When the heat sets in, the fruit we turn to most for relief is watermelon. Juicy, cool and full of water, it not only quenches thirst but keeps the body fresh. Yet there are some mistakes many people make every day when eating it, and these can sometimes do harm instead of good. Here are the mistakes to avoid when eating watermelon in the heat.

Many people think eating watermelon on an empty stomach in the morning keeps the body cool, but this may not suit everyone. Because watermelon contains plenty of water and natural sugar, eating it on an empty stomach can cause discomfort, gas or mild pain in some people, especially those with weak digestion. It is better to eat something light first and have watermelon afterwards.

Many people also have a habit of eating watermelon straight after rice or a heavy meal. This can upset digestion, because watermelon is digested quickly while heavy food takes time, which can lead to gas or discomfort. Eat watermelon at least 30–45 minutes after a meal.

Ice-cold watermelon straight from the fridge tastes wonderful, but it can cause throat problems, chills or digestive trouble, and the risk is higher for children and the elderly. Take it out of the fridge and leave it at room temperature for a while before eating.

Believing that "fruit can't do any harm", many people eat a lot of watermelon at once. But because it contains natural sugar, eating too much can raise blood sugar levels, and it can also cause bloating or diarrhoea. Keep portions moderate; a medium amount at a time is enough.

If cut watermelon is left out, or kept uncovered in the fridge, for a long time, bacteria can grow on it and eating it may upset the stomach. Eat cut watermelon quickly, and cover it if you store it.

Because watermelon is a sweet fruit, people with diabetes should eat it only in limited amounts. Many eat too much without realising it, which can be risky, so the amount should be set on a doctor's advice.

Cut watermelon at roadside stalls may look tempting, but it is often kept in unhygienic conditions and is more likely to carry germs. Always buy watermelon from a clean, safe place.

Watermelon is undoubtedly one of the most beneficial fruits of the hot season, but eaten the wrong way it can cause problems. Avoiding these small mistakes lets you get its real benefits. To stay healthy in the heat, it pays to be as careful about fruit as about food. The article cites Verywell Health and Healthline as its sources.

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