The Most Appropriate Time To Eat Semang So That The Benefits Are More Optimal

Illustration of watermelons. (Freepik/timolina)

JAKARTA - Semangka is a very refreshing fruit and rich in water, fiber, antioxidant, and vitamins. Due to its high nutritional content but low calories, watermelons can be consumed at any time.

The benefits of consuming watermelons are to support overall health, both for losing weight, facilitating digestion, and maintaining hydration. Here's the best time to eat watermelons, as reported by the Verywell Health page.

1. Lose Weight

In general, watermelons are a good choice for the weight loss program due to low calories and high water content and nutrients. Some of the best time to consume it:

- Before or after eating: The hope can give you a feeling of fullness faster even if the calories are low. Consuming it before eating can help reduce the portion of food, while after eating it can help control the desire to snack.

- As a snack: Semangka fits as a healthy snack. The water content and fiber make the stomach feel full without adding more calories, in contrast to high sugar or fat snacks.

A small study showed that women with overweight or obese who ate watermelons as snacks for four weeks experienced a decrease in the body mass index (IMT) and weight.

On the other hand, those who eat low-fat cakes do not benefit from the same benefits, even though the calories are similar. The difference is that the volume of watermelons is greater and the sugar content is natural.

In addition, watermelons can help lose weight indirectly by replacing processed foods, high-fat snacks, or other sweets.

Replacing unhealthy snacks with watermelons can help control appetite and manage weight.

2. Digestive Health

If the goal is to improve digestion or overcome constipation, you should eat watermelons in the morning or during the day. The water content in the watermelon helps soften the feces, making it easier to remove. In addition, the fiber in the watermelon, although not too high, still provides benefits to the digestive system.

Fiber also serves as food for bacteria both in the intestines. Consumption of fiber foods such as watermelons, although only in small quantities, can help maintain the balance of the gut microbiome.

However, because watermelons contain a lot of water, some people may feel more frequent urinating if they eat it before bed. But this is harmless, and watermelons remain safe to eat at night depending on the needs of each body.

3. Body Remains Hydrated

Semangka contains about 91% of water, making it an excellent choice to keep the body hydrated, especially for those who have difficulty drinking enough water in a day. Some recommended time to consume watermelons for hydration:

- Morning: Very suitable for consumption at breakfast to restore body fluids after night sleep.

- During the day: Can be consumed at any time during the day to support daily hydration.

- 1.2 hours before physical activity: Helping to replace electrolytes and fluids lost during exercise or exposed to heat.

Electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium, and sodium are needed by the body to maintain the function of muscles and nerves. The sap is not only a water source, but also provides important electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium that the body needs after sweating.

4. Better Fruits Full Than Jus

Although watermelon juice is also refreshing, the process of separating fruit juice from its grounds can reduce fiber content. To get optimal benefits, especially in terms of digestion and weight loss, it is better to eat watermelons in full shape, or be blended without throwing away the grounds.

5. Semenang Nutrition Value

Semangka is not only low in calories, but also rich in vitamins and essential minerals. The sugar content does exist, but the effect on blood sugar is not as high as processed foods.

In 1 cup of watermelon (about 154 grams), there are calories, carbohydrates, fiber, water, magnesium, potassium, vitamin A and vitamin C.