Watermelon: can diabetics eat it? The beneficial properties of watermelon pulp are: How to calculate your portion of watermelon

Diabetes mellitus is a disease in which you need to monitor your diet very carefully. After all, food alone can provoke an exacerbation of the disease and a significant deterioration in one’s own condition. That is why now I would like to talk about whether it is possible to eat watermelon if you have diabetes.

A little about watermelons

With the arrival of summer, patients diabetes mellitus there are many temptations in the form of berries, fruits and other natural treats. And I want to eat everything that hangs on the bushes and trees. However, the disease dictates its conditions and before eating something, a person thinks: “Will this berry or fruit benefit me?”

No one will argue that watermelon itself is healthy. So, this berry (watermelon is exactly a berry!) has an excellent diuretic effect, helps remove various toxins and harmful elements, while positively affecting the liver and the entire cardiovascular system. It should also be noted that watermelon is actively used in weight loss diets, helping the body gain the desired weight.

Important indicators of watermelon

When figuring out whether you can eat watermelon if you have diabetes, you need to take into account numerical indicators. What do you need to know about this berry?

Scientists equate the weight of a watermelon with rind to 260 grams to one unit of bread.
100 grams of pure watermelon contain only 40 kcal.
At the same time, it is also important to remember that (an indicator of the influence of a certain food on blood sugar levels) of this berry is 72. And this is a lot.

About type 1 diabetes

Let’s go further and figure out whether it’s possible to eat watermelon if you have diabetes. So, everyone knows that there are types I and type II diabetes. Depending on this, nutritional rules also vary. For type 1 diabetes, this berry can and even should be eaten. After all, there is little sugar in it, and all the sweetness is provided by fructose. To absorb everything that is in watermelon, the patient does not need insulin at all. That is, blood sugar levels will not change significantly. But only if you eat no more than 800 grams of watermelon. And this is the maximum figure. The norm is approximately 350-500 grams. At the same time, it is also important to exclude other carbohydrate-containing foods so as not to harm your body.

About type 2 diabetes

Is it possible to eat watermelon if you have type II diabetes? Here the situation is somewhat different than described above. With this form of the disease, you need to be extremely careful with all the food that enters the body. In this case, it is very important to comply strict diet without consuming too much glucose. The patient, of course, can eat about 150-200 grams of this aromatic and delicious berries. But at the same time you will also have to change your entire daily diet.

The second point, which is also important: with type 2 diabetes, people most often have excess body weight. So, it is very important to monitor the indicators, constantly influencing the normalization of these numbers. If you eat watermelon (mostly liquid), it will lead to end result to the fact that the patient will want to eat after a while (the intestines and stomach will stretch). And as a result, the feeling of hunger increases. And in this case it is very difficult to follow any diet. Disruptions occur and the body is harmed. So is it possible to eat watermelons if you have type II diabetes? It is possible, but in very small quantities. It is best to avoid consuming this berry altogether.

About other properties of watermelon

Watermelon also has other beneficial properties. For example, it helps quench thirst. So, is it possible to eat watermelon for diabetes mellitus if the patient is thirsty? Of course you can. And even necessary. After all, this berry contains large quantities of fiber, pectin and water. But at the same time, you need to remember that it is important to observe the dosage of its consumption depending on the type of disease and general condition patient's health.

When figuring out whether people with diabetes can eat watermelons, you need to answer that this berry can be included as one of the ingredients in the most different dishes. And it can be not only fruit salads, where its pulp is used. There are many various dishes, where ripe watermelon is used. At the same time, accessible and permitted for diabetics. So, to diversify your own diet, you can look for interesting solutions for using watermelon in a variety of, sometimes even unexpected, variations of cooking.

The basis of diabetes therapy is dietary nutrition. A selective approach to food can control blood glucose levels and significantly improve the quality of life of a diabetic. Healthy eating with a diet of any kind is based primarily on plant products, rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber - vegetables, fruits and berries.

In the case of diabetes, not everything is so simple, since many of the products in this category contain a large number of sugar prohibited in a diabetic diet. The problem of choosing tasty vitamins arises especially urgently during their ripening season. On a hot summer day, there is a great desire to pamper yourself with the juicy pulp of melons. The question arises: is it possible to eat watermelon or melon if you have diabetes, given their sweetness, or should you refuse the temptation?

