Victoria Yegorova, head of the regulatory and methodological department at the Institute for Health Regulation and Medical Management in Moscow's Health Department, announced that watermelon should not be given to children under one year old. The expert, in a statement to the Russian news agency Novosti, notes that it is not advisable to give watermelon to children younger than one year, nor is it recommended to consume more than four pieces of it; additionally, it should not be eaten at night. This is because consuming a large amount of watermelon can lead to gastrointestinal issues and affect the metabolic process.
She states, "Considering that the sugar content in watermelon is high, it is not advisable to consume more than 500 grams per day (3-4 pieces), and it is not recommended to give more than 50-80 grams to children under three years old. Watermelon should not be consumed at night due to its diuretic effect." The doctor points out that the benefits and harms of watermelon depend on many factors, such as ripeness, freshness, the quantity eaten, agricultural conditions, and nitrate content. Therefore, individuals with gastrointestinal issues, kidney stones, and diabetes are advised against including it in their diet, or they may consume it in small amounts and with caution.
