Summers are here in full swing and so is the need to indulge in hydrating summer fruits. Watermelon is one such summer fruit we are up for anytime of the day. Apart from being an extremely hydrating fruit, watermelons pack a number of health benefits. What makes watermelon such a hit amongst nutritionists is the fact that 96 percent of watermelon is just water. In summers, it is very important to keep the body hydrated as you tend to perspire more. Macrobiotic Nutritionist and Health practitioner, Shilpa Arora , “Watermelons contain lycopene, potassium and a lot of other nutrients. It is also loaded with fibre that facilitates digestion and healthy weight loss”. According to the book ‘Healing Foods’ by DK Publishing House, citrulline, an important amino acid found in the flesh of watermelons, can stimulate the production of nitric oxide, which regulates blood pressure and enhances the blood flow. No doubt, watermelon is one of the healthiest additions you can make to your summer diet. But before you do that, you may want to know what Ayurveda says about it; specifically when it comes to pairing the super healthy fruit, with the ever-so healthy milk. It is said, doing so could give you an upset tummy. About melons, ‘The Complete Book of Home Remedies’ by Dr. Vasant Lad notes, “Eat them alone, or leave them alone”, which in other words mean that nutrient-dense melons are not fit to be paired with just anything. Watermelons are mostly water — about 92 percent — but this refreshing fruit is soaked with nutrients. Each juicy bite has significant levels of vitamins A, B6 and C, lots of lycopene, antioxidants and amino acids. There’s even a modest amount of potassium. Plus, this quintessential summer snack is fat-free, very low in sodium and has only 40 calories per cup. But what could possibly go wrong you would think? Milk is packed with nutrients, and watermelons are perhaps one of the most healthy fruits you have ever known. You are right. Individually, they are a treasure trove of health benefits, but teaming them together may not be the best idea. According to Ayurveda expert, Dr. Ashutosh Gautam, “In Ayurveda, the nature of the food holds immense prominence, which is why you should be more mindful before pairing any two foods. Incompatible food combinations often cause a variety of problems. Watermelon and milk are of ‘viruddh’ or opposite nature. Watermelon is slightly citrusy in nature, while milk is said to be of ‘madhur’ nature – which is sweet or mild. Hence, teaming them could lead to digestive issues and toxic build up, which could further lead to vomiting or lose motions. Another factor is that watermelon is a rather loaded fruit. Its high fluid content makes it one of the heaviest fruits to have. To have milk or any fluid after that would just lead to increased fluid intake and leave you with a heavy stomach.” “Foods that are high in antioxidants and amino acids allow your body to function optimally,” said Angela Lemond, a Plano, Texas-based registered dietitian nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “Antioxidants help prevent damage, and cancer. Amino acids are the basic building block for protein, and protein is used in virtually every vital function in the body.”Scientists have taken notice of watermelon’s high lycopene levels — about 15 to 20 milligrams per 2-cup serving, according to Watermelon Promotion Board — some of the highest levels of any type of fresh produce. Lycopene is a phytonutrient, which is a naturally occurring compound in fruits and vegetables that reacts with the human body to trigger healthy reactions. It is also the red pigment that gives watermelons, tomatoes, red grapefruits and guavas their color. It is also loaded with fibre that facilitates digestion and healthy weight loss”.
