After the beginning of the heat of the midsummer, many people choose to eat watermelon to clear away heat and relieve summer heat during the hottest period of the summer. Summer and watermelon are a perfect combination. As an essential fruit for cooling off, watermelon not only tastes sweet and juicy, but is also very nutritious and beneficial to the body. However, there are certain taboos when it comes to eating watermelon. Today, we will discuss the benefits and taboos of eating watermelon during the hottest period of the summer.
Benefits of eating watermelon in summer
Watermelon can help eliminate toxins and excess moisture from the body through urine. Drinking watermelon juice after getting drunk in summer can also help to relieve hangover.
Watermelon contains a good amount of beta-carotene and citrulline, which can enhance the skin’s ability to resist external pathogens and assist in skin repair, thus helping to prevent skin aging.
Watermelon seeds are also rich in lycopene, which helps improve the immune system and reduce the incidence of colds.
The nutritional element choline in watermelon helps to enhance brainpower, improve focus, and memory.
Although watermelon is beneficial, it should not be eaten excessively. It is important to note that watermelon contains a lot of sugar. When eating watermelon, it is important to consume in moderation. Additionally, there are three “do not” advises when eating watermelon during the hottest period.
In the hot and humid weather of summer, many foods can spoil easily if not stored properly, and watermelon is no exception. When sliced watermelon is exposed to air for a long time, it can easily breed bacteria, leading to spoilage, which can harm health. Therefore, it is best to eat fresh watermelon, cut and consumed immediately, and avoid consuming watermelon that has been stored for too long.
The scorching heat during the hottest period of the summer makes chilled watermelon a popular choice for cooling off and thirst relief, but it may not be the best choice for health. Watermelon itself is considered a cooling food, and when chilled, it adds more “coldness” to it. Eating cold food suddenly in hot weather can easily irritate the stomach and lead to gastrointestinal diseases. Especially for those with weak spleen and stomach, chilled watermelon can be harmful. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid chilled watermelon during the hottest period and opt for room temperature watermelon if desired.
It is important to consume any food in moderation, including watermelon. Despite the many benefits of eating watermelon in summer, overconsumption should be avoided. Particularly for those who aim to maintain a slim figure, although watermelon is hydrating, its sugar content is high, which can lead to weight gain. Furthermore, individuals with poor kidney function, liver function, or blood sugar should pay special attention to consuming watermelon sparingly or avoiding it altogether.
