Watermelons happen to be one of the fruits we enjoy the most but “is watermelon acidic or alkaline?.”
Their health benefits are on record and innumerable.
There is a lot to learn from this article, and you should hang on to the screeching end.
Meanwhile, Is watermelon acidic or alkaline?
With a pH level ranging between 5.2 and 5.8, watermelons are natural alkalis. This article digs in deep to shade more light on this alongside so much more.
How To Test pH In Watermelons
Is watermelon acid or alkaline?
Now, we cannot ascertain this before we test for the pH of the melons and to test for the acidity or the alkaline nature of watermelons, you will need the following:
- pH paper
- pH scale
- Paper towel
- Kitchen knife
- Plate.
A pH scale ranges from 0 to 14 and is used to determine whether a substance is acidic or alkaline.
Step #1: Wash The Melon
Once you have your watermelon from the grocery, get home and wash it in a sink under running water.
There is one major reason behind washing the melon before checking for the pH.
This ensures that all the bacteria and unwanted elements that would otherwise affect your pH reading are washed away.
Once you are done washing it, wipe the melon with a white piece of cloth to dry it.
Step #2: Cut The Melon In Halves
Once the melon is washed and dried, cut it into two halves and place it on them on a large plate.
You can eat a larger share of the melon and only use a smaller piece to test for the pH.
Step #3: Cut The pH Paper In The Size Of 1 1/2
The litmus paper also known as pH paper has several colors. Cut it into the size of one and a half for observation.
Step #4: Press The Water In The Watermelon
Compress the small piece of watermelon left on the litmus paper to extract the fluid.
This fluid will be used to test for the acidity or alkaline nature of the melon.
Press the liquid firmly on the watermelon and observe a color change.
Results
The color on the litmus paper will turn then compare it with the colors on the pH to make your reading.
When the pH is less than 4.5 it is red, and blue when 8.3 and above.
When the Litmus turns purple, it is neutral, red when an acid and blue if an alkali.
9.0 or more, they turn the litmus paper to blue showing that they are alkali.
Tip: Watermelons have a pH of 5.2 - 5.8
Is Watermelon Acid Or Alkaline?
So, is watermelon acidic or alkaline? Of course, it is alkaline.
Now that we understand that watermelon is an alkali, what does it mean for it to be?
The pH of a substance represents how acidic it could be. The pH of the food we eat affects our body’s pH balance greatly.
Tip: A pH balance of zero represents extremely acidic, 1 to 6 acidic, 7 is neutral, and 8 to 14 is alkaline.
As an alkali, the watermelon falls proudly in a category of fruits and foods that produce very minimal amounts of acids post digestion.
In this category, all foods listed in it are presumed to have overwhelming benefits to the human body.
They should be eaten in plenty. This is because they are little associated with the treatment of kidney diseases and heart health cancer prevention.
Note: Watermelons help in weight loss.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Melons
By far, watermelons have reputable health benefits. They are made up of over 92% of water, which helps largely in the hydration of our bodies.
Nevertheless, they have almost zero percent fat content. And they are a nourishing fruit with endless benefits to the human body.
Before we even dig in to find out how alkali watermelons are, there is something small to learn about melons.
This should act as a motivating factor that should see you have more melons for yourself.
So what are these health benefits associated with watermelon?
They Keep The Body Hydrated
Our bodies operate under the aid of several fluids.
These fluids are responsible for functions such as absorption, digestion, transportation of nutrients, and regulation of body temperature.
The more we drink water the more we stay hydrated and the better our bodies function. Watermelons are made up of about 92% water.
Tip: They help in the hydration of our bodies, consequently keeping the levels of water checked.
Heart And Bone Health
In recent ages and times, heart and bone diseases are on the rise.
This is a result of the foods we eat that promote these diseases. The watermelon has been found to contain lycopene.
This substance results in strong bone formation and assurance of a healthy and stronger lifetime.
Reduction Of Body Fat
One, watermelons are naturally free from fats. Secondly, they have a substance known as citrulline categorized as an essential amino acid.
Citrulline has been found to greatly control and limit the build-up of fats in our fatty cells.
This substance works in step-by-step criteria to block all activities by a phosphate.
Tip: It makes the human body cells generate fewer fats.
Kidney Support
Kidneys are prone to serious health problems. But the melon works well to reduce the chances of developing kidney disease.
Being naturally diuretic, watermelons improve how blood flows.
And this goes a long way in helping the liver break down ammonia, easing the kidneys by ejecting excess fluids.
Eye Health
Watermelon is high in beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body.
It aids in the production of pigments in the retina. And this protects against age-related macular degeneration and prevents night blindness.
Vitamin A also helps to maintain glowing skin, teeth, vertebral and mellow tissue, and nasal membranes.
Improves Fertility
Believe it or not, watermelons harbor a mineral known as zinc.
And this has been associated with improving male fertility by boosting the quality of sperm.
Watermelons have endless health benefits than you ever thought of.
Other benefits include
- Immune support,
- Nerve and muscle support,
- Anti-inflammatory support,
- Antioxidant support,
- Healing of wounds,
- Prevention of cell damage, etc.
What Other Fruits Are Alkaline?
Let us have a look at other fruits that like watermelons are alkaline.
Coconut
Although coconuts might have varied bodily effects regarding how you use them.
They have a pH scale that ranges from 5.5 to 7.8. That, means they are a low alkali.
Apples
Apples are a common fruit, however, unlike melons, they are moderately alkaline with a pH level of 4.0.
Avocados
Avocados are highly alkaline fruits with a ph level of 6.5. They provide you with enough fiber and a long list of several vitamins.
Other fruits that are alkali due to their pH level include citrus fruits, mangoes, nuts, dates, cantaloupes, and lemons.
Any Negative Effects Associated With The Alkaline Nature Of Watermelons?
While watermelons are healthy fruits, when taken in plenty, they may have a serious effect on your health.
Watermelons must only be eaten in reasonable amounts.
If eaten in plenty, they are associated with problems arising from a lot of lycopene and potassium.
Eating watermelons in plenty is found to cause nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, and bloating.
Tip: Watermelons are highly dehydrating fruits.
Read Next: How To Store Strawberries Without Fridge
The Bottom Line
With the help of this article, one can comfortably answer the question “Is watermelon acidic or alkaline?.”
With a pH ranging between 5.2 and 5.8, as shown by the litmus paper, watermelons are alkaline.
In this article, you learn that watermelons amongst other fruits are highly alkaline. Meaning that they give off little acids post-digestion.
Even though being alkaline they have several health benefits.
Make sure that you eat watermelons in the right quantities. Because when eaten in excess, they might still be fatal.