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6 Relatively Unknown But Serious Side Effects Of Eating Watermelon Every Day
Hand holding a partially eaten slice of watermelon against a clear blue sky showing side effects of eating watermelon.

6 Relatively Unknown But Serious Side Effects Of Eating Watermelon Every Day

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There is probably no better fruit to eat during hot summer days than watermelon. It’s refreshing, sweet, and juicy. You would probably have a hard time finding a person who doesn’t like it. 

Besides its great taste, watermelon also offers several health benefits, including aiding hydration, providing essential nutrients, and exhibiting anti-cancer effects, as well as reducing inflammation. At the same time, every good thing has a bad thing to outweigh it – and watermelon isn’t an exception here.

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    While watermelon is basically a perfect summer snack, it turns out it can be pretty dangerous if eaten irresponsibly

    Hand holding a partially eaten watermelon slice against a clear blue sky, illustrating side effects of eating watermelon.

    Image credits: Juja Han

    Like, let’s say, if a person eats a lot of watermelon every single day, they might experience some unpleasant side effects

    You know, the saying that goes along the lines of “everything is good in moderation.” Well, it applies to even something as simple as watermelon consumption. Turns out, eating this fruit too frequently can have a pretty negative effect on one’s body. Who would’ve thought, right? After all, the fruit is primarily water, which is known to be vital for people. 

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    To be more specific, there are 6 major side effects that happen to a person’s body if they eat watermelon every day. Let us break it down. 

    Two children sitting outdoors enjoying watermelon slices, illustrating side effects eating watermelon in a natural setting.

    Image credits: Getty Images / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

    The first one is digestive problems. The thing is that watermelon is high in fructose, which is a type of sugar. Problems with digesting it are especially common for folks who have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or are fructose intolerant. 

    Sometimes, a person doesn’t even have to have these conditions to experience some uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms. For example: bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain. 

    Woman in a turquoise shirt holding her chest with a pained expression, illustrating side effects of eating watermelon.

    Image credits: Getty Images / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

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    The second possible side effect is potassium overload. Bananas aren’t the only fruits that have a high level of potassium; watermelons have it too. In fact, they carry around 170 milligrams per cup. 

    Potassium is necessary for the normal functioning of cells, as it regulates heartbeat, ensures that muscles and nerves work properly, synthesizes protein, and metabolizes carbohydrates. And still, a person can easily overconsume it. 

    Healthcare professional wearing blue gloves checking blood sugar levels on a patient's finger, illustrating side effects eating watermelon.

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    Image credits: Getty Images / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

    Consuming too much potassium can lead to hyperkalemia, a condition that can disrupt heart rhythm. It can also cause muscle weakness and even paralysis. 

    Then, too-frequent watermelon consumption can lead to blood sugar spikes. Watermelon has a high glycemic index (a measure of how fast food raises your blood sugar): its glycemic index is 74-80 on a scale of 100. So, when eating this fruit, it should be taken into consideration that it can spike blood sugar levels pretty fast. 

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    These side effects can range from digestive problems to skin discoloration, depending on what the person is most sensitive to

    Young woman sitting on bed with hand on forehead, appearing unwell and wrapped in a blanket, showing side effects eating watermelon.

    Image credits: Valeriia Miller / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

    The fourth possible side effect of excessive watermelon consumption is an allergic reaction. While this fruit isn’t among the most common allergens, it’s still possible to get it, especially for those who already have allergies to grasses or ragweed.

    If not taken seriously, allergic reactions can lead to anaphylactic shock –  a life-threatening reaction that can cause a drop in blood pressure, swelling, and difficulty breathing. 

    Man in pajamas sitting on bed, holding stomach in pain, showing side effects eating watermelon like discomfort and cramps.

    Image credits: Getty Images / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

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    Watermelon can also cause migraines. The fruit contains a high level of tyramine, an amino acid, which can trigger migraine headaches. In fact, one study of nearly 4,000 people ranked watermelon as one of the fruits that leads to head pain within minutes of eating it. 

    The last major side effect that might be caused by too much watermelon is skin discoloration, or in other words, lycopenemia. Basically, it can give a person’s skin a temporary orange tint, which is caused by having too much lycopene in the body.

    White cat eating a slice of watermelon from a person's hand showing side effects eating watermelon in pets

    Image credits: Piotr Musioł / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

    While the condition isn’t inherently dangerous, it still is quite uncomfortable, especially aesthetically speaking – no one wants to look like an orange, do they? 

    So, to avoid any of these side effects, it’s advised that the proper amount of watermelon to consume daily is about 1.5 to 2 cups. But overall, you shouldn’t be too spooked by the things we talked about today and swear off the fruit – it’s very good for health. As we said in the beginning, everything is alright in moderation. 

