There are questions that should not be asked because they are inappropriate. Who do you love more, your father or your mother? Lennon or McCartney? ‘Satisfaction’ or ‘Here Comes The Sun’? Alright; In this last one (I have no doubt), but the previous two are comparable … To the debate raised by this article, melon or watermelon? It is not, of course, a question of taste, which is precisely what most has been written about, no matter how much is said, but rather a question of health, which is what we are talking about here. And you know one thing? From a nutritional point of view, they are two fantastic fruits and, furthermore, we are in the middle of the season. Take advantage.
Nutritionist Leila Pérez Venturino, from the Vithas Vitoria hospital, clears us of all doubts. “There are no significant differences between one fruit and another,” explains the specialist. “Both are very healthy and should be consumed in a healthy diet context and in moderation.” With moderation? “In moderation means, like any other food, within the pattern of a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean one.” Do not forget that any product that you eat a load of, the healthiest one imaginable, is going to make you feel bad… You should consume two or, at most, three pieces or servings of fruit a day and as many vegetables , without forgetting that excesses are best avoided.
Fruit, in short, should be part of the daily diet, but its excessive consumption promotes excess weight. What we were going for… Melon or watermelon? «I would say a technical tie. In the end it will depend on each person’s tastes,” says the nutritionist.
Stay hydrated
Both have an added advantage over the rest of the fruit and that is that they constitute an “excellent option” to keep us hydrated. Perhaps watermelon contains a little more water than melon, but don’t think it’s that much. The difference, although it may seem otherwise, is negligible.
This greater amount of liquid means that both one and the other provide a little less energy than other fruits, especially melon.
Although many, perhaps most, find melons the tastier of the two, the truth is that they have less sugar. Consequently, watermelon wins in sweetness, which in addition to having fructose contains a component called sorbitol, which enhances its flavor.
“If we had to find a catch,” but only in that case, “this is not something that can make headlines,” watermelon can be difficult to digest for some people, which are few, but they are some. Watermelon is richer in carbohydrates and contains certain nutrients that are very good, but that can be bad for diners with digestive problems.
Ideal for diet
Both of them also have the advantage of being fruits rich in minerals such as potassium and magnesium, the former being fantastic for the proper functioning of the kidneys and heart; and to strengthen the defense system, the second.
In addition, they are fruits rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin A, C and lycopene; and also in fiber, which is great for the digestive system. Curious after what was said in the previous paragraph, right? So that’s it!
In favor of melon, it could be said that they contain more fiber than watermelon, in addition to a greater amount of protein (a little, but somewhat more); and that allows you to obtain the same amount of potassium as with a banana, but with half the calories. In favor of watermelon, what has been said, it is a little more hydrating and also more satiating, which makes it an ideal product for dieting (as long as it is done wisely, of course).
In short, I stay with my father, my mother, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the melon and the watermelon. There are many more things that I would prefer not to choose, but I don’t have the space, nor do I feel like telling it. Happy week!
