This popular product is the leading cause of poisonings in summer

Summer is the time for picnics, country houses, watermelons and... poisoning. Yes, indeed, during the warm season there is a sharp increase in the number of doctor visits due to food poisoning. And one product consistently ranks at the top of the culprits. It's juicy, refreshing, loved by children and adults. Can you guess?

It's watermelon.

How so? Watermelon is a symbol of summer, health and lightness. But it is the one that most often causes stomach troubles. Let's figure out why this happens and how to avoid getting into an unpleasant situation.

Why watermelon can be dangerous

Perfect environment for microbes

Watermelon consists of 90% water and sugar. Add warm temperature - and we get ideal conditions for bacteria to multiply. Especially if the fruit is damaged, cut, or stored outside the refrigerator for a long time.

Improper storage

Cut watermelon on the counter, a piece in food wrap in the heat - a classic of summer markets. Sellers assure that everything is fresh, but microbes don't sleep. After a couple of hours in the sun, even the juiciest watermelon turns into a potential threat.

Chemistry for sweetness

To make watermelons grow faster and be sweeter, they may be fed with nitrates. In large doses, they are dangerous, especially for children. Externally, such a watermelon looks no different from a natural one, but the consequences can be serious - from nausea to dizziness and weakness.

How to tell that a watermelon shouldn't be eaten?

Suspiciously bright or glossy flesh color, especially with a purple or pink tint.

Cracks inside - a signal that the fruit may have been "overfed" with fertilizers.

Yellow or white streaks - also a reason to be wary.

Bitter or "soapy" taste - better to immediately refuse such a watermelon.

Tips that will protect you from trouble

Buy whole watermelons, not cut ones. Even if a piece seems more convenient, it may contain a whole microbial zoo.

Check the place of sale. Don't take watermelons that lie on the ground or under the sun. A good seller has an awning, scales, and a sanitary book.

Thoroughly wash the fruit before cutting. Not just rinse, but wash well with soap.

Store in the refrigerator. And no more than a day if the watermelon is already cut.

Don't give a lot of watermelon to small children, especially if you're not sure of its origin.

And if you've already eaten it - what to do?

If after watermelon you experience heaviness, nausea, fever, upset stomach - don't delay. Drink plenty of water, take activated charcoal or another sorbent, and see a doctor. Self-medication for poisoning can only harm.

Watermelon is not an enemy. It's still a delicious, healthy, and summery product. Just like the sun, it needs to be approached wisely. And then instead of unpleasant consequences, you will only get joy, juiciness, and the sweet aftertaste of real summer.