Jessica Vargas
Watermelons not only taste delicious, but they also help with weight loss – at least that’s what the watermelon diet promises.
The watermelon diet sheds the pounds quickly. Because watermelon not only tastes delicious but also consists mainly of water – a total of 92 percent. It is therefore an ideal thirst quencher that has almost no calories: if you eat 100 grams of watermelon, you only consume 37 calories. Watermelons are also low in carbohydrates. Only 8 grams per 100 grams of watermelon are included.
What also makes watermelon a suitable diet fruit is that its low glycemic index ensures a stable insulin level. There are no food cravings, so sticking to the watermelon diet is much easier. The fruit also contains vitamin A, vitamin C, beta-carotene, potassium, and lycopene.
Studies show that watermelon helps you lose weight
Watermelon is excellent for losing weight – this has been scientifically well-researched. A study from the University of Kentucky found that extracts of the summer fruit in mice can improve liver function and reduce fat accumulation in the body. The watermelon is also said to boost the breakdown of fat in the body – this is ensured by the amino acid citrulline it contains. This prevents fat from being stored in the body’s cells. Researchers at the Université Paris Descartes were able to show this in animal experiments with rats.
This is how the watermelon diet works
As with many diets, the watermelon diet can be done in several ways. The radical form is a crash diet in which only watermelon is consumed for several days. In addition, a mix of mono diet and mixed diet, and a pure mixed diet is possible.
- Watermelon for a mono diet: Here, only watermelon is eaten for several days. Due to the high liquid content of the melon, it is more of a detox than a diet. The melon is said to help the body get rid of toxins, salts, and excess water.
- Watermelon for a mixed diet: Only watermelon is eaten for the first few days. Then put in a few more days in which you integrate watermelon with every meal and thus eat as few calories as possible. For example, you can have yogurt with melon pieces for breakfast, a chicken fillet with watermelon for lunch, and a watermelon smoothie in the evening.
- Watermelon for a pure mixed diet: Of course, you can also eliminate the proportion of the mono diet and practice a mixed diet based on watermelon for a few days.
A week only watermelon – Diet can be harmful to health
The melon diet can be problematic for the cardiovascular system when practiced as a pure mono diet. A study shows that diets with a calorie intake of 600 to 800 calories cause a dramatic increase in heart fat percentage after one week. In addition, a prolonged watermelon diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies since the fruit contains no protein.
If in doubt, it is always advisable to speak to a doctor before starting a diet and to clarify any risks with him. The watermelon diet as a pure mono diet is not suitable for people with cardiovascular problems and other diseases as well as for pregnant women.
Watermelon as part of a balanced diet
For a short-term detox, a watermelon diet can make sense and allow you to lose weight in a short period. Consuming watermelon regularly as part of a balanced and nutritious diet is highly recommended. In the more radical interpretation of the diet – i.e. those with a mono-diet component, the following applies: In principle, it should not be harmful to healthy people to practice this diet for a few days. However, like any other mono diet, the watermelon diet is not an option for long-term weight loss.
