Watermelon or Melon Which is Better for Hydration and Digestion? Check the Difference and Benefits

Illustration of the difference in the benefits of watermelon and melon for hydration and digestion (Freepik)

YOGYAKARTA - When the weather is hot or after a day of activity, watermelon or melon is often the choice of refreshing fruit. In addition to being sweet and high in water content, these two fruits are also rich in nutrients that are beneficial to the body. However, when compared in terms of hydration, digestive health, to its nutritional content, is watermelon or melon superior? Here's the difference.

Both are effective in helping to maintain body hydration.

Watermelon and melon both contain high amounts of water so they are good for helping meet daily fluid needs. Summarizing Verywell Health, Friday, July 10, watermelon contains about 91 percent water, while melon contains about 90 percent water. The difference is very small, so both are equally suitable for consumption when the weather is hot, after exercising, or when you want to increase your fluid intake from food.

Melon is richer in electrolytes

Even though the water content is almost the same, melons have advantages in electrolyte content, especially potassium, magnesium, and sodium. These minerals play a role in helping maintain fluid balance in the body, supporting muscle function, and maintaining optimal nerve function. Therefore, melons can be a good choice to help replace electrolytes lost after sweating a lot.

Illustration of the difference in the benefits of watermelon and melon for hydration and digestion (Freepik/jcomp)Melon is superior in fiber content

If you want to maintain the health of the digestive tract, melons offer higher fiber content than watermelons. Fiber helps facilitate bowel movements, maintains the balance of good bacteria in the intestines, and provides a longer feeling of fullness. Consuming fruits rich in fiber can also support metabolic health when balanced with a balanced nutritious diet.

Watermelon is beneficial for intestinal health.

Even though its fiber content is lower, it does not mean that watermelon loses in supporting digestive health. This fruit contains polyphenol compounds that can act as prebiotics, which are substances that help become a food source for good bacteria in the intestines. With a healthy gut microbiota, the digestive process and the body's resistance can also be maintained better.

Differences in vitamin and antioxidant content

Watermelon is known as a source of lycopene, an antioxidant that gives the fruit its red color while helping to protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals. Meanwhile, melons contain higher vitamin A and vitamin C, which play an important role in maintaining eye health, skin, and supporting the immune system. Because they each have their advantages, both are equally worthy of being part of the daily menu.

There is no definitive answer as to which watermelon or melon is best because the benefits complement each other. If you want a fruit that is rich in lycopene and very refreshing, watermelon can be an option. On the other hand, if you want to get more fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and electrolytes, melon can be a more suitable choice. Consuming both alternately is a good way to get a more diverse nutritional benefits while supporting hydration and digestive health.