Diabetes, as we know, is a very complicated condition leading to a host of complications in patients. Some of the complications relate to the heart, the nervous system, kidneys, and several other parts of the body. The best way to manage the same is by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet. It is for this reason that a diabetes patient is always conscious of what he or she is consuming and in what quantity.

In this article, we shall explore the relationship between diabetes and Watermelon. And try to understand that can a diabetic have watermelon or not in regular diet?

Facts Related to Watermelon

To begin with, we need to understand some of the facts that are related to this fruit.

• The fruit is rich in a lot of vitamins and minerals, namely, Vitamin A, B-6, C. iron, calcium, and other minerals.
• The Glycemic Index of Watermelon is somewhere around 72 per serving of 100 grams.
• The fruit is considered to be high on its fiber content. Hence it is recommended as a very healthy snack.
• 90% of the content is water in Watermelons.
• Lycopene is the main ingredient in the fruit from which it derives its color. The pigment is a powerful antioxidant with a number of health benefits.

Health Benefits of Watermelon for Diabetes Patients

How is watermelon good for diabetics? Let us look into some of the health benefits of the fruit when it comes to the diabetes patients:

– One of the effects in diabetes is the feeling of fatigue and extreme tiredness in patients suffering from the condition. This is due to the increase in the levels of blood glucose which hinders the smooth circulation of blood throughout the body. By lowering the high sugar content of the blood, Watermelon plays a big role in helping to increase energy levels.

– Regular consumption of Watermelon also helps in combating the kidney-related issue which is one of the major complications faced by diabetes patients. It does so by reducing the chances of inflammation of kidneys and also by helping in the smooth flow of blood.

– Rich in antioxidants, Watermelon helps a great deal in preventing several types of infections that might be caused due to diabetes.

– The fruit is a powerful source of fiber and also contains water in huge quantity. These properties make it extremely beneficial for the body’s digestion. This, in turn, helps to combat problems of vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea, and bloating which are common problems faced by patients with

– Memory problems, dementia, amnesia are not unheard of in diabetes patients. The regular addition of this colorful fruit in the diet will prevent the patients from such problems and complications.

– One of the effective ways of managing diabetes is by losing all the extra calories and fat from the body. Watermelon consumption can help patients achieve the same as it helps in controlling appetite and makes you feel full faster and for a longer time as well.

– Rich in minerals such as magnesium and potassium, Watermelon plays a big role in controlling the blood pressure of a person suffering from diabetes. Controlling blood pressure plays a huge role in effectively managing a condition like diabetes.

Hence, as seen from the above benefits which Watermelon has to offer, the fruit should definitely be consumed by a person who is diabetic. Having said that, there are certain risks associated with the consumption of the fruit as well. The following paragraph explains the risks of consuming Watermelon by the diabetes patients.

Risks Associated with the Consumption of Watermelon for Diabetics

Is watermelon Ok for Diabetics? – The consumption of Watermelon beyond the recommended quantity is not safe and can lead to the following risks in diabetes patients:

– Being high in its glycemic index, Watermelon can increase the blood sugar levels of the diabetic patients. Controlling the blood sugar and blood glucose, as we know, play a very important role in managing a condition such as diabetes and anything that raises the blood sugar is risky when it comes to managing the condition.

– As seen above, the fruit contains a high amount of the pigment, lycopene. When consumed in high quantity, lycopene can lead to problems such as nausea, bloating, gas, vomiting, and other digestion related issues.

– It is also a known fact that too much consumption of Watermelon by diabetes patients can cause ill effects such as malfunction of the kidney.

– Potassium is present in abundant quantity in Watermelons. In fact, three full cups of the fruit shall give you around 500 grams of Potassium. Too much of this mineral is bad for the disease as it gives rise to the risk of several cardio vascular diseases.

– Several nerves of the body could be adversely affected if the potassium intake is higher than the recommended quantity.

– People might also be allergic to the fruit. It is a known fact that consumption of Watermelon has caused several allergies to diabetes patients. Some of these allergies include facial swelling, rashes in different parts of the body, amongst a host of other problems.

Thus, an otherwise healthy food, if eaten beyond the recommended quantity might lead to adverse effects on diabetes patients.

Precautions for Diabetes Patient While Consuming Watermelon

How much watermelon can a diabetic eat? As seen above, Watermelon can prove to be harmful if regularly consumed by a diabetes patient without taking appropriate precautions. Some of the precautions that should be maintained are listed as below:

• Since the fruit is high in GI index and has a good amount of carbohydrates, one should try to balance it out in the overall meal. This means that a diabetes patient should count the total number of carbs in his or her meal and reduce the intake of carbohydrate rich food if one is taking Watermelon on a daily basis.
• Know from your doctor the amount of Watermelon that you can consume regularly. Each patient is different and an expert will recommend what is the best moderate quantity for you.
• Also, remember to check how your body is reacting to the intake of this fruit. Do make it a point to check the increase or decrease in blood sugar levels after and before the consumption of the fruit. Only make is a part of your diet if you do not experience any undesired changes.

Hence, as is clear from the above post, Watermelon is a healthy fruit for patients suffering from diabetes if adequate precautions are taken while consuming the same. However, an expert advice is always recommended as what is beneficial for one patient may be harmful to another. Your doctor can best guide you with the recommended quantity and frequency of the consumption of the otherwise healthy fruit!!