General information

Watermelon belongs to the fruit melons of the pumpkin family. Despite the fact that the plant consists of more than 90% water, its chemical composition contains many elements that are especially useful for weakened orgasm chronic diseases. Watermelon is rich in B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, folic acid), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), calciferol (vitamin D), tocopherol (vitamin E), phylloquinone (vitamin K).

Mineral components are represented by microelements (potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium), and the macroelement iron. In addition, watermelons contain carotenoids: provitamin A (beta-carotene); zeaxate, lycopene and others. These substances perform an antioxidant function, stimulate the work of enzymes, increase immunity, inhibit the development of destructive and inflammatory processes, support visual health, inhibit the activity of cancer cells.

Thanks to water based and chemical composition, the use of melons is indicated:

for disorders of the urinary system;
with difficult digestion and a tendency to constipation;
in the treatment of hypertension and atherosclerosis (which is especially important for diabetics);
as a cleanser for intoxication (including alcohol);
to eliminate disruptions in metabolic and hormonal processes.

According to the listed characteristics, watermelon for diabetes can significantly improve health. If not for one thing! The glycemic index (GI) and nutrient composition of the product are not compatible with the principles of diabetic nutrition.

The data corresponds to a piece of watermelon weighing 150 grams

Watermelon in a diabetic's diet

When compiling diabetic diet characteristics of products such as GI ( glycemic index), energy value, ratio of nutrients (fats, proteins, carbohydrates).

Nutrients

According to the recommendations of the diet for diabetics, it is necessary to eliminate from the diet simple carbohydrates. Sweets are quickly processed and broken down into components, forming glucose, which is rapidly absorbed into the systemic blood flow, calling sharp increase sugar indicators. TO fast carbohydrates include monosaccharides (glucose, fructose, galactose), disaccharides (sucrose, lactose, maltose).

In 100 gr. sweet watermelon pulp contains 2.4 grams of glucose. fructose - 4.3 g. Fruit sugar is considered less dangerous for people with diabetes because its resorption (absorption) into the blood is slower than that of glucose. Also, the processing of fructose (breakdown in the liver into glucose and fats) does not require insulin costs. The process takes place under the action of enzymes.

But insulin is needed to transport the resulting glucose. Therefore, fructose can be consumed in diabetes, but in limited quantities. Watermelon pulp contains polysaccharides, otherwise slow carbohydrates(pectin and fiber).

These substances are necessary to replenish the body's energy reserves and as effective stimulants of the digestive process. Regarding the protein component and fats, their amount in the nutritional value of the product is negligible. Fats amount to 0.1 g. per 100 gr. pulp, proteins – 0.7 g. These values do not affect blood sugar levels.

Energy value

The menu for diabetes should consist of easily digestible, low-calorie foods. Daily caloric intake must be within the range of 2200-2500 kcal. This is especially true for the second type of disease, in which most patients suffer from excess body weight. Regarding watermelon, you don’t have to worry about the energy value. 100 grams of product contains only 27 kcal. With a healthy endocrine system, nutritionists advise using a watermelon diet for effective disposal from extra pounds.

Glycemic index

GI is a value indicating the rate of processing of food entering the body, the release of glucose and its resorption into the systemic bloodstream. The higher the glycemic index of a product, the faster sugar penetrates the blood. Diabetics are allowed foods with a low GI (from 0 to 30 units) and limited consumption with an average index (from 30 to 70 units).

Food indexed with a digital value above 70 is classified as prohibited for diabetics. The table for determining the GI of fruits and berries indicates that watermelon can be eaten with diabetes, but in strictly dosed quantities. The watermelon index exceeds the norm for the average product category by only 2 units.

Additionally

Based on the value of the glycemic index, among melons and melons for diabetes mellitus, melon deserves more attention. Its GI is lower, and its energy value is approximately equal to that of watermelon. Nutritional value and calorie content of melon per 100 grams:

Important! Diabetics are limited to only fresh melon. The calorie content of the product in dry form increases 10 times.

Features of use, depending on the type of disease

Type 1 diabetes is insulin dependent. To maintain capacity, the patient must regularly inject medical insulin. Dietary nutrition is based on counting conventional value– XE (bread units). One grain unit equals 12 grams of net carbs. The daily maximum for a diabetic should not exceed 25 XE. In watermelon equivalent, a safe portion will look like: 1XE = 12 g. carbohydrates = 270 gr. product or a piece of watermelon.

