Can people with cold body constitution eat watermelon?
Generally, people with cold body constitution are not advised to consume watermelon frequently or in large quantities. If they occasionally desire to eat it, the intake should be strictly controlled, and chilled watermelon should be avoided. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Watermelon is a typical cold-natured fruit with high water content and rich sugar levels. Although it can help relieve heat and replenish fluids, individuals with cold constitutions typically suffer from insufficient yang energy and often experience symptoms such as cold hands and feet, sensitivity to cold, and diarrhea. Consuming watermelon, especially chilled watermelon, may exacerbate internal coldness and irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, potentially increasing the frequency of diarrhea, causing abdominal cold pain and indigestion, and possibly intensifying cold sensitivity. Even at room temperature, excessive consumption of watermelon may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. When consuming watermelon, one should avoid eating it on an empty stomach, as its cold nature can more easily and directly irritate the gastrointestinal tract under such conditions.
In daily life, individuals with cold body constitution should prefer warm-natured fruits such as apples, cherries, and longan, reduce the intake of cold-natured foods, keep the abdomen warm, engage in appropriate physical activity, and improve their constitution to minimize discomfort caused by improper diet.