It’s high in water yet low in calories, which can keep your appetite in check.
Watermelon contains beneficial compounds that may help burn fat and improve digestion.
Instead, it should be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
Anucha Muphasa / 500px / Getty Images
It can also satisfy a sweet tooth.
This can increase nitric oxide production, improving blood flow and muscle oxygen delivery.
Nitric oxide also regulates various functions of skeletal muscles, including muscle contraction and repair.
Intense exercise can causeammoniaandlactic acidto build up, leading to reduced exercise capacity and muscle fatigue.
Some evidence suggests citrulline can reduce ammonia and blood lactate levels.
Put it all together, and increased nitric oxide from citrulline consumption may help decreasemuscle sorenessand improve exercise performance.
However, despite its sweetness, watermelon is lower in sugar than many other types of fruit.
This may make it a better option for those watching their blood sugar.
Helps Burn Fat
Citrulline in watermelon is metabolized to arginine.
Some studies suggest that arginine supplementation may significantly reduce BMI, waist circumference, and fat mass.
It may also help increase muscle mass.
However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits.
Improves Digestion
With its high water content, watermelon may be beneficial for digestive health.
Water keeps food moving through thedigestive system, which may help reduce and preventbloating.
Additionally, water helps break down food so its nutrients can be absorbed.
Watermelon is a highFODMAP(fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides, and polyols) food.
FODMAPs are short-chain carbohydrates (sugars) that are not easily absorbed in the gut.
Overeating watermelon may raise blood sugar in people withdiabetes.
It can also cause a rare condition calledlycopenemia, which causes yellow-orange skin discoloration.
Who Should Avoid Watermelon?
Some people allergic toragweedor grass pollen may react to watermelon.
There is some evidence that watermelon may trigger headaches in people withmigraines.
Is the Watermelon Diet Healthy?
The watermelon diet is a low-calorie diet plan that involves eating only watermelon.
While watermelon is a healthy food, there’s no evidence that the watermelon diet offers any health benefits.
Here are a few creative ways to enjoy watermelon:
Can You Eat Watermelon Every Day?
Johns Hopkins University.Yes, drinking more water may help you lose weight.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Eat more, weigh less?
2019;11(3):595. doi:10.3390/nu11030595
U.S. Department of Agriculture.Watermelon, raw.
Jeong JN.Effect of pre-meal water consumption on energy intake and satiety in non-obese young adults.Clin Nutr Res.
2019;10(2).
2013;61(31):7522-7528. doi:10.1021/jf400964r
U.S. Department of Agriculture.Grapes, raw.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Fiber: The carb that helps you manage diabetes.
Monash University.FODMAPs and irritable bowel syndrome.
2021;2021:2713511. doi:10.1155/2021/2713511
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Oral allergy syndrome (OAS).