Is it possible to eat more and what are the risks? Of course, if you exceed the portion, your blood sugar will “jump.” The norm of 270 grams is accepted, since the remaining 12 XE will enter the body with other products. With insulin therapy, it is possible to control glucose levels through additional injections. This emergency measure, the abuse of which is strictly prohibited.

Diabetics with the second (non-insulin-dependent) type of the disease do not have the opportunity to artificially influence their sugar levels. Therefore, watermelon for type 2 diabetes should be consumed according to the dosage, that is, no more than 270 grams. It is permissible to eat more only if the carbohydrate norm is compensated by other foods. It should be remembered that simple carbohydrates do not cause long-term satiety.

For gestational diabetes, pregnant women are allowed to increase the portion to 400 grams

The rapid processing of food leads to the fact that after a short period of time a person begins to feel hungry. In type 2 diabetes aggravated by obesity, this can lead to uncontrolled eating and weight gain. In addition to the type of diabetes, when consuming sweet melons, the following parameters of a person’s health must be taken into account.

Stage of the disease. In the decompensated stage of the disease, sugar, as a rule, cannot be stabilized with medications. Eating sugary foods can lead to diabetic crisis. Watermelon is allowed on the menu only if diabetes is compensated. Availability is taken into account accompanying pathologies. Despite healing properties watermelon delicacy, this product is contraindicated for the following diseases:

acute pancreatitis;
kidney stones (nephrolithiasis);
inflammation of the colon mucosa (colitis);
intense formation of gases and diarrhea;
swelling (of any origin).

When consuming sweet melons, you should be prepared for some side effects. The product can cause fermentation processes in the intestines, increased urination, and flatulence.

To get maximum benefit and insure against undesirable consequences, you should eat watermelon, following certain rules:

Introduce into the menu little by little. Dependency needs to be checked sugar indicators from the product and the reaction of the body as a whole.
Do not use on an empty stomach. A hungry digestive system will instantly process carbohydrates, which will trigger a sharp release of glucose into the blood.
Don't eat before bed. Firstly, the product has a diuretic effect, and secondly, it is absent at night physical activity, therefore, the consumption of glucose as an energy resource. Carbohydrates are then safely processed into fats.
Do not neglect the recommended portion (do not overeat).
Do not eat as a separate dish. It is better to eat after the main meal, this will help slow down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream.
Before use, it is recommended to soak the watermelon for 1-2 hours. cold water to remove possible nitrates.

The introduction of a new product into the diet is allowed only with the approval of the treating endocrinologist.

Selection rules

In order not to be disappointed after purchasing the product, you need to choose a watermelon according to the following criteria: hard and glossy (not matte) peel (unripe fruits have unhardened skin), absence of stripes and damage on the “grass” spot (means that the watermelon was not disturbed during ripening) , the presence of a booming sound when the peel is tapped and a characteristic crackling sound when squeezed.

You should not buy melons, vegetables and fruits on the highway, as they quickly absorb toxic substances. The presence of watermelon in a diabetic's diet has certain limitations. The exact answer to the question whether or not you can please your taste buds with this sweetness can only be given by a doctor, taking into account individual characteristics course of the disease.

Diabetes mellitus (abbreviated as DM) - serious illness endocrine system, developing as a result of relative or absolute deficiency of the hormone insulin. As a result, hyperglycemia develops - an increase in blood glucose levels. DM is characterized by a violation of all types of metabolism - water-salt, carbohydrate, fat, mineral, protein.

Diabetes affects children and adults, as well as some species of mammals, particularly cats and dogs.

The disease can be conditionally divided into two main types - 1 (insulin-dependent) and 2 (insulin-independent). Type 1 diabetes was previously called juvenile diabetes because the disease mainly affects young people under 30 years of age. Type 2 diabetes affects the majority of patients, about 85%, of which only a quarter have normal weight, and the rest are overweight or obese. The main goal treatment of patients with diabetes of any form of the disease is to reduce blood sugar and normalize all types metabolic processes in organism.

Treatment methods vary depending on the type of disease: patients with type 1 require insulin injections, for type 2 diabetes mellitus, glucose-lowering drugs are prescribed, and sometimes blood glucose levels can only be normalized with proper nutrition.

