripes of a watermelon when viewed by endoscopy. Although it can develop in men and women of all ages, watermelon stomach is most commonly observed in older women (over age 70 years).
Can too much watermelon be bad for you? ›
Eating too much watermelon can trigger stomach and digestive issues such as diarrhea, bloating, flatulence and gas. As watermelon is mostly made up of water, there is a small risk of water intoxication or overhydration.
Can I eat watermelon at night as dinner? ›
watermelons are not a good alternative to munch on at night and may cause certain health issues - Watermelons are not digestion friendly when it comes to consuming it at night and may cause irritable bowel syndrome and other problems, making your stomach upset the next day.
Is watermelon good for dinner for weight loss? ›
Watermelon has a high water content with very few calories, making it a filling snack that can help with weight loss. The fruit also contains beneficial compounds that may help reduce body fat, maintain lean muscle mass, and relieve muscle soreness.
What is the best time to eat watermelon? ›
According to experts, one should try and have watermelon in the daytime. In fact, it can be one of the best things you can have for breakfast. Moreover, you can also have fruit as a snack between meals.
What fruit is good to eat at night? ›
Another healthy option that can help you sleep well? Fruit. Bananas, oranges, pineapple, and tart cherries are all fruits that have melatonin. If you'd rather eat fruit with less sugar, avocados are a good choice.
