How many carbohydrates in watermelon? That answer depends, of course, on how much watermelon you're eating. This article looks at the amount of carbohydrates and other nutritional facts in this popular sweet melon.
Carbs Per Cup of Watermelon
Over the years, watermelon has gained a reputation for not being as good for you as other members of the melon family. However, it stacks up quite well against the competition when you look at the carbohydrates in watermelon.
- Watermelon contains about 11 grams of carbohydrates per one cup of melon balls and just 49 calories.
- Cantaloupe contains 15 grams of carbohydrates and 62 calories per the same one cup serving.
- Honeydew melon contains 16 grams of carbohydrates and clocks in at 64 calories per serving.
Clearly, watermelon is the winner in this category.
Vitamin Content
While all three melons contain only trace amounts of fat or protein, the vitamin composition of watermelon is quite low when compared to other melons because watermelon is largely comprised of water.
- A one-cup servings of watermelon makes up 18 percent of your recommended daily value in vitamin A. Likewise, cantaloupe contains 120 percent.
- Additionally, one cup of watermelon meets only 21 percent of your recommended daily value in vitamin C. Cantaloupe contains 108 percent. Honeydew contains 53 percent.
Sugar Content
Though watermelon may not offer as many vitamins and minerals as other melons, it does have a lower sugar content, despite its reputation for being a high-sugar fruit.
- Watermelon contains only 9.5 grams of sugar per one-cup serving. Compare that to 13.9 and 14.4 grams in cantaloupe and honeydew melon respectively.
Adding Watermelon to Your Healthy Diet
There are many ways to add watermelon into your healthy lifestyle. Because of the high water content, watermelon is a great snack if you're trying to lose weight. It fills you up without racking up carbohydrates or calories.Watermelon makes a great summer time snack or addition to a cookout or picnic fare. Consider taking cubes or watermelon balls to eat alongside your lunch. There are also many ways to incorporate this delicious fruit into juices, mixed drinks or smoothies.
