Does eating watermelon cause weight gain?

Watermelon, scientifically known as Citrullus lanatus, is a fruit native to southern Africa. It's quite large and round, with a dark green rind and an edible red flesh inside. Despite its size, watermelon is primarily composed of water, making up 92% of its composition, and is very low in calories.

How many calories are in watermelon?

A post on the website of Vinmec International General Hospital points to a study by the US Department of Agriculture stating that a watermelon measuring 15 inches long x 7.5 inches in diameter contains approximately 1,360 calories.

Watermelon's calories come from components like carbohydrates, primarily made up of natural sugars such as sucrose, fructose, and glucose. These natural sugars are what give watermelon its sweetness. Because of its low carbohydrate content, eating watermelon doesn't cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels.

Typically, watermelon is cut into small, bite-sized slices, and each slice provides only about 86 calories.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Data Central indicates the calorie content of different servings of watermelon, including:

• One medium cup of watermelon contains 46 calories.
• 100g of watermelon contains 30 calories.
• One cup of watermelon juice contains 71 calories.

Although low in calories, a slice of watermelon (86 calories) provides many essential nutrients for the body. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a slice of watermelon (86 calories) provides the following vitamins and minerals:

• 25% of vitamin C can fight germs, protect you from premature aging, and soothe dull skin.
• 30% of vitamin A is good for eye health and strengthens the immune system.
• 4% iron helps eliminate fatigue and supports the treatment of anemia.
• 2% calcium helps build and support strong bones.
• 8% potassium regulates blood pressure and maintains hydration balance.
• 4% fiber can help you feel less anxious.

Therefore, watermelon is a low-calorie fruit, mainly composed of water, so eating watermelon won't make you gain weight; on the contrary, it offers many health benefits.

Watermelon is low in calories and mostly composed of water, so eating watermelon won't make you gain weight (Illustrative image: Istock).

Health benefits of watermelon

The Health & Life newspaper, citing Professor Do Tat Loi's book "Vietnamese Medicinal Plants and Herbs ," reports that watermelon contains a lot of water and has cooling, nourishing, and refreshing effects, making it a popular choice as a dessert and refreshing treat, especially in the summer.

Supports digestion and detoxification.

Watermelon is primarily composed of water, over 90%, which can aid in detoxification and act as a natural diuretic. Eating watermelon helps increase urine production, facilitating the removal of toxic waste from the body.

Watermelon is high in water and fiber, which helps support the digestive system and effectively prevent constipation.

Watermelon provides plenty of vitamin C.

Watermelon is a rich source of vitamin C, which helps protect cartilage and bones, and speeds up the healing of wounds and bruises.

Watermelon is a rich source of vitamin C, which is also an antioxidant that helps boost immunity to keep the body healthy.

Helps keep eyes healthy.

The important nutrients that play a role in protecting eye health are beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, lutein, and zeaxanthin, and all of these nutrients are found in watermelon.

Ensuring sufficient beta-carotene intake in the diet helps prevent macular degeneration, the leading cause of age-related blindness.

Watermelon helps with weight loss.

Although watermelon contains sugar, it is also rich in vitamins and minerals and low in calories, making it an effective weight-loss aid. Eating watermelon promotes feelings of fullness and curbs appetite, thus contributing to healthy and effective weight loss.

Khanh An (compiled)

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/an-dua-hau-co-tang-can-ar867913.html