In general, diet for diabetes, regardless of the type of disease, is a mandatory part of treatment. Each patient must strictly calculate his diet, the content of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, microelements and vitamins. It is generally accepted that a diet for patients with diabetes excludes the consumption of sugar and all products containing it. However, this opinion is not entirely true, since glucose is necessary to nourish brain cells. Diabetics should replenish their reserves of this substance by certain types berries and fruits.

Many patients are interested in whether it is possible to eat watermelon if you have diabetes, because this berry is known to contain a large amount of sugars.

Today we will find out whether eating watermelon is beneficial for diabetes and what patients should pay attention to when creating a summer menu.

Is it possible to eat watermelon if you have diabetes?

First, let's figure out what is included in chemical composition watermelon and what properties the red berry pulp has.

Despite the fact that 92% of the fruit pulp consists of water, it contains vitamins such as D, C, B2, B6, E, B1, PP, carotene, iron salts, copper, zinc, calcium, folic acid, coarse alimentary fiber(cellulose).

This microelement base and vitamins present in the fruit stimulate metabolic processes in the liver and kidneys, prevent the formation of stones in the gallbladder and ducts, improve the composition of bile.

Of course, the pulp of the berry contains significant amount carbohydrates and sugars, but they negative impact on the patient's body is covered with plant-fibrous elements and water.

It is worth understanding that diabetes affects not only the endocrine, but also the cardiovascular system, and eating berries allows you to replenish the body’s reserves of potassium, sodium, magnesium, carotene, folic acid. Diabetes typically causes poor blood flow, and great content In the red pulp, iron contributes to blood thinning and the formation of new blood cells - red blood cells.

Endocrinologists assure that watermelon is useful for diabetes and will not cause harm to the patient, but only if it is consumed correctly.

Rules for consuming watermelon for diabetes mellitus types 1 and 2

To maximize the benefits of absorbing the sweet juicy pulp of watermelon, you need to take into account a number of recommendations from nutritionists.

Despite its low calorie content (about 40 kcal per 100 g of pulp), watermelon has a high glycemic index, that is, it causes a fairly rapid but short-term increase in blood glucose. U healthy person soon after eating the berry, the pancreas produces insulin, glucose levels drop sharply, and hypoglycemia occurs, accompanied by a feeling of hunger. The so-called watermelon mono-diets, which lead to weight loss, are strictly prohibited for patients with diabetes, as they cause stress due to hunger. That is why people with this diagnosis should consume this berry in doses and no more than 1 kg per day. It is best to spread the pleasure from the fruit over several doses of 300-350 g, but at the same time limit the consumption of other carbohydrate-containing products.
Before the watermelon season, if the patient is going to introduce the berry into the diet, doctors recommend taking a control sample of blood glucose concentration in order to analyze the dynamics of fluctuations in blood sugar levels. The same procedure must be done at the end of the season.
It is necessary to introduce the product into the menu gradually, eating no more than 200 g of pulp at a time.
Patients with diabetes are advised to choose not bright red, scarlet juicy fruits, but pink, less sweet ones, since they contain less glucose.
Watermelon contains a large amount of fiber, and this can lead to increased flatulence, especially if you eat the scarlet berry along with other foods. Eat the fruit on an empty stomach, without mixing it with other dishes.

It is very important to choose a high-quality product that is not “flavored” with nitrates, otherwise enjoying the berry will only bring harm to the body.

Remember the basic rules for choosing a watermelon:

Dip a piece of pulp into a glass of water for a few minutes. If the liquid turns pink, feel free to throw the fruit in the trash;
to reduce the amount of nitrates in the fruit (this applies to all vegetables and fruits), dip the purchased watermelon in clean water for several hours, then cut it and start eating;
The watermelon season begins in July and ends in September. Fruits sold before mid-July are “stuffed” with nitrates, and those sold later than the second half of September may contain substances that lead to poisoning. Diabetics should give preference to melons, which are sold in late July - early August. Later berries are not worth eating.

Future mothers suffering from gestational diabetes mellitus are interested in the question: is it possible to enjoy watermelon with such a diagnosis?

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and disappears soon after birth. The disease occurs in approximately 4% of expectant mothers.

