Is it safe to eat watermelon and muskmelon during coronavirus pandemic?

Is it safe to eat watermelon and muskmelon during coronavirus pandemic?, health benefits of watermelon, muskmelon
 
The world is passing through one of the major medical disasters in the form of coronavirus also named COVID-19. Millions of people are affected by a coronavirus and when I am writing this article, sadly almost more than three lakh people lost their lives due to coronavirus.
 
In this condition, it is natural to have mental stress or nervousness with ongoing lockdown and self-quarantine in their homes. Many people are also worried about their health and like to choose wisely which fruits and vegetables to eat and which not to.
 
Currently, the summer season is going on, and melons especially watermelon and muskmelon are delicious as well as a choice of fruits for many. Let’s first see the health benefits and key nutrients of both fruits in short.

Benefits and key nutrients of Watermelon

Watermelon contains a high amount of water and electrolyte which makes it the best choice in the summer season to keep hydrated.
 
Watermelon is low in calories, only 30 cal per 100 grams and glycemic index is 72.
 
It is a good source of vitamin A, B complex vitamins especially folate and Vitamin E. Vitamin A content in watermelon is about 56 milligrams per 100 grams which is 19% of RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) and vitamin B5 and B6 are almost 3% of the RDA. As you know Vitamin A is good for eye and skin health.
 
It also contains vitamin C which is an antioxidant that helps in the prevention of cell damage from free radicals and helps in immunity booster.
 
Minerals: It contains minerals like calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, etc.
 
Lycopene: It is the powerhouse of carotenoid phytonutrient lycopene. Watermelon contains almost 4532 micrograms per 100 grams. In this respect, lycopene is superior to tomatoes, pink guava, and grapefruit.
 
Lycopene has many benefits for our body, like it prevents cancer, lowers cholesterol, and blood pressure. So it is helpful in the health of our hearts.
 
Lycopene also acts as an anti-inflammatory and is helpful in lowering oxidative damage. It is also helpful against macular degeneration, maintains bone density in postmenopausal women, preventing the skin from damage by ultraviolet rays of Sun.
 
Citrulline: it contains amino acid citrulline in the amount of almost 250 milligrams per cup. Citrulline present in watermelon is converted into arginine amino acid by our body which is helpful in lowering blood pressure, expanding blood vessels, and improving peripheral blood circulation and like this is very helpful in heart health.
 
Cucurbitacin E: Watermelon also contains a unique tri-terpene phytonutrient is known as cucurbitacin E, which is helpful in neutralizing free nitrogen radicals.
 
Watermelon is high in water along with a small amount of fiber and for healthy digestive functions, both play an important role.

Benefits and key nutrients of Muskmelon

Muskmelon is also known as cantaloupe belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family includes cucumber, pumpkin, and gourds.
It is low in calories, almost 34 calories per 100 grams. It contains 90% water, 9% carbohydrates, and protein and the fat amount is less than 1%. High water content makes it the best summer fruit.
Muskmelon is a source of vitamin A, 3138 micrograms per 100 grams of fruit which is more than recommended daily allowance. Vitamin A content makes it beneficial for eye, mucous membranes, and skin health.
It also provides Vitamin C which is beneficial for immunity booster and cellular health.
It also contains flavonoids like beta carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and cryptoxanthin which are antioxidants and helps in removing free radicals.

Is it safe to eat watermelon and muskmelon during the coronavirus pandemic?

Coming to our question that, is it is safe to eat both fruits during the COVID-19 pandemic? There is no problem in eating both fruits in this coronavirus condition as there are no data to show the correlation and spread of the disease by these fruits. But you should take care while purchasing it.
 
Take all precautions not to get infected with coronavirus when you are going out to purchase anything. Precautionary measures include social distancing as much as possible, wear the mask, and when you come to the home after purchasing wash your hands with soap, and fruits under running water properly.

Precautions while eating muskmelon and watermelon

There are also some side effects of eating watermelon and muskmelon of their own which are not related to coronavirus. So you should keep it in mind while consuming it. Here let me tell you some precautionary measures for consuming both fruits.
  • Overeating: Both the fruits should not be overeaten because it contains sugar, although in less amount but a diabetic person can be affected.
  • Gastrointestinal disturbances: Overeating both fruits may cause gastrointestinal disturbances like diarrhea, burping, etc. So, eat according to your capability and in the limit.
  • Melons are slightly acidic. So it should not be consumed in the evening mostly after 7:00 p.m. as at night digestion is slow and difficult to digest acidic and sugary fruits.
  • Watermelon contains Vitamin B especially folate which is extremely sensitive to air, light, and heat. So it should be stored in a cool and dark place.
  • Always use fresh fruits and when you make watermelon juice, you should also use white fleshy parts and watermelon seeds which contain bioavailable iron and zinc.
This is all about the article. I hope you enjoy the reading and if you like please share it with your friends. Thank you. Have a healthy day.

Leave a Comment