Watermelon is in the same plant family as cantaloupe, zucchini, cucumber, and pumpkin. The origin of watermelon started in South Africa. It is a refreshing fruit that is low in calories and is very sweet and refreshing.
Watermelon does have some fiber, but it’s not a great source. As you know, watermelons are mainly made up of water (92% to be exact), which can replicate the benefits of fiber in some cases, promoting bowel movements.
How Much Fiber is in a Watermelon?
One serving of watermelon, or about ⅔ cup, contains 0.4 grams of fiber. This is not very much, and the fruit with the highest amount of fiber is raspberries, with eight grams of fiber per cup.
An entire watermelon contains 1.1 grams of fiber. You could eat a smaller amount of raspberries volume wise and get in nearly eight times the amount of fiber you would get from an entire watermelon.
What are the Other Nutritional Value of a Watermelon?
Just because watermelon does not contain a ton of fiber, doesn’t mean it isn’t good for you! There are many other benefits of eating watermelon. It’s low in calories, which can make it a good snack for those trying to lose weight. It also has many nutrients.
Watermelon contains lycopene and citrulline, which are plant compounds that are very healthy for the human body. Some health benefits that can be achieved from eating watermelon are lowered blood pressure, better insulin sensitivity, and decreased muscle aches.
At a glance, one watermelon contains about 30 calories, 0.4 grams of fiber, 0.2 grams of fat, 7.6 grams of carbs, 6.2 grams of sugar, and 0.6 grams of protein. It can be eaten as is, frozen, or made into juice or smoothies.
If you have a sweet tooth but are trying to watch your weight, watermelon can be a great way to fulfill your sugar cravings. It has a considerable amount of carbs, but our bodies and brains need carbs to function properly. It’s a natural, sugary food that makes a sweet addition to your salads, smoothies, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you not eat watermelon?
While watermelon is not inherently unhealthy, it is not recommended to eat watermelon at night, especially right before bed. Watermelon can cause irritable bowel syndrome, leaving you with an upset stomach the next day.
When you’re sleeping, your digestive system functions at a slower rate than it does when you’re awake. So, it’s not recommended to eat sugary foods right before bed.
What are health facts about watermelons?
Watermelon is full of nutrients. Some of these include vitamins A and C as well as antioxidants. Unsurprisingly, it can also help you stay hydrated. Being hydrated is important as it helps with mental alertness and normal organ function, among many other things.
What happens if you eat watermelon every day?
Like anything, eating too much watermelon might not be the best thing for your body. Consuming a surplus of watermelon may cause digestive issues, such as nausea and bloating. Health experts recommend not eating more than 150 grams of watermelon per day.
Final Thoughts
Watermelon does contain some fiber, though not very much. However, it does have many other health benefits. It is a tasty fruit that can help you stay hydrated and help keep your overall health in check.
