Craving is a mental condition that suddenly wants something like craving watermelon (wanting to eat watermelon). Cravings are indeed a common phenomenon and are experienced by many humans, especially pregnant women. However, other people also often experience it, although not as often as pregnant women. One of the interesting cravings to discuss are craving tuna, craving corn, and watermelon cravings as we will discuss on this occasion.
Why am i craving watermelon? If you are curious about this, then on this occasion we will discuss some of the reasons behind watermelon cravings. We will also complete this article with the benefits of eating watermelon, and how to deal with these cravings wisely.
Why Am I Craving Watermelon?
There are many factors that cause watermelon cravings, ranging from nutritional needs to psychological factors of a person, even including hormonal changes in a person’s body. Let’s see the review further.
1. The Body Needs Fluids
One of the causes of watermelon cravings is a lack of certain nutrients. When our body lacks nutrients as found in watermelon, the body will naturally feel like eating watermelon, aiming to fulfill its needs. We know that watermelon is a fruit with 92% water content. So, of course when the body lacks fluids, the body feels like eating watermelon, especially sweet, fresh, and crunchy ones.
2. Electrolyte Deficiency
When our body lacks electrolytes, then our body will feel like eating watermelon or other fruits that are rich in fluids. Electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium are some that can be obtained from consuming watermelon. If these electrolytes are lacking in the body, then the body will feel weak, tired, dehydrated. So, by consuming watermelon our body will recover and be strong again.
So, when the body feels weak and lethargic, it craves watermelon. This is a unique and very magical thing that happens in our body. Just to fulfill the body’s nutrition, our body feels attracted and craves watermelon. Do you feel like that?
3. Need for Antioxidants
Another reason behind craving watermelon is a sign that the body is lacking antioxidants.
Watermelon is a fruit that is rich in lycopene, an antioxidant compound that is good for heart health and good for better immunity. When our bodies need more antioxidants to guard against free radicals trapped in our bodies, it is very possible that we crave watermelon. Watermelon is indeed a storehouse of antioxidants.
4. Psychological Factors
In addition to nutritional deficiencies, cravings are also influenced by psychological factors, including a sense of comfort when eating certain foods or fruits. Watermelon with its sweet, refreshing nature certainly gives a comfortable and pleasant impression.
When eating watermelon there is a pleasant sensation and this can make someone crave and really want to eat it.
5. Hormonal Changes (Especially in Pregnant Women)
Another reason behind cravings is hormonal changes and this occurs in pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. When hormonal changes occur, a person often craves a food or drink, including craving watermelon fruit.
During pregnancy, these hormonal changes often cause cravings for fresh and sweet fruits such as watermelon. This refreshing fruit is very much needed by pregnant women because it can reduce or eliminate nausea and can hydrate the body so that the body feels fresh and energetic again.
Health Benefits of Watermelon
Watermelon is a fresh fruit that is rich in benefits, so when you craving watermelon you can consume it or follow your wishes as long as it is still in reasonable portions. Among the benefits of eating watermelon are as follows:
1. Maintaining Body Fluid Balance
The water content in watermelon is good for hydrating the body, this is quite important especially during hot weather or after exercising or other activities that drain a lot of sweat.
2. Supports Heart Health
Who would have thought that eating watermelon is also good for heart health. The way it works is by lowering bad cholesterol and maintaining or avoiding high blood pressure.
3. Source of Vitamins and Minerals
The benefits of watermelon cannot be separated from the content of vitamin A or vitamin C, and several other important minerals such as potassium, magnesium and all of which are very important in supporting body functions.
4. Helps the Digestion Process
Watermelon is also useful for digestion, so when your digestion is disturbed, you may experience watermelon cravings, if this happens, you really have to eat watermelon and still pay attention to the portion.
When you eat watermelon, the fiber, fluid, and other mineral content will work together to provide a number of benefits such as smooth digestion, prevent constipation, and others.
