Watermelon is a seasonal fruit in the summer. Many people enjoy eating watermelon to cool down, but there are also some precautions to be aware of when eating it. Let's take a look at them together. Watermelon is a favorite for many in the summer. It is sweet, refreshing, thirst-quenching, and very nutritious, making it the top choice for beating the heat. Because many people love watermelon so much, they often eat it without restraint, and sometimes even treat it as a main course. This practice is not advisable. Eating too much watermelon, or eating it incorrectly, is not only detrimental to health but can also harm the body.
First, consuming large amounts of watermelon is harmful to health. As a raw and cold food, eating too much watermelon at once can easily damage the spleen and stomach. This is especially true for those who are weak or have a cold stomach, as it can easily cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, and indigestion. At the same time, eating too much watermelon can overstimulate the abdomen, slow down stomach peristalsis, and thus affect a person's digestive function, leading to a decreased appetite and weakened immunity, which damages health. Furthermore, watermelon contains a lot of water, and eating too much of it can dilute stomach acid, causing indigestion and a reduced ability of the stomach to fight off diseases.
What are the precautions for eating watermelon in the summer?
Second, watermelon that has been open for too long should not be eaten, as it can be harmful to the body. Some people like to buy large watermelons, and after opening them, if they can't finish it all at once, they store the remaining portion to eat later. If the storage time is long, it can cause harm to one's health and even lead to illness. This is because the summer temperature is high, which is suitable for the growth and reproduction of various bacteria. Coupled with the rich nutrients of the watermelon flesh, it provides an even better environment for bacterial growth. According to laboratory tests, *Shigella* bacteria can multiply 50,000 times on the watermelon flesh in just over ten hours, which can easily induce diseases. Therefore, if a watermelon has been open for too long, it is very likely to be contaminated by bacteria, and eating it can cause gastrointestinal diseases.
What are the precautions for eating watermelon in the summer?
Third, iced watermelon should be eaten in moderation. Some people like to put watermelon in the refrigerator to freeze for a while before eating, thinking it tastes better. However, this is also very unhealthy for you. If watermelon is refrigerated for too long, a film will form on the surface of the flesh, making the texture worse. The water can also easily turn into ice crystals, which can cause toothache and may irritate the throat, leading to conditions like pharyngitis.
Moreover, the temperature of iced watermelon is too low. The excessive cold stimulation can cause the salivary glands, taste nerves on the tongue, and periodontal nerves in the mouth to become numb. This can damage the spleen and stomach, trigger or worsen stomach pain, and lead to indigestion and loss of appetite.