Is Watermelon Good For Diabetes?

summer watermelon on plate

Watermelon, a popular summer fruit, is not just a refreshing fresh fruit, it also offers several health benefits. But what about its suitability for individuals with diabetes? Let's delve into the topic.

Watermelon, consisting mainly of water (91%) and carbs (7.5%), has a low glycemic index, which means it doesn't cause significant blood sugar spikes. This makes it a viable choice for people with diabetes, as one serving won't rapidly raise blood glucose levels.

Because of the watermelon glycemic index, watermelon consumption for diabetes management is preferred over dried fruits or fruit juice, which have high concentrations of sugar. Watermelon contains natural sugar and fiber, so consuming watermelon in its whole form may not lead to elevated blood sugar levels.

Watermelon Nutrition

Composed mostly of water, watermelon is a hydrating option that can help quench your thirst and keep you cool during hot summer days. It's a great choice for staying hydrated and for overall health and well-being.

In a 2/3 cup (100 grams) serving of raw watermelon, you will find the following nutrient breakdown (according to trusted sources):

Calories: 30
Water: 91%
Protein: 0.6 grams
Carbs: 7.6 grams
Sugar: 6.2 grams
Fiber: 0.4 grams
Fat: 0.2 grams

The natural sweetness of watermelon comes from the presence of natural sugars, and the fiber content helps promote healthy digestion.

While it is relatively low in carbs, individuals with specific dietary needs, such as those with diabetes, should watch their intake when they eat watermelon.

Macronutrients and Calories

Since watermelon is primarily made up of water, it makes an excellent choice for staying hydrated, particularly during summer months or after engaging in physical activities.

Carbohydrates are the dominant nutrient in watermelon. While it contains a very low concentration of proteins, with only 0.6 grams per 100 grams of watermelon, it compensates with its low-fat content. Watermelon has minimal amounts of saturated fats, no trans fats, or cholesterol.

Watermelon is impressively low in calories. 100 grams of watermelon contains a mere 30 calories, making it a guilt-free snack option. You can enjoy its sweet juiciness without worrying about excessive calorie intake, unlike processed fruit juices.

Interestingly, watermelon seeds offer their own nutritional profile. They contain higher levels of protein (8%), fats (17%), and fiber (40%) compared to the flesh. Be aware that the consumption of watermelon seeds is a personal preference and not a common practice.

Moreover, the rind of watermelon holds a special component called citrulline, a non-essential amino acid also found in the fruit's flesh. Citrulline has been associated with various health benefits in clinical studies.

Minerals

Minerals play a crucial role in maintaining optimal bodily functions, and watermelon is a natural source of several important minerals. The pulp of watermelon contains good amounts of calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus. It also provides traces of iron, choline, selenium, copper, and zinc. These minerals contribute to various physiological processes and support overall health. Watermelon seeds are rich in sodium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium, adding extra nutritional benefits.

Vitamins

Watermelon offers many vitamins, including vitamin A, which promotes healthy vision and plays a role in the health of the heart, kidneys, and lungs. Vitamin C, found abundantly in watermelon, known for its antioxidant properties, is beneficial for heart health, immune function, and even combating the common cold. Watermelon also contains low amounts of vitamin B complex, such as vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6, as well as smaller amounts of vitamin K and E. Surprisingly, watermelon seeds have higher levels of vitamins E and C compared to the flesh, along with a richer content of vitamin B3.

The Health Benefits of Eating Watermelon

Fresh watermelon is not only a refreshing and delicious summer fruit but also a nutritional resource that offers many health benefits. Consuming watermelon has shown benefits for chronic diseases, gut health, weight loss, and controlling high blood pressure levels.

Reaching Daily Nutrient Needs:

Watermelon contains essential vitamins and minerals that support your body's daily nutrient requirements. With about 15% of your daily vitamin C intake, along with potassium, vitamins A, and B6, watermelon provides a diverse array of nutrients.

