Why eat a watermelon: pros and 3 unexpected cons
Since childhood, we are all accustomed to considering this berry unusually useful, however, it turns out that excessive enthusiasm for this summer delicacy can lead to completely undesirable side effects.
August 23 2020
Watermelon is an excellent source of vitamins A, B6 and C, and also contains potassium and strong natural antioxidants lycopene and citrulline. It is lycopene that gives the pulp its characteristic pink or bright red color. Potassium lowers blood pressure and contributes to the proper functioning of all organs, while citrulline has a beneficial effect on the heart and circulatory system. Therefore, watermelon is considered unconditionally healthy.
But Western scientists advise you to be careful. They claim that consuming more than 30 mg of lycopene per day can cause the following negative effects.
1. Upset stomachincluding nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, and indigestion, especially in the elderly, whose digestive system is more sensitive to irritants.
2. Cardiovascular problems due to the large amount of potassium in the blood, which can cause arrhythmias and weak pulse, as well as negatively affect the nervous system and motor control. All this is aggravated in those suffering from kidney disease, who are not able to remove excess potassium and fluid from the body.
3. Allergic reactions in the form of a rash, facial swelling and anaphylaxis, and in extreme cases, cardiac arrest can occur in people allergic to latex, carrots, or cucumbers.
However, if you know when to stop, then nothing like this will happen, but, on the contrary, the best properties of watermelons will appear.
1. Effects on men, similar to Viagra
Citrulline from watermelon is converted by our body into the amino acid arginine, which increases nitric oxide levels and relaxes blood vessels. According to a study from the University of Texas, this relaxing effect is similar to that of the active component of Viagra, sildenafil. Thus, drinking watermelon will enhance libido.
2. Decrease in blood pressure
According to a study by the University of Florida, watermelon improves circulation and circulatory health, including lowering blood pressure.
The conclusions of Western scientists Wday.ru decided to compare with the opinion of a domestic specialist. Here’s what we learned.
Information about the dangers of watermelons in Western studies, in my opinion, is somewhat exaggerated. Lycopene, which is accused of negative health effects, is one of the most important cancer protectors and powerful antioxidants. It protects against cancer and cannot even come close to causing negative reactions such as allergies and indigestion. Most of it is found in tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables besides watermelons.
As for the excess of potassium, I do not think that there is so much of it in watermelons that it can negatively affect the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Potassium, in principle, can cause arrhythmia, but there are foods that contain much more of it, for example, dried fruits, potatoes. If a person has a genetic predisposition, then excess potassium can really lead to high blood pressure and arrhythmias. But any potassium-rich food can cause this effect.
Diarrhea and vomiting can also appear from eating any product, if it is not washed well, eaten in combination with unsuitable foods, and the like. Allergies can also affect almost anything.
Most likely, those people who poison themselves with watermelons actually become victims of an excess content of nitrates in them, from which there can be poisoning, and diarrhea, and headache. Nitrates are the number one problem with watermelons. I recommend using nitrate meters, looking at their readings and, based on this, make a decision whether to buy a watermelon or not.
And problem number two is fructose, which can lead to insulin resistance and fluid retention. It can also be the cause of senile cataracts. But this is already related to the amount of fructose consumed – one slice of watermelon will not hurt anyone.
As for the enhancement of potency due to the allegedly existing effect of citrulline, which relaxes the blood vessels, which is similar to the effect of the active component of Viagra – sildenafil, if you eat a lot of watermelon, you will want to go to the toilet in a small way and there will be some kind of erection. Because boys have such a feature – if there is an accumulation of urine, then libido increases. Morning priapism (prolonged, usually painful erection not associated with sexual arousal. – Approx. Wday.ru) in men is precisely caused by the accumulation of urine at night. It’s just physiology.
By the way
A lot of tasty and healthy dishes can be prepared from watermelon, which will delight the eye, soul, stomach, and will not affect the figure. For example, salad, watermelon ice cream, or bombshell smoothie. 22 original and deliciously delicious recipes – READ HERE.