Watermelon: What Nutrition Professionals Say About Its Health Effects, Serving Sizes, And Risks

Watermelon image

Perspective from Leticia Soares

Postgraduate Degree in Public and Family Health/Bachelor Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics · 5 years of experience · Brazil

Possible Side Effects

• Eating watermelon in excessive amounts can lead to some intestinal discomfort. Watermelon is a high FODMAP fruit and when consumed in large portions it can cause symptoms like bloating, constipation, diarrhea and pain.

Quantity Recommendation

• The recommendation for fresh fruits is to consuming four servings per day. A serving of watermelon is a half-inch thick wedge of sliced watermelon. It is important to consume watermelon according to the recommendations, since watermelon contains fructose, that is a natural sugar, and the fruit has a high glycemic index, therefore if it is consumed an excessive amount this may have an impact on the blood sugar level.

→ Watermelon: How much should you eat? Experts weigh in.

→ See benefits of Watermelon from this expert

Perspective from Lucía Ramos

Bachelor of Science · 8 years of experience · Argentina

Possible Side Effects

• Diabetic subjects should control the portion of watermelon for its sugar content and its impact on blood glucose.

Quantity Recommendation

• Between two and three portions of fruits are recommended to have every day. Watermelon is a fruit with high percent of water which could contribute to daily hydration.

→ Watermelon: How much should you eat? Experts weigh in.

→ See benefits of Watermelon from this expert

This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.