
Many of us have probably witnessed numerous health trends and crazes come
and go, some of which are viable options while others can either be dangerous
or ineffective. One of today’s newest trends in health-conscious
beverages is watermelon water. There is one brand, in particular, WTRMLN
WTR, which has garnered some attention in recent years. Unlike other supposed
fruit drinks, its ingredients actually seem sound, containing only watermelon
flesh, rind, and lemon. However, despite its fresh ingredients and absence
of added sugar, each bottle still has 12 grams of sugar. Fruit, including
watermelon, have sugar, so even if a manufacturer refrains from dumping
added sugar into a beverage, the fruit itself delivers it.
That said, some brands of watermelon water still provide health benefits.
They provide electrolytes, amino acids (specifically, an acid known as
L-Citrulline, which reduces muscle soreness), Vitamin A and C, and potassium,
to name a few. What are all of these nutrients good for? Potassium is
a mineral that is necessary for many organs, such as the heart and kidneys,
to function normally. Vitamin A is excellent for one’s vision, a
healthy immune system, and cell growth. Vitamin C helps support one’s
immune system, staving off the common cold. Watermelon water is also said
to contain lycopene, which is known for its anti-aging benefits.
If you are an individual who likes to keep active and enjoys some sweaty
workouts, chances are you are losing electrolytes. Watermelon water does
not contain the specific electrolytes your body will crave, unfortunately,
since it does not have a notable amount of sodium.
What you will want to look out for as a consumer is watermelon water that
contains more than just watermelon. There are lots of juice options available,
but many of them contain added sugar or other preservatives that do not
provide your body any benefits. As mentioned earlier, watermelon already
has enough sugar on its own. In fact, it has a Glycemic Index (GI) of
72, putting it squarely in the “high” category. If you are
a diabetic, you might want to pass on drinking a large glass of watermelon
water since it might impact your blood glucose levels. You will especially
want to avoid watermelon water sold in stores that contain added sugar.
If you really want to make sure you are only consuming watermelon, you
can juice it at home. Health benefits aside, watermelon water is a tasty
treat and relatively low in calories. To put it in perspective, consider
this: a 12 ounce can of Coke has 140 calories and a whopping 39 grams
of sugar. Orange juice has about 112 calories per 8 ounce serving. Watermelon
water has about 75 calories per 8 ounce cup and, if you are really wary
of the calorie count or sugar, you can dilute it with water and still
expect it to taste good.
Planning on juicing at home? You might want to keep the seeds when you
blend it since that will actually add protein to your drink. About 1 ounce
contains up to 8 grams of protein, which is more protein and fewer calories
than an equivalent weight of peanuts, pistachios, almonds, cashews, and
walnuts. If you have no interest in including blended seeds in your watermelon
juice, you can always set them aside for later as a snack, though that
is not nearly as appealing. Just make sure they are fully blended into
a powder-like consistency. This will also make their nutrients as bioavailable
as possible.
A History of Quality Patient Care
Garfield Medical Center has a long history of excellent patient care and
a continued commitment to service and excellence. For over 80 years, Garfield
has provided patients with the kind of high-quality and reliable care
they need and deserve. With a full-service, acute-care facility, we pride
ourselves on making patients from all walks of life and varying backgrounds
feel safe and at ease. We have a staff of 500 doctors and 1,300 employees,
interpretation services, a Designated Stroke Center, Emergency Services,
and STEMI Receiving Center, all conveniently located in the multi-cultural
community of West San Gabriel Valley. Our facility seeks to accommodate
all who seek our care, and understands the importance of special dietary
needs and concerns. To ensure you feel at home during your stay with us,
our dietary teams is able to provide diverse cuisines for all patients.
For more information, contact us today at 626.573.2222 and learn more about
what Garfield Medical Center can do for you or your loved ones.
This article contains general information about medical conditions and
treatments. The information is not advice and should not be treated as
such. The information is not intended to replace the advice or diagnosis
of a physician.
If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should
consult your doctor or other professional healthcare providers.