The reason for this is a decrease in the sensitivity of cells to insulin produced by the body’s own. This is due to high content pregnancy hormones in the blood.

At the end of summer and beginning of autumn, the melon season begins. At this time, many people like to enjoy the juicy pink pulp of watermelon. It's delicious and useful product, which contains many vitamins and minerals. But can you eat watermelon if you have diabetes? After all, its pulp has a sweet taste.

Types of diabetes

Insulin is responsible for processing sugar in the body. This is one of the hormones of the pancreas. If this substance is completely absent, then death from hyperglycemia.

In diabetes mellitus, blood glucose levels are elevated. There are 2 forms of this disease:

Diabetes mellitus type 1. With this pathology, insulin is either not produced at all or is produced in negligible quantities. Such a patient needs vital replacement therapy. A person can live only by constantly taking insulin in the form of injections.
Diabetes mellitus type 2. In this form of the disease, insulin production is not impaired in humans, but obesity is often observed. Because of age-related changes, lifestyle features and overweight the body stops processing carbohydrates.

To answer the question of whether it is possible to eat watermelon with diabetes, it is necessary to take into account the type of disease and the need for insulin therapy.

In addition, gestational diabetes is distinguished in medicine. This pathology occurs in some women during pregnancy. Because of hormonal changes In the body, the pancreas cannot cope with glucose metabolism. In most cases, this disorder disappears after childbirth, but can negatively affect the condition of the unborn child.

Features of the diet for diabetes

To understand the question of whether you can eat watermelon with diabetes, you need to understand the principles therapeutic nutrition. When prescribing a diet, the doctor takes into account the following indicators:

Glycemic index (GI). It is assigned to each food product. This value shows how quickly carbohydrates from food enter the bloodstream. The GI of pure glucose is taken as 100 units.
Bread unit (XE). This value shows how much sugar enters the blood from food. A piece of bread weighing 20 g is taken as 1 unit. It contains 12 g of carbohydrates. To completely process them you will need 2 g of insulin.

These indicators must be taken into account to answer patients’ questions about whether it is possible to eat watermelon, as well as other sweet berries and fruits, if you have diabetes. It must be remembered that daily norm for diabetics should be no more than 15 XE.

The benefits and harms of watermelon

Watermelon is often called "sugar". It really has a very sweet taste, but the product is often used in dietary nutrition. The sugar content in watermelon is 10%, mainly fructose. This monosaccharide is not required for processing Active participation insulin.

Watermelon may be beneficial for diabetes. If you eat this berry periodically large quantities, then this will help the body receive vitamins and minerals. You must first consult with your doctor so that he can adjust the diet taking into account the GI and XE of this product.

To the question of whether you can eat watermelon if you have diabetes, the answer is yes. But this does not mean that the product can be eaten in unlimited quantities. It is imperative to observe the measure. Excessive consumption of watermelons can still lead to an increase in blood sugar, and there is still a risk of gaining excess weight. Excess fructose will be stored in fat reserves.

A piece of watermelon weighing 135 g contains 1 XE and 40 Kcal. Its glycemic index is quite high - 75 units. The permissible amount of the product depends on the type of disease.

Watermelons for type 1 diabetes

Can watermelon be consumed occasionally if you have type 1 diabetes? If a person has to constantly take insulin, he can eat 800 g of the product per day. Considering that the GI of the berry is quite high, it is better to consume watermelon in small portions of 200 g in 4 doses with breaks. Doctors allow such a considerable amount of product per day only for type 1 diabetics, since these patients receive insulin and process sugar faster.

Watermelons for type 2 diabetes

If a patient is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, can watermelon be included in the diet occasionally? This is acceptable, but in very small quantities. You can consume no more than 200 mg of watermelon per day. This limitation is due to the fact that type 2 diabetics are usually obese and need to watch their weight.

Watermelon has a high glycemic index. The product is quickly absorbed, but then very soon comes strong feeling hunger. This forces a person to eat more food. As a result, body weight only increases. To avoid the feeling of hunger, doctors recommend eating the watermelon pulp with a piece of bread.

Sometimes type 2 diabetics ask: “Is it possible to eat watermelon in large quantities if you have diabetes, since the berry contains only fructose?” This question can be answered in the negative. Fructose is not safe for people with overweight, her overuse may worsen obesity. You need to remember that it is impossible to lose weight on a “watermelon” diet.

