Watermelons are everywhere in the market now. The summer fruit is a favourite with almost everyone, and its popularity peaks during Ramadan. The bright red, juicy fruit keeps the body cool and also prevents dehydration.

About 91 per cent of a watermelon is water, and it is low in calories. Because it is naturally sweet, eating watermelon also curbs the urge to eat sweets. A moderate amount every day brings many benefits.

Watermelon is rich in lycopene, a carotenoid that gives the fruit its red colour. It contains plenty of antioxidants, which remove harmful free radicals from the body and help prevent cell damage.

The juicy fruit also contains thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, choline and betaine.

One mistake after eating watermelon can cause trouble, however. The fruit already holds a great deal of water, and drinking a lot more water on top of it can make the stomach bloat.

According to Ayurveda, drinking water after eating watermelon can disrupt digestion and even upset the balance of the body's chakras. Because it slows digestion, it can also lead to problems such as acidity.

Although there is no sound scientific evidence for this, it is better not to drink water for a while after eating watermelon. People with stomach problems should wait at least 40-45 minutes before drinking water.

If you feel very thirsty, you can take a sip or two, but do not drink a full glass.

Citing The Times of India.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.