5. Reduces Inflammation
Eating watermelon can also provide benefits against inflammation, where in this case watermelon is useful in reducing body inflammation. So, when you are sick or have a fever, sometimes you craving for watermelon fruit, please consume it in reasonable amounts and do not overdo it.
6. Good for Skin Health
Watermelon is also rich in vitamin C, especially in the white part of the skin. Vitamin C is good for producing collagen and this can keep the skin elastic and healthy. Healthy and elastic skin can also provide its own beauty.
Tips for Dealing with Watermelon Cravings Healthily
Craving watermelon is indeed a natural thing, but this can be unreasonable when the cravings occur continuously and can bother you.
So, in conditions like this, you can and should know tips for dealing with watermelon cravings wisely so that you can control and not eat too much watermelon. Some important tips when you follow your cravings are:
1. Choose Fresh Watermelon
When you crave watermelon, go to the fruit shop and get a fresh and sweet watermelon. Usually the fruit is shiny and makes a loud sound when tapped.
2. Don’t Overeating
Watermelon is indeed healthy, but that doesn’t mean you have to eat a lot and excessively. So excessive watermelon can worsen your health and even cause diabetes, so be careful and keep your portion sizes in check.
3. Vary Consumption
Even though you have to eat watermelon in certain portions, you have to think about the balance of your diet and food variety. So, you can consume watermelon by making juice, salads that are collaborated with other fruits, or making refreshing watermelon smoothies.
4. Pay attention to food combinations
This is very important, you must note these prohibitions and do not try to do them. Among them is not eating watermelon with other foods that are difficult to digest. This is important to prevent digestive problems.
When Should You Be Careful of Watermelon Cravings?
Craving watermelon is not scary, in fact, it is common, but there are several conditions that you should be aware of, including:
1. Excessive Cravings
Excessive watermelon cravings are not good for your health and there may be something behind it. When you have continuous cravings and find it difficult to stop, there may be certain problems related to nutritional imbalances in your body, so consult a nutritionist or professional doctor immediately.
2. Digestive Problems
If you experience digestive problems when eating watermelon, then you should reduce it. Among the disorders that may occur are bloating, or diarrhea.
3. Certain Health Conditions
If you have certain health problems such as diabetes, then consult a doctor before choosing to consume watermelon, especially in large quantities. If you only consume a little, then this is certainly not dangerous. Remember, don’t eat too much watermelon even if you are craving watermelon.
If so, what is the ideal portion of watermelon to eat?
Recommended Portion of Watermelon Consumption
For adults, it is recommended to eat 1-2 cups of watermelon per day, which is equivalent to 150-300 grams per day, which is still considered healthy.
For children, it is recommended to eat 1 cup or 150 grams of watermelon per day.
Reason for Portion Limits
Although it contains low calories, watermelon is rich in natural sugars that can cause diabetes.
Diuretic effect: Eating too much watermelon can cause excess fluid in the body and can increase the frequency of urination considering that this fruit is rich in water.
FAQs about Craving Watermelon Fruit
1. Does watermelon craving only occur in pregnant women?
No, watermelon cravings can happen to anyone. The main factor in watermelon cravings is the body’s need for fluids and electrolytes, forcing the body to eat certain fruits such as watermelon.
2. What is the normal and healthy amount for watermelon consumption in a day?
You can consume watermelon within reasonable limits, which is 1-2 cups per day. Don’t overdo it because it is very possible to have digestive problems.
3. Is watermelon good for diabetics?
Diabetics should limit their intake of sweet foods such as watermelon. If you have diabetes, you should reduce or limit the number of watermelon slices.
For diabetics, you should only eat watermelon in small amounts.
4. Can watermelon help you lose weight?
Yes, of course because watermelon is rich in water and low in calories. So watermelon can help you feel full faster and longer. Of course, this can help your daily diet.
Conclusion: Craving Watermelon
Watermelon cravings occur due to many factors, ranging from a person’s psychological condition, to the need for certain nutrients found in watermelon. Watermelon is a refreshing and healthy fruit with a myriad of health benefits.
Among the health benefits of watermelon are supporting heart health, keeping the body hydrated, and good for skin health.
