Every year numerous people are affected with ulcers. However, several people believe that the consumption of watermelon is associated with ulcers. But is it true? Does watermelon cause ulcers? Let’s discover the facts.
So What Causes Ulcer?
There are two major reasons behind ulcers. According to studies, a bacteria called helicobacter pylori is the main culprit behind ulcers. Also, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs are other common ulcer-creating factors (1).
Moreover, obesity or overweight problems can also promote ulcers. Studies have shown that obesity is a minor reason behind ulcers (2).
Does Watermelon Cause Ulcer?
Watermelon does not cause ulcers because it is not related to any of the ulcer-creating factors. In fact, watermelon can be beneficial for ulcer prevention because of its high nutrient value.
Obesity is the only food-related fact that promotes ulcers. Obesity is caused by a caloric imbalance or high-calorie intake. Also, a high intake of saturated fats is associated with the occurrence of obesity.
However, both of these factors are not linked with the consumption of watermelon. Watermelon contains 90 percent of water and because of this, it is low in calories. So, watermelon intake will not create calory overload in the human body.
Moreover, watermelon contains very little amount of saturated fat. It is another benefit of watermelon. Also, watermelon is moderately high in fiber, which deals with obesity control.
Furthermore, watermelon contains polyphenols. Studies on mice have shown that polyphenol is able to reduce Gastritis Induced by Helicobacter pylori Infection (3). As, helicobacter pylori is one of the major causes of ulcers, the polyphenol component of watermelon can be beneficial against ulcers.
Also, the vitamin C in watermelon may reduce the risk of h pylori related ulcers. According to studies, vitamin C and h pylori maintain an inverse relationship (4).
Considering all of these facts, we can say that watermelon does not cause ulcers.
Is Watermelon Good For Ulcer Patient?
Watermelon is a rich source of vitamin A. Vitamin A can act as an ulcer healing agent. That’s why watermelon is good for ulcers and patients with ulcers can eat watermelon without any side effects.
Moreover, the high fiber and low saturated fat components of watermelon prevent obesity. As obesity can worsen the symptoms of ulcers, watermelon can be very beneficial in this case also.
Is Watermelon Good For Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative colitis is one kind of inflammatory bowel disease that causes mucosal inflammation in the entire bowel system. This ulcerative colitis is well known for the development of ulcers or even colorectal cancers.
Ulcerative colitis can also promote diseases like (5)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Psoriasis
However, watermelon can be good for ulcerative colitis patients. Studies have shown that watermelon has benefits over Ulcerative colitis. A study on mice has shown that watermelon can decrease levels of cyclin D1 (6).
Cyclin D1 is a vital protein that triggers ulcerative colitis. Moreover, the generation of excess reactive oxygen species results in oxidative stress which is a major factor behind the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis.
The abundant antioxidant property of watermelon can reduce the risk of ulcerative colitis by suppressing oxidative stress. It is another watermelon benefit over ulcerative colitis.
Final Thoughts
Watermelon is a highly nutritious fruit. This fruit is well known for its numerous health benefits. However, several people think that watermelon can cause stomach ulcers.
But this fact is not true. In fact, watermelon contains polyphenols, vitamin C and A. All of these nutrients have beneficial effects on h pylori bacteria. The h-pylori bacteria is the major contributor to ulcers.
Moreover, watermelon is not high in fats and because of this watermelon helps to prevent obesity. As obesity is a cause of ulcers, anti-obese watermelons can be useful to get rid of ulcers.