Gestational diabetes

Can pregnant women eat watermelon if they have gestational diabetes? This question will have to be answered in the negative. It is better to completely exclude this berry from the diet until childbirth and normalization of sugar levels.

Antiglycemic medications are contraindicated in pregnant women with gestational diabetes. This may harm the fetus. If eating watermelon causes an increase in glucose levels, then provide the patient with medication assistance it will be very difficult. Constant spikes in sugar have a negative impact on intrauterine development child. Therefore, it is better not to take risks and stick to a strict diet.

This only applies to those cases of diabetes where it arose as a complication during pregnancy. If a woman suffers from type 1 disease and receives insulin therapy, then she should adhere to the same rules as other diabetics.

Watermelon products

Now you know whether you can eat watermelon if you have diabetes. But other products are also made from this berry. These include watermelon juice, honey (nardek) and butter. Are they contraindicated for diabetics?

Drinking watermelon juice is not recommended for any type of diabetes. This product contains a very concentrated composition of sugars. Watermelon honey (nardek) is also contraindicated for patients. You can only add watermelon oil to food as a dressing. It is made not from pulp, but from seeds, and will only bring benefits.

How to eat watermelon if you have diabetes?

To ensure that eating watermelon brings benefits and not harm, doctors recommend adhering to the following rules:

Diabetics should never eat watermelon on an empty stomach. This is especially true for type 2 disease. This will cause a sharp rise in blood glucose, followed by a feeling of hunger.
You should not eat watermelons alone for the purpose of losing weight. For diabetes mellitus, diets with a monotonous composition of foods are contraindicated. In addition, such nutrition is ineffective; excessive consumption of fructose will only increase body weight.
Before eating, it is useful to place a whole uncut watermelon in water for 2-3 hours. This will help remove nitrites from the berries.

It is better to eat watermelon during the main meal. Sometimes patients are interested in whether it is possible for diabetic patients to eat watermelons along with other foods. You can answer that doctors recommend eating berries during lunch or dinner.

However, not all people find the combination of the taste of melons and bread tasty, as doctors advise. Watermelon pieces can be added to meat or fish dish as a snack. They can be placed as an ingredient in vegetable salad, or decorate a cottage cheese dish with them. In summer, it is useful to prepare refreshing cocktails from the pulp with the addition of lime or lemon juice, mint. You can try different combinations, the main thing is that watermelon is added to food, with plenty of protein and fiber. This helps reduce the glycemic index of the product.

Watermelon is a healthy and tasty berry that helps quench your thirst on a hot summer day. But the presence of a large amount of sugar raises questions among diabetics about the possibility of consuming it if they have diabetes. Watermelon for diabetes is consumed with extreme caution, since excess fluid can provoke the development of swelling, as well as a rapid increase in blood pressure.

Watermelon consists of 80% liquid, and the sugars included in its composition are easily digestible by the body. This berry is not only tasty, but also healthy due to its rich vitamin composition:

Vitamin B 2 – takes an active part in metabolic processes, helping to strengthen the immune system.
Vitamin B 6 – prevents the development of degeneration of adipose tissue, providing the body with all the necessary enzymes, in the synthesis of which it takes an active part.
Carotene and bioflavonoids - support the immune system, taking part in all metabolic processes.
Amino acids: isoleucine, valine, oxylysine, citrulline.
Salts of calcium, potassium, magnesium and iron.

Watermelon pulp contains up to 13% sugars, of which:

fructose – up to 4.5%;
sucrose – up to 5%;
glucose – up to 2%.

The beneficial properties of watermelon are as follows:

Diuretic effect - stimulates the active removal of fluid from the body, which helps to avoid stagnation and swelling, which are very common in diabetes.
Normalizes digestion – the beneficial substances contained in watermelon stimulate the digestion process, helping to effectively combat constipation and other stool disorders.
Reduces cholesterol levels - watermelon, due to the large amount of liquid, increases the volume of circulating blood and also helps remove cholesterol, accumulations of which are observed in the blood vessels and liver.
Choleretic effect - with the help of watermelon, the liver is provided with all necessary substances, which facilitate the synthesis of bile, preventing the development of its stagnation in the ducts.
Flushes sand out of the kidneys - under the influence of a large amount of liquid and the diuretic effect of watermelon, self-cleansing of the kidneys occurs.
Effectively fights constipation - the composition of watermelon allows you to normalize intestinal motility, and a large amount of liquid facilitates the excretion of feces.
Struggling with arterial hypertension– the decrease in pressure is due to the excretion excess liquid from the body and normalization of the volume of free circulating blood.
Satisfies the feeling of hunger long time- thanks to the easy, but nutritional composition, watermelon can be used as a main meal.
Easily absorbed and excreted by the body.

