Watermelon

Fruits like watermelon are an essential part of a healthy diet, as they’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy antioxidants. Watermelon is a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as the antioxidant lycopene, which is revered for its cancer-fighting properties and cardiovascular health benefits ( However, you may be wary of overeating fruit. Overeating anything — including fruits — may come with a couple of unwanted side effects. This article focuses on the side effects of eating too much watermelon and dispels certain myths about watermelon’s effect on your diet. Despite its multiple health benefits, there are some downsides to overeating watermelon. May cause digestive issues Eating too much watermelon may cause abdominal discomfort, bloating, gas, and diarrhea due to its high FODMAP content ( FODMAP is an acronym that refers to a group of fermentable short-chain carbs that are either nondigestible or slowly absorbed in the small intestine. These include oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols ( Nutritionists generally prescribe Yet, high FODMAP intakes may also cause IBS-like symptoms and aggravate gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) in healthy people without IBS ( Nutritionists deem watermelon a high FODMAP food because of its While watermelon’s high FODMAP status may indicate it causes digestive issues among fructose-sensitive people, you shouldn’t expect a stomach ache every time you eat a large serving. Still, those who suffer from IBS ma...

Is watermelon safe for everyone? Watermelon is safe for most people to enjoy however there are a small number of people who may be allergic, although this is rare. Allergy may occur as a result of cross reactivity whereby someone allergic to certain pollens, such as the ragweed or grass pollens, may react to watermelon also. Kerry Torrens BSc. (Hons) PgCert MBANT is a registered nutritionist with a post graduate diploma in personalised nutrition & nutritional therapy. She is a member of the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and a member of the Guild of Food Writers. Over the last 15 years she has been a contributing author to a number of nutritional and cookery publications including BBC Good Food. All health content on bbcgoodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other healthcare professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local healthcare provider. See our website

The first people ever to crack open a watermelon must have thought they hit the jackpot (let's set aside the fact that jackpots might not have been a thing back then). Full of water to quench the thirst and meaty fruit to fill the tummy, plus it comes in its own weatherproof package? Thank you, Mother Nature! Look for the yellow patch that indicates ripeness. |. Choose a Heavy Melon A ripe watermelon will feel heavier than you expect when you lift it. That weight is due to the high water content — up to 92 percent. As a watermelon ages, it actually loses water weight and becomes dry and mealy. So if it feels too light, it's just not right. Consider the Complexion Since watermelon cultivars can range in color from very dark green with no stripes to quite pale with streaky green stripes, the greenness of the rind isn't the best indication of ripeness. If you're looking at a whole display of the same kind of watermelon, just look for a fairly smooth skin. Despite your best efforts at choosing a perfect melon, you might still end up with a watermelon whose inner flesh has cracked wide open. This condition is called hollow heart, and while it might be disconcerting to look at, it doesn't affect the taste or quality of the melon. Agricultural scientists used to think it was caused by irregular growth periods in the field, but now they suspect a lack of pollination resulting in a failure of seed production. • In Japan, farmers have developed a square watermelon, designed for easy...

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Watermelon is a staple at many summertime picnics and gatherings around the country. While most people agree watermelon tastes good, a majority are unaware of the many health benefits this wonderful fruit contains. Watermelon — the disease fighter Did you know watermelon has more lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable? Lycopene is an antioxidant linked to decreased risk of cancer, heart disease and age-related eye disorders. Watermelon is nutritious Watermelon is the perfect sweet treat that is nutritious and tasty. One cup of watermelon contains: • 46 calories • 12 grams of carbohydrates • 865 international units (IU) of vitamin A — (equates to .26 milligrams) • 12 milligrams of vitamin C • 170 milligrams of potassium • 0.1 milligrams of vitamin B6 • Zero fat, cholesterol or sodium Vitamin A is important for skin and eye health. Vitamin B6 helps your body break down the protein you eat, and is also important for the immune system and nerve function. Vitamin C helps strengthen the immune system and aids in the absorption of iron. Potassium is helpful in lowering blood pressure and is important for nerve function as well. Watermelon hydrates As its name states, 92% of watermelon consists of water. No wonder it's the most common melon eaten in America and is perfect for staying refreshed and hydrated on a hot summer day. Many ways to eat watermelon In addition to eating watermelon as is, you also can try: • Lightly grilling (around two minutes on each side) • Throw...

There are many things that remind Southerners of summertime. At the top of the list, you'll find a cold, juicy slice of watermelon. Some love it plain, others with And while watermelon is delicious enough to stand alone, it makes just as strong of a showing as a main ingredient in summer salads, salsas, desserts, and cocktails. We're making it easier than ever to celebrate the South's favorite melon by sharing the tastiest watermelon recipes ever. Start with one of our watermelon salads that serve as the ultimate In between, plenty of watermelon dishes like Watermelon Margarita Pops, Watermelon-Braised Pork Shoulder Steaks, and even a juicy Watermelon Pie will give fresh flair to your summer menu. Make the most of this summer staple with these best-ever watermelon recipes. Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox Recipe: My, oh my—watermelon pie! You never knew you needed this summer dessert until now. This pie is finished with a mixture of heavy cream and mascarpone cheese that is thick and rich. Plus, it won't melt as easily as plain whipped cream in the summer heat. Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox Recipe: Watermelon, spearmint, lime, and ginger come together to make this wonderfully refreshing pitcher drink. Ginger beer gives these mojitos a spicy kick and nice effervescence, but you can substitute ginger ale if you prefer something milder. Caitlin Bensel, Food: Victoria Cox, Props: Kathleen Varner...