Watermelon is one of the most nutrient-dense fruits. This juicy, red fruit is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants that can do wonders for our health. Watermelons contain a nutrient called lycopene, which is good for your vision and also promotes heart health. Furthermore, they are extremely beneficial to eat in the summer because they have a high-water content that keeps us hydrated.
As you can see, watermelon has many health benefits, but many people are wary of eating it at certain times of the day. Some people believe that eating watermelon at night is harmful.
Is this statement correct? Yes, it is. Watermelon should not be consumed at night, as explained in this article.
Is it bad to eat watermelon at night?
It is bad to eat watermelon at night as it can cause certain health issues some of which are shown below
- Watermelons are not good for digestion when eaten late at night, and they might induce irritable bowel syndrome and other issues, making your stomach unpleasant the next day. Because the digestion process is slower than usual at night, it is best to avoid sugary and acidic foods.
- Watermelons have a high natural sugar content, which may cause weight gain in some circumstances if consumed late at night.
- Watermelons, due to their high-water content, may cause frequent trips to the bathroom, resulting in poor sleep, sleep deprivation, and weariness the next day.
What is the best time to eat watermelon?
Watermelon should be eaten during the daytime. This fruit is one of the best things to eat for breakfast. Drinking water should be avoided for at least 30 to 45 minutes after eating the fruit.
The fruit can also be eaten as a snack between meals; however, it is best avoided in the late afternoon.
Try as much as possible to avoid eating watermelons at night as this can cause certain health issues such as weight gain, frequent urination, stomach upset and so on.
Does watermelon have health benefits?
Watermelon has a lot of health benefits and eating it can aid your body in the following ways:
Keeps you hydrated
It is critical to stay hydrated in order for your body to function correctly. Only a few of the bodily processes that rely on appropriate hydration are body temperature regulation, normal organ function, nutrition delivery to cells, and attentiveness.
Eating foods high in water content may assist provide your body with the water it requires to function correctly.
Watermelon contains 92% water, making it an excellent choice for daily water consumption. Watermelon’s high-water content may help you stay hydrated, which benefits your general health and makes you feel full.
This melon also has a low-calorie density due to its high-water content. Watermelon, for example, has a low-calorie density and may help with weight management by keeping you feeling fuller for longer.
Can help with the effects of cancer
Watermelon contains several plant components that may have anticancer properties, including lycopene and cucurbitacin E.
While research findings are conflicting, lycopene consumption may be linked to a lower risk of certain malignancies, such as prostate and colorectal cancer.
Lycopene is thought to function by reducing blood levels of IGF, a hormone that encourages cell division. Notably, cancer develops when unregulated cell division occurs.
Reduces blood pressure
Researchers discovered that watermelon extract decreased blood pressure in and around the ankles of middle-aged patients with obesity and early hypertension in a 2012 study. The authors hypothesized that L-citrulline and L-arginine, two antioxidants found in watermelon, could improve artery function.
Another antioxidant found in watermelon, lycopene, may help protect against heart disease. According to a 2017 review, it may do so through lowering inflammation associated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol.
Reduces muscle soreness
Watermelon and watermelon juice may help athletes recover faster after exercise by reducing muscle discomfort.
Athletes in a 2017 study consumed half a liter of either a placebo or watermelon juice with added L-citrulline two hours before running a half marathon. Those who drank the watermelon drink felt less sore 24-72 hours after the marathon.
However, it is unknown whether drinking watermelon juice without L-citrulline has the same impact.
Improves heart health
Watermelon contains a number of elements that may benefit heart health. Watermelon’s lycopene and citrulline content may benefit heart health by decreasing blood pressure and cholesterol. The main cause of death worldwide is heart disease. It is worth noting that lifestyle factors such as food can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Lycopene may help decrease cholesterol and blood pressure, according to research. It may also aid in the prevention of oxidative damage caused by elevated cholesterol levels.
Watermelon also includes citrulline, an amino acid that may boost your body’s nitric oxide levels. Nitric oxide causes your blood vessels to dilate, which decreases your blood pressure.
Enhances the skin
Watermelon includes vitamin C, which the body need for collagen production. Collagen is required for cell structure as well as immunological function. Vitamin C also aids in wound healing.
Improves vision
The phytonutrients found in watermelons support the eyes’ normal functioning. Your eyes are shielded from blindness and cataracts thanks to the degeneration-preventing effects of lutein, vitamin C, and beta-carotene.
Metabolic syndrome
The metabolic syndrome’s obesity and cardiovascular risk factors may be improved by watermelon, according to research published in 2019. 33 overweight or obese participants in the study chose to eat either 2 cups of watermelon or low-fat cookies per day for 4 weeks.
In comparison to those who consumed cookies, those who consumed watermelon reported feeling less hungry and more satiated.
Could help with digestion
Watermelon has a lot of water and a little fiber, both of which are important for digestion. Fiber helps keep your intestines regular, while water helps waste flow more efficiently through your digestive tract.
The takeaway from this article
It’s not a good idea to eat watermelon at night. You may consume them only in the morning or the afternoon. One should strive to consume watermelon during the day in order to maintain good health and reap the greatest benefits.
After eating the fruit, wait for at least 30 to 45 minutes before consuming any water. The fruit can also be eaten as a snack in between meals; however, it is recommended to avoid eating watermelon at night.
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