Not only watermelon pulp has beneficial effect on the body. Bones are rich in fats and useful substances, which help fight helminths in the intestines.

In the presence of diabetes mellitus, watermelon helps to normalize all metabolic processes, preventing the development of edema. It is included in the diet, but you should first consult a doctor. If you have kidney stones and bile ducts, watermelon can provoke the development painful sensations, the cause of which is the movement of stones.

Indications for the use of watermelons for type 1 diabetes

The benefits of consuming watermelon in the presence of type 1 diabetes are possible only when there are no contraindications, and the quantitative restriction of the product is observed. Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the administration of insulin, the dosage of which is selected individually. It is recommended to take watermelon 20-30 minutes after insulin administration.

It is recommended to consume no more than 500 g of watermelon pulp per day. This portion is divided into 2-3 doses, excluding use in evening time. After 6 hours, kidney function and digestive system is somewhat slowed down, so swelling and a number of other unpleasant manifestations may develop, including headaches and arterial hypertension.

When creating a menu with watermelon, it is important to preserve as much permissible quantity carbohydrates per day. For this purpose it is calculated the nutritional value product, after which other carbohydrate dishes are excluded from the diet.

You should not exceed the recommended dosage of watermelon, as fructose in large quantities can provoke the formation of fatty deposits. Before consuming the berries, you should consult your doctor, as in some cases adverse reactions may develop.

Watermelon is introduced into the diet gradually. The first dose is limited to a small piece, weighing 50-100 g. In the absence of edema and other adverse reactions, the serving size is increased to the recommended one.

Watermelon for type 2 diabetes

The non-insulin-dependent form of diabetes also requires compliance with the dose of watermelon. Moderate consumption of berries will allow you to get maximum benefit for the body, reducing the likelihood of adverse reactions.

Doctors recommend eating one piece of watermelon per day along with the seeds. They can be either chewed or swallowed whole. They contain a large amount nutrients, allowing to normalize intestinal function and cope with pathogenic microflora of the digestive tract.

Overeating can cause not only deterioration general well-being, but also the development of adverse reactions in the form of edema and increased diuresis. It is important to follow the recommendations of a specialist so that the berry benefits.

The daily intake of watermelon for type 2 diabetes is 600 g, which is divided into 3-4 doses. The core of the berry is rich in sugars, so it is best to cut it out, eating only the pulp located closer to the peel.

Since watermelon is a low-calorie product and is quickly digested, diabetics may develop an acute feeling of hunger 30-40 minutes after eating the berry. In this regard, doctors recommend eating a quarter of a slice of black bread along with watermelon, which will increase calorie content and also minimize the risk of diet failure.

You should not eat the berry after dinner, as the pronounced diuretic effect contributes to constant awakening. In addition, in the evening the work of the urinary system slows down, which can provoke the development of edema.

Doctors do not recommend drinking watermelon juice or any other dishes: honey, sorbet, nardek. These products are made with additional use sugar, which increases the load on the pancreas. Freshly squeezed juice contains up to 90% sugars, so you will also have to avoid drinking it.

When found unpleasant symptoms After eating watermelon, it is recommended to inform your doctor and stop eating the berry until the cause is determined. Diabetes requires a responsible approach to diet, so self-control plays a key role in obtaining the benefits of nutrition.

Before introducing watermelon into your diet, you should consult your doctor. Some patients suffering from diabetes should refuse the tasty berry due to the presence of contraindications, which include:

pathologies of the kidneys and urinary system;
diseases of the digestive tract;
individual intolerance.

It is important to remember that watermelon is a seasonal berry. You should not buy it in winter, as there is no guarantee of the quality of the product grown in artificial conditions. Typically, such berries contain a large amount of nitrates, which has a detrimental effect on the health of an already sick person.