Watermelons are incredibly healthy fruits. They contain essential minerals and vitamins such as lycopene, and vitamin C. Lycopene gives watermelon the red color, and it’s an antioxidant responsible for brain health, among other benefits.
Vitamin C, on the other hand, boosts our immune system. There is a variety of fruits, some acidic while others alkaline in nature. Nobody likes heartburn, which is caused by fruits with high acidic content. This has led to many folks wondering,
Is watermelon acidic?
Yes, watermelon is a low-acid fruit. It has a pH scale ranging from 5.2 to 5.8. The low acid content is not enough to trigger your heartburn symptoms. When fully ripe, they have an alkaline-forming effect on the body.
Health Benefits Of Watermelon
Watermelon is a sweet, refreshing fruit that is soaked with all kinds of nutrients in every juicy bite. Some of the health benefits you get to enjoy as a result of frequent consumption of watermelon include;
1. Keeps your body hydrated
Watermelons have a high water content of up to 92%. This helps to keep your body hydrated. Proper body hydration makes organs function optimally, lubricates joints well, and regulates body temperature.
2. It’s good for your heart.
The primary cause of death in the United States of America is heart-related diseases. Good for you if you love taking watermelons, as they are known to reduce the risks of heart-related diseases.
The fruit contains lycopene that lowers the blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the body. Watermelons also contain an amino acid called citrulline, which lowers blood pressure by increasing nitric acid levels, which in turn expands blood vessels.
3. Improves digestion
The fruit is largely made up of water and some small amounts of fibers. The fibers play a major role in the digestion process by increasing the weight and size of the stool. On the other hand, the water present softens your stool. All these allow for a smooth bowel movement.
4. Watermelon seeds lower blood sugar levels.
Watermelons contain magnesium, which is known for regulating the metabolism of carbohydrates. This process directly impacts blood sugar levels; studies show that it helps treat type 2 diabetes.
5. Promotes healthy skin and hair
The fruit contains vitamin C and A that are both good for your skin and hair. Vitamin C helps the body manufacture collagen, a protein that helps keep your hair strong and skin supple. Vitamin A creates and repairs new skin cells.
6. Watermelon seeds improve male fertility.
Another mineral found in the fruit is zinc. The mineral is significant in the male reproduction system. Zinc is known to boost the quality of sperms, thus improving fertility in male.
7. Contains beneficial nutrients
Studies have shown that 1 gram of watermelon contains only 46 calories. This is way too low, even compared to low sugar fruits like berries. The fruit is packed with a considerable amount of carotenoid (alpha-carotene and beta-carotene) that are converted into vitamin A.
Other valuable nutrients present in watermelon include vitamin A, B, B5, B6, K, and .M. Each nutrient plays a specific role to boost your health status.
Best Way To Eat Your Watermelon
Slicing and dicing watermelon every time you eat one can be boring. Here are some creative ways you can use to eat your fruit in a more healthy way.
Drink it up
If you always eat your watermelon, it wouldn’t hurt to drink it up. There are already watermelon juices on the market that you can buy. You can also blend one at the comfort of your home using a blender or food processor.
Make a cocktail
You can routinely spice up your booze with watermelon juice. It’s a perfect recipe to get high and healthy at the same time.
Make a salsa
Try slicing the watermelon into small pieces, then mix with lime juice, salt and tomatoes. You can take this with grilled chicken or chicken and chips.
Make a salad
Top the bed of arugula with feta, pumpkin seeds, vinaigrette, and watermelon pieces.
Best Fruits For Acid Reflux
Some of the recommended fruits to combat acid flux include;
Apple
The calcium, iron and magnesium present in apples boost digestion and allow easy regular bowel movement.
Banana
Yellow banana contains vitamin C, potassium, fibers and phytonutrients. The fibers improve digestion and reduce heartburn.
Papaya
Papaya contains vitamin K, A, beta-carotene and calcium. The fruit also contains the enzyme Papain that is known to improve digestion and reduce acid reflux.
Watermelon
High water content in the watermelon neutralizes the acid content in the stomach. This reduces the effects of heartburns.
Peaches
The acidic content of the fruit is very low. It’s a good option for those suffering from frequent heartburn. Peaches fruit also contains vitamin B6, B12, and A that helps to fight diabetes and skin problem.
Fruits That Causes Acid Reflux
Fruits are undeniably important in our healthy diet. But certain fruits, especially those with high acidic content, can worsen GERD symptoms. Those suffering from frequent heartburns should reduce the intake of the following fruits;
- Pineapple
- lemons
- Oranges
- Limes
- Grapefruits
Symptoms Of Acid Reflux
The lower esophageal sphincter is a valve located at the entrance of your stomach. This valve often closes as soon as the food passes through it. In some cases, the valve does not close all way, or it opens too often.
This will result in the acidic contents in the stomach to up into your esophagus. Some acid reflux symptoms you may exhibit include;
- Regurgitation- it’s a bitter-tasting acid backing up into your mouth or throat.
- Heartburn- it’s a burning pain that you feel from your stomach to the chest or even throat.
- Bloating
- Burping
- Black or bloody stool
- Dry cough
Conclusion
Watermelon is a tasty fruit you can’t afford to miss in the hot season of summer. It’s loaded with beneficial nutrients, vitamins and minerals that boost your general body health.
With a high water content of up to 92%, the fruit lies under low acid fruits with a pH between 5.2 and 5.8. While watermelon is sweet as is, it can also be incorporated into other savory recipes, coming up with more creative ways of living a healthy life.
