Markets are now full of watermelons. This juicy red fruit is a favourite with everyone and very good for health. It contains a great deal of water, which is why many people think watermelon helps with weight loss. But does it really play an effective role in losing weight?

Watermelon and cucumber belong to the Cucurbitaceae family, and all foods in this family are high in water. 100 grams of watermelon contains 30 calories, 0.6 grams of protein, 7.6 grams of carbohydrate, 6.2 grams of sugar and 0.4 grams of fibre. Its total water content is 91 per cent.

This sweet, tasty fruit is loved by all, but doctors do not advise many people to eat watermelon every day, because its glycaemic index is 72, which is high. It is not at all healthy for diabetic patients.

However, according to some health reports, it can be eaten in moderation because it is relatively low in carbohydrate. It also contains vitamin C, potassium, copper, vitamin B5 and vitamin A, along with the plant compounds citrulline and lycopene.

The white part covering the red, juicy flesh of the watermelon is citrulline, which is converted into the essential amino acid arginine. Arginine is important for the normal functioning of the lungs, kidneys, liver and reproductive system.

Whatever food you choose for weight loss, you first need to know its calories and fibre. 100 grams of watermelon has only 30 calories, and various studies say its 91 per cent water helps with weight loss.

But it is low in fibre, with only 0.4 grams per 100 grams. If you want to add watermelon to your diet, you also need to add a good source of fibre.

A Harvard report says watermelon has several nutrients that are good for heart health. One is lycopene, an antioxidant, which can help improve cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

The other is citrulline, an amino acid, which can raise nitric oxide levels. This acid helps relax the blood vessels and lowers blood pressure.

Eating too much watermelon will not burn your body fat; it may instead cause more complications. Eating excessive watermelon can increase liver inflammation, glucose levels, digestive problems and cardiovascular problems. So everyone should eat watermelon only in limited amounts.

This report draws on The Times of India.

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