On the topic of watermelon, Mark Twain once wrote: “The true Southern watermelon is a boon apart, and not to be mentioned with commoner things. It is chief of this world’s luxuries, king by the grace of God over all other fruit of the earth. When one has tasted it, he knows what the angels eat…”
If you are a diabetic, Twain’s angelic comparison is especially pertinent to you. With fewer than 10 grams of natural sugar per cup of diced watermelon is less than half the amount of sugar contained in the same amount of orange. And because diabetics must restrict the amount of sugar they consume, fruits that have a low glycemic index, watermelon is a welcome treat that fits the bill.
That single cup of watermelon also contains a mere 20 calories and an ample amount of vitamin A and vitamin C, folate, choline, potassium, magnesium, zinc and copper. Even better, watermelon is about 90 percent water and provides diabetics not only with a tasty way to stay hydrated but also an excellent alternative to sugary soft drinks.
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You may not be aware of this, but watermelon is loaded with lycopene, it is a natural carotenoid pigment that provides the fruit its bright red color. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps to not only reduce the likelihood of cardiovascular disease, it also suspected to be useful in the prevention of cancer, asthma, cataracts.
Benefits of watermelon
1. Weight Loss
Not only is watermelon is low in calories and has a high water content. Due to the high water content, eating the fruit makes you feel full and prevent cravings and help maintain a healthy weight, which is an essential factor for diabetics.
2. Controls blood pressure
High blood pressure and heart diseases are issues diabetics are at higher risk of compared to the general population. But the potassium and magnesium in watermelon can help control high blood pressure.
3. Prevents kidney problems
Watermelon can stimulate better kidney function, and reduce inflammation in the organ. And because watermelon acts as a natural diuretic, decreasing uric acid in the blood it triggers increased urination and protects a diabetics kidneys from diabetes related kidney disease.
4. Combats infections
Healing difficulties make diabetics susceptible to infections eating watermelon can protect them. The fruit has ample amounts of vitamin C and antioxidants that combat infections, heighten the immune system.
Just remember when eating watermelon – the food of angels – that moderation is the key. Enjoy, but just don’t overdue do it.
