Summers are here and so is the need to fuel ourselves with loads of cooling foods; and the best way to do this is by having one of the most hydrating and cooling foods of the season – watermelon. It not just tastes wonderful, but also has numerous health and beauty benefits to offer. It is fat free and is an excellent source of vitamins A, B6 and C, contains potassium and beneficial plant chemicals like lycopene and citrulline. Fineness lovers, are you listening? The fibre content in watermelon makes it an amazing fruit for weight loss. This red fleshed fruit is known for all the good things, but what goes wrong with consuming it in large amounts?
Consuming too much watermelon is said to have many side-effects. You heard us! Despite its marvellous benefits, eating watermelon in large quantity can actually cause harm to your body. Here are some side effects of eating watermelon in large quantity.
1. May Cause Diarrhoea And Other Digestive Problems
Watermelon is an excellent source of water and an equally great source of dietary fibre. However, consuming in large quantity may give rise to digestive problems like diarrhoea, bloating, flatulence, gas, et al. The fruit contains sorbitol that is a sugar compound, which is known to encourage loose stools and gas issues. Another common cause of such issues is the lycopene content, which is a pigmented antioxidant that gives the watermelon its bright colour.
2. May Up Glucose Levels
If you are a diabetic, chances are loading up on, too, much watermelon may increase blood sugar levels. It may be a healthy fruit, but it has high glycaemic index (72). Always ensure consulting a doctor before you consume it on a daily basis.
3. May Increase The Risk Of Developing Liver Inflammation
People who drink alcohol regularly should avoid having large quantities of watermelon as the high level of lycopene may react with alcohol, further causing liver inflammation. Excessive oxidative stress on the liver can be harmful.
4. May Cause Over-Hydration Or Water Intoxication
Water intoxication or over-hydration is a condition when your body has excess of water in it, which leads to loss of sodium content. Consuming large quantity of watermelon may increase the level of water in our body. If the excess water is not excreted, it can lead to an increase in the volume of the blood, further causing swelling in the legs, exhaustion, weak kidneys, et al. It may also lead to loss of sodium levels in the body.
5. May Cause Cardiovascular Problems
Watermelon is known to be a great source of potassium that is a vital nutrient playing numerous roles in keeping the body healthy. It helps maintain electrolyte function, keeps our heart healthy and makes our bones and muscles stronger. However, too much of potassium can lead to cardiovascular problems like irregular heartbeat, weak pulse rate, et al.