Old Grandpa Zhang hummed a little tune, holding a carefully selected large watermelon from the market, thinking of chilling the watermelon when he got home and enjoying that cool bite.
Back at home, just as Grandpa Zhang was about to put the watermelon into the fridge, he was stopped by his son Xiao Zhang. Xiao Zhang said sternly, “Dad, why did you buy watermelon again? The experts have said that elderly people should not eat watermelon often.”
Grandpa Zhang scratched his head, half-believing, “What? I’ve been eating watermelon my whole life, why can’t I eat it now?”
1. Why is it recommended for middle-aged and elderly people to eat less watermelon after hot weather?
Watermelon is known as the “king of fruits” and is very popular in the summer. Not only is it sweet and juicy, it also has many health benefits.
Stroke prevention: Watermelon is rich in lycopene, which can help improve vascular function, reduce the adverse effects of cholesterol on blood vessels. Studies have shown that regular intake of lycopene-rich foods, such as watermelon, can reduce the risk of stroke by about 20%.
Improves skin: As you age, your skin gradually loses collagen, causing wrinkles to appear. Red watermelon contains beta-carotene, which not only prevents skin aging but also turns into vitamin A in the body, enhancing the skin’s ability to fight bacterial invasion.
Heart protection: The amino acid L-citrulline in watermelon helps relax blood vessel walls, thereby reducing blood pressure and benefiting heart health.
Enhances digestion: The fiber in watermelon helps promote intestinal health and prevent constipation.
With so many benefits of watermelon, why is it recommended for elderly people to eat less?
Firstly, watermelon is a cooling fruit that can stimulate the spleen and stomach, causing indigestion, abdominal pain, and bloating, especially unsuitable for elderly people with spleen and stomach deficiency.
Secondly, sweet watermelon has a high glycemic index, reaching 72, which is considered a high GI fruit. Elderly people with diabetes may experience an increase in blood sugar levels if they consume too much watermelon at once, leading to blood sugar disorders.
Moreover, many elderly friends may have some kidney problems, and watermelon contains high levels of potassium. When kidney function is impaired, it is difficult to eliminate excess potassium. Eating too much watermelon can raise blood potassium levels, leading to hyperkalemia.
Dr. Li Na, a gastroenterologist at Kunming Second People’s Hospital, reminds us that besides the elderly, there are several types of people who should also eat less watermelon: those with spleen and stomach deficiency, those with kidney problems, diabetes patients, and pregnant women.
2. Is leftover watermelon prone to gastroenteritis? The truth about watermelon revealed
With summer here, watermelon has become a favorite for many people. If you don’t finish it, many people choose to put the watermelon in the fridge and continue eating it the next day.
Recently, there have been frequent reports like “eating leftover fruit causes intestinal necrosis” and “eating leftover watermelon causes gastroenteritis,” which is scary. What is the truth behind this? How much of the rumors about eating watermelon are true or false?
Rumor one: Is leftover watermelon inedible?
Generally, watermelon that has been cut for 10 hours can be considered as leftover watermelon.
Research shows that whether it is freshly cut watermelon, watermelon refrigerated overnight, or the flesh 2 cm deep below the surface after refrigerating overnight, the amount of bacteria is almost the same. In simple terms, refrigeration can keep the watermelon fresh and hygienic, so eating leftover watermelon that has been properly refrigerated is safe.
Rumor two: Is the red and sweet watermelon flesh due to injections?
The Guizhou Market Supervision Administration stated that it is not feasible to inject anything into a watermelon. Unlike other foods, watermelon has its own protective skin that makes it difficult for external substances to penetrate. Puncturing a watermelon with a needle would create a wound, providing an opportunity for bacteria to enter, causing the watermelon to spoil faster.
Moreover, the flesh inside the watermelon is delicate. Injecting colorants or sweeteners into it is difficult to distribute evenly throughout the flesh. Therefore, it is unlikely to change the color or sweetness of the watermelon by injecting substances into it.
Rumor three: Does seedless watermelon contain a large amount of hormones that are harmful to the body?
Seedless watermelons are not artificially manufactured monsters. They are produced through natural agricultural techniques and do not produce any toxic substances. In fact, they are hybrids of ordinary diploid watermelons and specially treated tetraploid watermelons, resulting in offspring with triploid chromosomes. Because of the triploid chromosomes, this type of watermelon naturally does not produce seeds.
3. In hot weather, eat more of these 4 sour foods
As summer arrives, it is recommended for middle-aged and elderly friends to eat more of these 4 sour foods than watermelon.
1. Yogurt
Yogurt contains a large number of active lactobacillus, which is easy to digest, helps maintain intestinal health, and keeps the digestive system smooth. The calcium in yogurt is particularly good for the bones of the elderly. Remember to choose low-sugar or sugar-free yogurt, which is better for blood sugar.
2. Hawthorn
Hawthorn has the effect of invigorating the spleen, promoting digestion, and relieving indigestion, which can alleviate the common digestive problems in the elderly. The organic acids in hawthorn can also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, but this component may stimulate gastric acid, so don’t eat too much at once.
3. Vinegar
Vinegar not only enhances the flavor of food but also helps digest food better, promoting the secretion of saliva and gastric juice. Adding vinegar when cooking can increase appetite, but avoid drinking too much directly.
4. Lemon
Lemons are rich in vitamin C and citric acid, which are powerful antioxidants that can enhance immunity and promote skin health. Elderly people can drink lemon water in moderation, but avoid drinking it on an empty stomach, as it can damage the gastric mucosa.
In conclusion, watermelon is a healthy fruit choice, and moderate consumption is safe for most people. However, elderly people with diabetes, kidney disease, or minor gastrointestinal issues should eat less.
References:
[1] “Everyone’s favorite watermelon in summer, pay attention to these when eating,” Guangdong Traditional Chinese Medicine, June 30, 2024
[2] “Can you eat overnight fruit, tea, and vegetables? Let’s clarify in an article!” PopScience China, October 1, 2023
[3] “Eating watermelon in summer has 5 major benefits. These 4 types of people should eat less,” People’s Daily Health, July 29, 2021
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