On a hot summer day, the idea of having a sweet, juicy watermelon is always refreshing. Watermelons are one of the go-to fruits in the scorching summer heat. As suggested by its name- watermelon, it has a high-water content. It is also a good source of vitamin A and C.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), watermelon is sweet in flavour and is cold in property. It can quench thirst and clear summer-heat, generates fluids and promotes urination. This helps with the abnormal urination that one may be experiencing in summer, such as short or difficult urination.
Things to keep in mind when eating watermelon:
1. Due to the cold property that watermelon has, it is not recommended for those who are prone to have diarrhoea or have a weak digestive system. If one is to eat on one of those days that hit in the high 30s or more, we recommend having a small portion at room temperature, between your meals and during the day - not on an empty stomach or straight after a meal, so it’s easier on your stomach and digestion.
2. Have in small portions- although you may not be experiencing symptoms mentioned in the first point, sometimes consuming a lot of watermelons within a short time frame may cause diarrhoea as well.
3. Temperature to eat them at- it may be tempting to eat them icy cold on a hot summers’ day, but it comes at a price for your digestion. So, have them at room temperature or cooled – Not cold.
4. Has high GI (Glycaemic Index)- this means diabetic individuals will need to carefully moderate watermelon consumption.
5. Eat while it’s fresh- leaving cut watermelon out in the open for a long period allows bacteria to grow and it can go off very easily, which may give you a stomach ache if consumed.
If you are not sure whether watermelon is suitable for your body, seek advice from your TCM practitioner.
Enjoy the fresh watermelon this summer!