
Watermelon is delicious and has health benefits when eaten in moderation. However, eating too much watermelon is not good for you because it can cause uncomfortable side effects.
What are common side effects of watermelon?
3 Common side effects of watermelon include:
- May cause digestive trouble: Watermelon contains lycopene, which when consumed every day can lead to nausea, loose stools, heartburn, and inflammation.
- May raise blood sugar levels: Watermelon has natural sugars and a high glycemic index, meaning people with diabetes should be mindful of how much watermelon they consume. It is also better to avoid juicing watermelon as this can remove the fiber content, making the sugar easier for the body to absorb, which as a result may increase glucose levels in the body.
- May cause allergic reactions: In rare cases, some people may be allergic to watermelon and experience reactions such as hives, swelling, and trouble breathing. In severe cases, an allergic reaction may lead to anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening.
What is the nutritional value of watermelon?
Watermelon is about 91% water and 7.5% carbs, which means that you can eat a decent amount with very little calorie intake.
Nutrients in 2/3 cup (100 grams) of raw watermelon are as follows:
What are the health benefits of watermelon?
When eaten in moderation, watermelon can be good for your health including:
- Helps with hydration: Watermelon is made up of mostly water and contains a good amount of electrolytes that can help you stay hydrated. Adequate hydration is essential to all of your body functions.
- Helps manage blood sugar levels: Watermelon helps your kidneys convert L-citrulline into L-arginine, which is an amino acid that is vital for regulating glucose metabolism and insulin.
- Keeps your heart healthy: The high lycopene content of watermelon helps protect cells from damage and may lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart diseases.
- Fights inflammation: Lycopene acts as an inhibitor for various inflammatory processes and helps fight free radical damage, both of which contribute to conditions such as arthritis and cancer.
- Good for nerve function: Watermelon is a rich source of potassium and choline, which help regulate nerve function and facilitate electrical impulses more effectively. This can then help improve muscle movement, learning, and memory.

SLIDESHOW
Foods That Aren't as Healthy as You Think See SlideshowReferences
Image Source: iStock Images
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6470521/
https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/167765/nutrients
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6470521/
https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/167765/nutrients
Top Why Is Too Much Watermelon Not Good for You Related Articles
What Are the Best Fruits for Lowering Blood Pressure?
The best fruits for lowering blood pressure include citrus fruits, berries, bananas, pomegranates, prunes, and melons.bitter melon
Bitter melon, an edible fruit with many phenolic compound, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and insulin-like peptides, has been traditionally used for treating many conditions including diabetes, cancer, fever, and infections. Other uses for bitter melon include diabetes, cancer prevention, gastrointestinal upset, abnormal blood fat levels (dyslipidemia), obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, psoriasis, and others. Do not take bitter melon if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.High-Sugar Fruits
Sugar content in fruit varies. High-sugar fruits include mangoes, pears, grapes, cherries, bananas, figs, and watermelon. Low-sugar fruits include avocados, guava, raspberries, cantaloupe, papayas, and strawberries.The Health Benefits of Watermelon
That classic summertime fruit, watermelon, has a lot more to offer than sweet taste. It's chock-full of nutrients that help your body thrive. Check out what you get when you include watermelon as part of a healthy diet.Raw or Cooked? Get the Most Out of Fruits and Veggies
Certain cooking methods unlock more nutrients in fruits and vegetables. And, raw produce has its benefits. Here are some tips to get the most nutrition.Best & Worst Juices
Although the best kinds of juice deliver a bounty of vitamins, the worst are hardly better than liquid candy. Learn to distinguish between the healthy juices and the unhealthy diet wreckers here.What Fruits Should Diabetics Avoid?
Managing diabetes successfully is about managing a combination of blood glucose levels. Diabetics do not have to avoid fruit, but they should adhere to sensible portion sizes and watch their overall carb intake.Which Fruits Have the Highest Protein?
The recommended daily allowance of protein for adults is 0.36 grams per pound of bodyweight. The fruits that have the highest protein content include avocados and guava.