Ten Surprising Side Effects Of Watermelon

The perfect summer fruit, watermelons with high water content, make for great thirst quenchers. Watermelons are not just tasty and refreshing but are healthy too! They contain high amounts of Vitamins A, C and B6, and potassium. They also contain plant chemical, such as citrulline and lycopene. These chemicals in watermelons make them good for our health.

But like everything else, too much consumption of watermelon can create problems for your body.

Side Effects Of Watermelon:

There are several components in watermelon that can cause side effects. Here are some of the side effects of this delicious, juicy fruit are:

1. Intestinal Disturbance:

Watermelons are rich in lycopene. So, do not consume watermelon in large quantities. It may lead to nausea, bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, indigestion and gas. These symptoms can be worse among older people, as the digestive system tends to weaken with age.

2. Cardiovascular Disorders:

Watermelons contain high level of potassium. Consuming potassium enriched food in large quantities can lead to cardiovascular problems. Some of the diseases are absent or weak pulse, irregular heartbeats, cardiac arrest, etc. It may also affect the motor control and nervous system of the body.

3. Not Good For Diabetics:

When an individual is insulin resistant, then the blood sugar level tends to stay put in the blood. It does not enter into the cells of the body. When there is a shortfall of glucose in the cells, then more amount of insulin is manufactured. Both the blood and the sugar remain in the blood, which can affect the triglyceride levels in the body. Watermelon, full of with natural sugar can cause a spike in the sugar level of the body. That is why diabetics should avoid consuming watermelon.

4. Fall In The Blood Pressure Level:

Excessive consumption of watermelon can lead to a dip in the body’s blood pressure level. If a person suffers from low blood pressure, it is best to avoid watermelon in all its form.

5. Allergic Reactions:

Consuming watermelon can also cause allergic reactions in some people. They are severe or mild rashes, anaphylaxis and facial swelling. People who are allergic to carrots, latex and cucumber, can easily develop allergic reactions to watermelon.

6. Avoid During Pregnancy:

Gestational diabetes is a common, yet serious health issue that plagues many pregnant women. Consuming large quantities of watermelons increases blood sugar level, which leads to gestational diabetes. So, pregnant women should stop eating watermelon for a few months! Better safe than sorry!

7. Loose Stools:

Watermelon contains a special type of sugar, called sorbitol. People, who are intolerant to sorbitol develop loose stools and gas on consuming watermelon.

8. Problems Related To Nerves And Muscles:

People, who consume watermelon in large quantities, develop nerve, muscle and kidney problems.

 

9. Impotence:

Side effects of eating too much watermelon can cause impotence and erectile dysfunction in men.

10. Fatigue:

The weak function of the kidney reduces purification and excretion of harmful substances from the body, which leads to swelling of the legs. Consumption of excessive watermelons can increase the water quantity in the body. If the excess water is not excreted from the body, then it can lead to increase in the volume of blood. This may further worsen the swelling as well as lead to exhaustion and fatigue.

So, when you eat watermelon, be mindful of your portion size! It is easy to consume too much of this fresh fruit—it is just so tasty! But now that you know about the side effects of watermelon, be sure you are not filling your body with too much of a good thing!

If you do notice any of these side effects, don’t wait for them to simply pass, go see your doctor!

Do you enjoy watermelon? Have you ever experienced any side effects? Share your experience with us in the comments section below.