Also known as Citrullus Lanatus, Watermelon is a kind of fruit that often appears as deep red or pink in color and sometimes a perfect circle or spherical in shape. The fruit has a lot of black seeds, even though there are also varieties of this fruit that are seedless. This edible fruit can be consumed raw, although it is also popularly consumed as a refreshment.
If you are looking for the perfect fruit that has natural glucose or sugar, watermelon is the right one for you. Famously cultivated and harvested during summer, this delicious and watery fruit is the common produce and snack for diabetic people. Because of its health benefits, watermelon is a suitable fruit for them to enjoy and eat.
Given the health benefits of this fruit, an individual diagnosed with diabetes must still ensure that the amount of sugar they get from watermelon is controlled. Monitoring the blood sugar levels is still necessary. While this fruit makes a perfect treat for the summer, it can still have an effect on someone’s blood glucose condition. One slice of watermelon added to the daily diet may be enough, but precautionary measures must still be observed. To suffice the question if eating watermelon is good for diabetes, the answer is YES. However, consumption must be in moderation.
Health Benefits of Watermelon
There are many health benefits that you can get from eating watermelon. As this produce contains 90% water, watermelon is the most ideal fruit for hydration. Staying hydrated during summer, where heat is abundant, is always a possibility for all.
Aside from its hydrating properties, watermelon is also rich in antioxidants. If you haven’t known yet, antioxidants are natural substances that wipe off and remove free radicals. When free radicals are removed from the body, an individual can stay healthy and functioning. With the use of antioxidants, oxidative stress can be prevented from occurring. Consuming watermelon reduces the risk of having heart disease or cancer.
Consider the following functions of the minerals, nutrients, and antioxidants contained in a watermelon:
List of vitamins and minerals you can get from eating watermelon:
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B-6
- Vitamin C
- Calcium
- Iron
- Fiber
Vitamin A is known for providing a clear vision and healthy eyesight. Meanwhile, Vitamin C improves the well-being of the heart, as well as providing the body immunity from cancer.
Watermelon is known for preventing asthma.
- When free radicals enter the body, it usually attacks the lungs. Antioxidants like Vitamin C will help in preventing asthma from occurring.
It can reduce blood pressure.
- According to studies, one of the major properties of watermelon is its capacity to reduce the blood pressure of an individual. As hypertension can be very dangerous, an antioxidant known as lycopene can help address that health concern.
It can prevent cancer.
- As oxidative stress can cause cancer, antioxidants are needed to help prevent the emergence of this life-threatening disease. Since watermelon is rich in Vitamin C, it helps in inhibiting cancer from happening.
It improves brain health.
- Another form of antioxidant is Choline. This antioxidant is known for improving brain health, giving emphasis to the learning and memory factors of the said organ. Aside from that function, Choline also works by maintaining normal muscle movement and preventing dementia from happening.
It improves skin health.
- Vitamin C is known for providing collagen, which is necessary for skin health. It keeps the skin rejuvenated, hydrated, and younger-looking. The said vitamin also promotes a quicker healing time of any wound.
It can improve muscle soreness.
- Athletes can take advantage of this edible fruit. Aside from reducing inevitable soreness of the muscles, it also improves how the athletes recover from their injuries.
Aside from watermelon, there are other fruits that diabetic people enjoy. Some of these are as follows:
- Berries
- Plums
- Peaches
- Pears
- Grapefruit
For diabetic individuals, keep in mind that monitoring your blood sugar levels play an important role to the food you take each day. It means that the higher sugary food you eat, the higher your blood glucose level will be. Furthermore, always ensure that you are following your regular insulin dose.
Doctor’s Recommendation
If you have diabetes, it’s important to be careful with how much watermelon you eat. While it’s a tasty and hydrating fruit full of vitamins and minerals, it can affect your blood sugar levels. Here are some tips:
- Monitor Blood Sugar: Always check your blood sugar levels when eating watermelon.
- Portion Control: Eat small portions and include them as part of your meal plan.
- Balanced Diet: Combine watermelon with other low-sugar fruits like berries, plums, and grapefruit to manage blood sugar better.
- Consult Professionals: Talk to your healthcare provider or a dietitian to get personalized advice.
By following these steps, you can enjoy watermelon while keeping your diabetes under control.
