Why Is Too Much Watermelon Not Good for You? Side Effects

Watermelon contains potassium in large amount. Potassium is useful for maintaining electrolyte function in our body, for keeping muscles and bones strong, and for keeping heart healthy. However, if you eat too many pieces of watermelon daily, you can give your body an excess of potassium, which can lead to weak pulse rate, irregular heartbeats, and other such problems.

Watermelon Lovers Beware! 5 Common Side Effects of Watermelon that will Shock You

Discover the surprising side effects of watermelon that every enthusiast should be aware of.

Shipra Singh Updated 17 June, 2024 8:27 AM IST
Watermelon Lovers Beware! 5 Common Side Effects of Watermelon that will Shock You

Sinking your teeth in a cool, juicy, red piece of watermelon is a heavenly delight during a hot summer afternoon. During summer, we all love to eat melons. However, amidst the scorching heat, we forget to put a limit to how much watermelon we must eat. Also, it is important to eat it at the right time.

You may have heard and read a lot about the health benefits of watermelon, but do you know about its side effects? Yes, watermelon does produce side effects, if you eat too much and if you eat it at the wrong time.

Common side effects of watermelon

1. Watermelon can lead to diarrhea and other digestive troubles

Watermelon is a splendid source of dietary fiber and water. But, if you eat too much watermelon, it can cause bloating, gas, flatulence, diarrhea, and other such stomach troubles. This is majorly due to the presence of sorbitol, which is a sugar compound, and lycopene, which gives the fruit its bright red color. Both substances promote gas problems and loose stools.

2. Watermelon can increase blood sugar level

Diabetics must not eat too much watermelon, as it can raise blood sugar levels due to high glycemic index – 72. If you are diabetic, please consult a doctor before you eat watermelon daily.

3. Watermelon can increase risk of liver inflammation

Do you drink alcohol daily? If yes, you must not eat too much of watermelon. Lycopene in this fruit can react with alcohol, increasing the chances of liver inflammation.

If we look at the perspective of health, it is better to eat watermelon than consume alcohol. So, why not stop having alcohol everyday and start eating a few pieces of watermelon?

4. Watermelon can cause water intoxication

Water intoxication, also called over hydration, happens when the body features excess level of water. This can cause loss of sodium from the body. Watermelon is made up of more than 95% water. So, if you are already having 2-3 liters of fluids a day, you must not eat watermelon much. Or you may balance the fluid intake by drinking less fluid the day you have an extra piece of watermelon.

However, doctor advise against the intake of too much watermelon daily, as it can lead to overhydration. Summers are hot and people naturally drink water and other fluids in large amounts. So, there is a risk of over hydration.

If the excess water is not removed from the body, it can increase volume of blood. This, in turn, can cause exhaustion, swelling in legs, weak kidneys, and other such problems.

5. Watermelon can cause cardiovascular troubles

Watermelon contains potassium in large amount. Potassium is useful for maintaining electrolyte function in our body, for keeping muscles and bones strong, and for keeping heart healthy. However, if you eat too many pieces of watermelon daily, you can give your body an excess of potassium, which can lead to weak pulse rate, irregular heartbeats, and other such problems.

Recommended intake of watermelon per day

According to doctors, about 100 g of watermelon gives 30 calories. Due to its low calorie content, it is a great food for people who are trying to lose weight quickly without exercise. Also, it is light, so it is easy to overeat it, especially when you are thirsty and feeling hot.

But, don’t forget that watermelon has sugar too. About 100 g of watermelon gives 6 g of sugar. The recommended intake of sugar per day is no more than 100-150 g from all the food. So, you must be careful because watermelon can give you sufficient amount of sugar.

Why you must not eat watermelon at night

Ayurveda does not recommend eating watermelon or any other fruit at night after 7 pm. This is because consuming fruits at night can lead to constipation or diarrhea the next morning. Also, due to high sugar content, eating watermelon at night can make you gain weight fast. The fruit is not friendly to the digestive system when taken at night and can cause irritable bowel syndrome. Our digestive system is sluggish at night, so avoid eating acidic and sugary foods.

The best time to eat watermelon is during the day, preferably before noon when the digestive system is active and raring to go. There are many other surprising things about watermelon.

Why Is Too Much Watermelon Not Good for You? Side Effects

Watermelon is delicious and has health benefits when eaten in moderation. However, eating too much watermelon is not good for you because it can cause uncomfortable side effects.

What are common side effects of watermelon?

3 Common side effects of watermelon include:

• May cause digestive trouble: Watermelon contains lycopene , which when consumed every day can lead to nausea, loose stools, heartburn, and inflammation.
• May raise blood sugar levels: Watermelon has natural sugars and a high glycemic index, meaning people with diabetes should be mindful of how much watermelon they consume. It is also better to avoid juicing watermelon as this can remove the fiber content, making the sugar easier for the body to absorb, which as a result may increase glucose levels in the body.
• May cause allergic reactions: In rare cases, some people may be allergic to watermelon and experience reactions such as hives, swelling, and trouble breathing. In severe cases, an allergic reaction may lead to anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening.

What is the nutritional value of watermelon?

Watermelon is about 91% water and 7.5% carbs, which means that you can eat a decent amount with very little calorie intake.

Nutrients in 2/3 cup (100 grams) of raw watermelon are as follows:

What are the health benefits of watermelon?

When eaten in moderation, watermelon can be good for your health including:

• Helps with hydration: Watermelon is made up of mostly water and contains a good amount of electrolytes that can help you stay hydrated. Adequate hydration is essential to all of your body functions.
• Helps manage blood sugar levels: Watermelon helps your kidneys convert L-citrulline into L-arginine, which is an amino acid that is vital for regulating glucose metabolism and insulin.
• Keeps your heart healthy: The high lycopene content of watermelon helps protect cells from damage and may lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart diseases.
• Fights inflammation: Lycopene acts as an inhibitor for various inflammatory processes and helps fight free radical damage, both of which contribute to conditions such as arthritis and cancer.
• Good for nerve function: Watermelon is a rich source of potassium and choline, which help regulate nerve function and facilitate electrical impulses more effectively. This can then help improve muscle movement, learning, and memory.

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References

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