Disease-Fighting Power:

The vibrant red color of watermelon comes from a natural compound called lycopene, which possesses powerful antioxidant properties. It has been shown that lycopene may decrease the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease by protecting cells from damage.

Hydration and Blood Sugar Control:

With more than 90% water content, watermelon is an excellent choice for staying hydrated. Additionally, the fiber present in watermelon aids in controlling blood sugar spikes.

Healthy Digestion:

Watermelon's high-water content, combined with its fiber content, promotes healthy digestion. The water helps move waste through the digestive system, while the fiber adds bulk to your stool, supporting regularity.

Eye Health:

Watermelon is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as lycopene and lutein+zeaxanthin, which are important for maintaining healthy eyes. These nutrients contribute to optimal eye function and may help protect against certain eye-related conditions.

Improved Heart Health:

Research suggests that consuming foods rich in lycopene may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. And recent studies have shown that watermelon extract may help lower blood pressure over an extended period.

Enhanced Immunity:

Watermelon is packed with nutrients crucial for a strong immune system. Vitamins A and C, along with the amino acid L-citrulline, found in watermelon, play significant roles in supporting immune function.

Reduced Inflammation:

The antioxidants found in watermelon, including vitamin C and lycopene, are shown to help lower inflammation and oxidative damage over time.

Blood Pressure

Citrulline is an amino acid found in watermelon. The body converts citrulline to arginine, which promotes the production of nitric oxide, a gas that relaxes blood vessels and promotes arterial flexibility. These effects improve blood circulation, which can help reduce high blood pressure.

Skin Health:

Watermelon contains vitamins that promote healthy skin. Vitamin C boosts collagen production, enhancing skin elasticity and blood flow. Vitamin A aids in skin cell repair, preventing dryness and flakiness, while vitamin B6 can help manage skin breakouts.

Relieved Muscle Aches:

Studies have shown that watermelon juice can help reduce muscle soreness and lower recovery heart rate in athletes. The L-citrulline content in watermelon may minimize muscle damage and alleviate post-exercise muscle discomfort.

Improved Exercise Performance:

The L-citrulline in watermelon has the potential to enhance exercise performance by increasing blood flow and oxygen supply to the muscles.

Weight Management:

Opting for watermelon as a snack choice can help promote feelings of fullness and satiety. Regular consumption of watermelon is associated with maintaining optimal body weight, a healthy body mass index, blood pressure, and waist circumference.

Eco-Friendly Choice:

From the flesh to the rind and even the seeds, no part goes to waste. Watermelon rinds are lower in sugar and higher in fiber, contributing to slower sugar absorption and steadier blood sugar levels. Watermelon seeds are also nutritious, containing plant protein, magnesium, and beneficial fatty acids.

Will Eating Watermelon Raise Blood Sugar?

Watermelon has a glycemic index (GI) of 80, which is considered high. However, due to its relatively low carbohydrate content, one serving of watermelon has a glycemic load (GL) of five. This means that consuming a small amount may not lead to a blood sugar spike. A single serving of watermelon contains about 18 grams of sugar, which can have an impact on blood sugar for people with diabetes.

Fresh, Canned, or Frozen Fruit?

Some canned items, such as tomatoes, contain higher levels of B vitamins and lycopene compared to freshly picked tomatoes. Certain canned vegetables, like beans, contain more soluble fiber, which can aid in reducing blood glucose and cholesterol levels while promoting digestive health. While research has found that most nutrients were preserved in canned fruits and vegetables, it's important to note that canned fruits often contain added sugars, and canned vegetables may have high levels of sodium.

Watermelon and Diabetes: Good or Bad?

While watermelon has a relatively high glycemic index, because of the fiber it contains, it has a low glycemic load. It's essential to monitor portion sizes and check your glucose levels after eating watermelon. Tracking your body's response to new foods, including watermelon, can offer valuable insights into how they affect your blood glucose levels.

Pairing watermelon with protein, monitoring portion sizes, and consulting a healthcare professional can help you make informed choices about including watermelon in your diabetes management plan.