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    As the saying goes, everything is good in moderation, and watermelon isn’t an exception here

    Screenshot of a user comment stating it is worth the consequences related to side effects eating watermelon.

    User comment about side effects eating watermelon, mentioning frequent urination after consuming more than two pieces.

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    Comment from a user explaining they always feel sick after eating watermelon and now avoid it due to side effects eating watermelon.

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    Comment about disliking watermelon with no concern for side effects eating watermelon, posted one year ago.

    Screenshot of a comment saying you can't fool me because you want all my watermelon, highlighting side effects eating watermelon humor.

    Comment about stomach upset caused by eating too much, related to side effects of eating watermelon

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    Comment about side effects eating watermelon, mentioning potassium content and avoiding bloating issues.

    Comment text on a white background discussing side effects of eating watermelon, posted by user Bonlio.

    Comment discussing eating 3kg of watermelon over two days without experiencing any side-effects or problems.

    Comment about learning side effects of eating watermelon after consuming most of one in a day, looking forward to next summer.

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    Comment explaining watermelon as a natural remedy for constipation due to its water and fiber content.

    User comment about eating watermelon and experiencing side effects after consuming most of one.

    Red text comment saying eating too much of literally anything, highlighting side effects eating watermelon in moderation.

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    Screenshot of a forum comment stating acceptance of the consequences related to side effects eating watermelon.

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    Text post discussing the importance of eating varied fruits and vegetables to avoid side effects from eating watermelon.

    Funny text comment highlighting that eating too much watermelon is not a common side effect or problem.

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    User comment about love for cold sweet seedless watermelon and questioning how much is too much related to side effects eating watermelon.

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    User comment about eating watermelon daily, sharing personal experience related to side effects of eating watermelon.

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    Ugnė Bulotaitė

    Ugnė Bulotaitė

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

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    I am a writer at Bored Panda. I have loved creating and writing down stories about people and things since I was little and I think this passion led me to get degrees in sociology, communication, and journalism. These degrees opened various paths for me, and I got a chance to be a volunteer in the human rights field, and also try myself out in social research and journalism areas. Besides writing, my passions include pop culture: music, movies, TV shows; literature, and board games. In fact, I have been dubbed a board games devotee by some people in my life.

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    Ugnė Bulotaitė

    Ugnė Bulotaitė

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    I am a writer at Bored Panda. I have loved creating and writing down stories about people and things since I was little and I think this passion led me to get degrees in sociology, communication, and journalism. These degrees opened various paths for me, and I got a chance to be a volunteer in the human rights field, and also try myself out in social research and journalism areas. Besides writing, my passions include pop culture: music, movies, TV shows; literature, and board games. In fact, I have been dubbed a board games devotee by some people in my life.

    Rūta Zumbrickaitė

    Rūta Zumbrickaitė

    Author, BoredPanda staff

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    Hi! Here at Panda's I'm responsible for Photo Editing and all of the things surrounding it. I love finding great, moody or even dramatic photos to fit the story. Besides that, I'm a proud owner of 3 cats with the silliest names and a bazillion plants<3You can find me at a makeup counter with headphones swatching all of the sparkly eyeshadows

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    Rūta Zumbrickaitė

    Rūta Zumbrickaitė

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    Hi! Here at Panda's I'm responsible for Photo Editing and all of the things surrounding it. I love finding great, moody or even dramatic photos to fit the story. Besides that, I'm a proud owner of 3 cats with the silliest names and a bazillion plants<3You can find me at a makeup counter with headphones swatching all of the sparkly eyeshadows

    What do you think ?
    amy lee
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Anything in "in ungodly amounts" is not going to be ok

    Roni Stone
    Community Member
    Premium
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Are you telling me there is an ungodly amount of watermelon? I rebuke thee, demon! /s/

    Load More Replies...
    Scott Rackley
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Obviously I should have died around age 12 then.

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    Serena Myers
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'll have to go back and read the article, but how do you eat watermelon in cups? Never mind, AI informed me the other day that a stick of butter, as used as a measurement, was commonly used in the UK. No, it isn't, AI!

    Load More Comments
    amy lee
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Anything in "in ungodly amounts" is not going to be ok

    Roni Stone
    Community Member
    Premium
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Are you telling me there is an ungodly amount of watermelon? I rebuke thee, demon! /s/

    Load More Replies...
    Scott Rackley
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Obviously I should have died around age 12 then.

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    Serena Myers
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'll have to go back and read the article, but how do you eat watermelon in cups? Never mind, AI informed me the other day that a stick of butter, as used as a measurement, was commonly used in the UK. No, it isn't, AI!

    Load More Comments
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