Watermelon in Summers!

Dr Dixa Bhavsar - Ayurveda Expert

Watermelon is a delicious summer fruit packed with nutrients and 92% water content. It hydrates and helps keep the body cool during the hot months of summer. This healthy fruit contains 45 calories, vitamin C and vitamin A and that keep you healthy. It contains a high content of water which practically means that you are eating a good sum of food with a fewer intake of calories. From keeping your skin free of acne and sunburn to protecting your heart, the benefits of consuming watermelon are innumerable. 

Consumption of watermelon also helps in improving digestion because of its high fibre content. It is widely used in the cosmetic industry to keep the skin and hair healthy due to its hydrating properties. Everyone knows that watermelon can cool you down on a sunny day, but more than just keeping your body cool this healthy fruit can help you manage diabetes and fight those free radicals that can make your body prone to chronic illnesses. It can also help prevent you from risks of developing heart disease, asthama attacks and also aids in weight loss. 

Here are the nutrients in 1 cup (152 grams) of raw, diced watermelon: 

* Calories - 46 

* Carbs - 11.5 grams 

* Fibre - 0.6 grams 

* Sugar - 9.4 grams 

* Protein - 0.9 grams 

* Fat - 0.2 grams 

* Vitamin A - 5% of a daily value 

* Vitamin C - 14% of daily value 

Ayurveda expert Dr Dixa Bhavsar in her recent Instagram post talked about benefits and rules of eating this summer fruit. According to Dr.Bhavsar even the seeds of watermelon can make for a wonderful snack and are packed with several health benefits. 

* Best time to eat watermelon 

The Ayurveda expert suggests you to have it in morning between 10 am to 12 pm as breakfast or between breakfast and lunch. Dr Bhavsar says one can even have it as an evening snack post lunch before 5 pm. She cautions against having watermelon at night or with meals. Diabetes or those with digestive issues must avoid eating watermelon, as per Ayurveda expert. 

* Side effects of overeating watermelon 

"Enjoy watermelon this summer but before you binge on them considering it is healthy, hydrating and cool, do not forget it's hard to digest too, Dr. Bhavsar. She suggests eating the fruit in moderation or it can make you feel bloated, gassy and even give you stomach ache. It may increase the risk of developing liver inflammation. 

* How to eat watermelon 

• Pick a ripe one 

• Rinse the outside 

• Cut melon into wedges and chunks 

• Watch out for the seeds 

• Chill your watermelon 

• Try adding a small amount of salt 

• Add lime juice and chilli powder