Eating watermelon can indeed relieve summer heat, but it's not suitable for everyone, and this is something to be vigilant about! So, do you know who should not eat watermelon? Do you know the pros and cons of eating watermelon in the summer? When eating watermelon, everyone must pay attention to some taboos!
Who Should Not Eat Watermelon
1. People with kidney insufficiency should not eat too much: Patients with kidney insufficiency have a reduced ability to expel water from the body and often experience edema in the lower limbs or the whole body. If such patients eat too much watermelon, they will ingest excessive water that cannot be expelled in time, leading to an over-storage of water in the body, an increase in blood volume, worsening of edema, and potentially triggering acute heart failure.
2. Not suitable for consumption during the early stages of a cold: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that whether it's a cold due to wind-cold or wind-heat, the initial stage is considered a "surface syndrome," and a treatment method that expels pathogens from the surface should be used. It is also believed that attacking the pathogens before the surface syndrome is resolved can worsen the condition. As watermelon has a heat-clearing effect, eating it at this time can aggravate the cold or prolong its duration.
3. Diabetics should not eat too much: Watermelon contains about 5% sugars, mainly glucose, sucrose, and some fructose, meaning that eating it will raise blood sugar levels. Healthy people can secrete insulin in time to maintain normal blood and urine sugar levels. Diabetics, however, are different. Eating too much watermelon in a short period can not only raise blood sugar, but those with more severe conditions might also develop acidosis due to metabolic disorders.
4. Patients with oral ulcers should not eat it: In TCM, oral ulcers are considered to be caused by yin deficiency with internal heat and upward disturbance of deficient fire. Watermelon has a diuretic function; if patients with oral ulcers eat too much of it, the water needed for the ulcers to heal will be excessively excreted, thereby worsening the yin deficiency and internal heat and making the ulcers difficult to heal.
5. Postpartum women should not eat too much: Postpartum women have relatively weak constitutions. TCM suggests that eating too much watermelon can damage the spleen and stomach due to its excessive cold nature.
The Benefits of Eating Watermelon in the Summer
1. Prevents skin aging: As we age, collagen in the skin is lost, and wrinkles begin to appear. Red-fleshed watermelon contains more beta-carotene, which can be converted into vitamin A in the body, enhancing the skin's ability to fight external pathogens and accelerating the recovery of damaged skin. Beta-carotene itself is also an antioxidant that helps prevent skin aging. Additionally, watermelon is a great choice for rehydration, helping to expel waste and toxins from the body.
2. Helps prevent stroke: When it comes to lycopene, people often think of tomatoes. In fact, watermelon is also a "major source" of lycopene. Lycopene helps improve vascular function and reduces the threat cholesterol poses to vascular health. Research has found that regular intake of lycopene-rich foods can reduce the risk of stroke by about 20%.
3. Prevents colds: Lycopene is also a powerful antioxidant that is beneficial for immune system health and can reduce the incidence of colds.
4. Relaxes muscles: Many people are troubled by muscle soreness after exercise. At this time, having a piece of watermelon is a good idea. Watermelon is rich in potassium, which helps regulate nerves and relax muscles. Potassium also helps the body effectively utilize calcium, indirectly strengthening bones and joints.
5. Boosts brainpower: Watermelon contains choline (a B vitamin), which helps regulate the biological clock, keep the brain alert, and improve attention and memory.
The Disadvantages of Eating Watermelon in the Summer
1. Watermelon is a cold-natured food that can easily damage the spleen and stomach. Therefore, patients with a weak spleen and stomach or loose stools should eat it sparingly.
2. Healthy people should also avoid excessive consumption, as it can damage the spleen and stomach, leading to indigestion or diarrhea.
3. Watermelon is a sweet and cold food and is not suitable for colds due to wind-cold or during the early stages of a cold, especially for those with symptoms like aversion to cold and no sweating.
4. Moreover, watermelon has a laxative and diuretic effect, so people who are weak or have deficiencies in the spleen and kidneys should not eat too much of it.