Why You Should Add Watermelon to Your List of Gut-Friendly Foods

Watermelon is in season right now—watch this video for the 411 on its benefits.

Maybe it's just me, but when I think of gut-friendly foods, I typically picture sauerkraut, Greek yogurt, prunes, and anything else that's rich in probiotics or fiber. So imagine my surprise when I learned that watermelon—yes, really!—could also be added to that list.

In the latest episode of You Versus Food, dietitian Tracy Lockwood-Beckerman explains that watermelon has fiber, which can help with bloating, digestion,  inflammation, and gut health. The average woman needs about 25 grams of fiber a day, and you'll get just over 4 percent of that from a two cup-serving of cubed watermelon.

On top of that, watermelon is made of 92 percent water, Beckerman says. Obviously water can keep your skin looking hydrated, but it can also help ease constipation by, ahem, keeping things moving through your digestive tract. The water plus the fiber make the summer fruit clutch for optimal gut health.

Even with watermelon, though, Beckerman says you can have too much of a good thing.  "Due to its high lycopene and vitamin-C content, eating too much watermelon can result in diarrhea, indigestion, and bloating," she explains. Stick with a two-cup serving and you're good to go.

To learn everything else watermelon can do for your health, watch the full video above. And subscribe to our YouTube channel so you never miss a new video.

Want more You Versus Food goodness? Here's Beckerman's take on the keto diet, and here's why she thinks why ginger might be the next turmeric.