Watermelon vs. Banana — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

Water Content

100g of watermelon is composed of 92g of water; technically speaking, watermelon is 92% water. On the other hand, a banana is composed of 75g of water.

Furthermore, bananas are more affluent in macro, vitamins, and minerals since watermelons are 92% water. Technically the nutrients are in a diluted state.

Calories

Bananas are higher in calories, three times the amount of watermelon.

Carbs

The net carbs of bananas are much higher than that of watermelon. Bananas contain nearly three times more carbs than watermelon.

Fiber

It is essential to talk about the fiber content of each fruit. Bananas are 6.5 times richer in fiber than watermelons, containing 2.6mg of fiber per 100g, while watermelons contain only 0.4mg of fiber.

This has significant characteristics when it comes to gastrointestinal health and well-being.

Proteins

The total amount of protein is not of high significance.

Fat

The total amount of fat in these fruits is negligible.

Minerals

Bananas are higher in minerals than watermelons. They contain more magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and selenium.

On the other hand, watermelons have more calcium.

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.

Watermelon

1

Banana

7

Contains more CalciumCalcium

+40%

Contains more MagnesiumMagnesium	+170%
Contains more PotassiumPotassium	+219.6%
Contains more CopperCopper	+85.7%
Contains more ZincZinc	+50%
Contains more PhosphorusPhosphorus	+100%
Contains more ManganeseManganese	+610.5%
Contains more SeleniumSelenium	+150%

~equal in Iron ~0.26mg

~equal in Sodium ~1mg

Vitamins

Bananas are richer in vitamin C and folate. They have 9 times more folate than watermelons.

Watermelon is richer in vitamin A compared to bananas. 

In the diagram below, we can see the comparison between these foods.

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.

Watermelon

1

Banana

8

Contains more Vitamin AVitamin A

+789.1%

Contains more Vitamin EVitamin E	+100%
Contains more Vitamin B2Vitamin B2	+247.6%
Contains more Vitamin B3Vitamin B3	+273.6%
Contains more Vitamin B5Vitamin B5	+51.1%
Contains more Vitamin B6Vitamin B6	+715.6%
Contains more Vitamin KVitamin K	+400%
Contains more FolateFolate	+566.7%
Contains more CholineCholine	+139%

~equal in Vitamin C ~8.7mg

~equal in Vitamin D ~0µg

~equal in Vitamin B1 ~0.031mg

~equal in Vitamin B12 ~0µg

Glycemic Index

The glycemic index of watermelon is categorized as high, whereas bananas are considered a low glycemic index food. The glycemic index of watermelon is 76, while bananas have a glycemic index equal to 48.

Vegan

Vegans can eat both bananas and watermelon. In addition, banana is a unique fruit considered in the vegan diet, and bananas can be used to bake cakes and prepare ice cream since they can replace eggs and creams. Vegans use bananas instead of eggs as an alternative ingredient.

Keto

Since they are lower in carbs, watermelons can be eaten on a ketogenic diet. Compared to bananas which are high in carbs and cannot be consumed in the keto diet.

Miscellaneous

Bananas can be used in making energy shakes and baby foods. It is balanced and contains fibers, an excellent addition to everyday diets. On the other hand, watermelon is mostly water. It is an excellent refreshing fruit that can be enjoyed during hot weather. Watermelon can also be used in making smoothies and juices similar to bananas.

Diabetes

Anti-diabetic effects are found in bananas. An enzyme in the digestive tract breaks down large chain sugar molecules into smaller sugar molecules to absorb carbohydrates. Bananas include enzymes that prevent this, limiting the amount of sugar absorbed from the digestive system and keeping blood sugar levels in balance. (1)

Watermelon also has anti-diabetic properties; it reduces the activities of enzymes and transporters that help break down glucose in the blood. Thus, not causing spikes in glucose levels. (2)

Cancer

Lycopene in watermelon reduces oxidative stress and free radicals, reducing the risks of developing cancer. (3)

Lectins are active proteins found in bananas that act on cancer cells and inhibit their growth (multiplication). As a result, cancer proliferation and metastasis are reduced (4).

Cardiovascular Health

Consumption of bananas and watermelons may increase systolic and diastolic blood pressure (5). Unlike bananas, watermelons have diuretic effects, so that they may decrease blood pressure more intensively than bananas (6).

Research supports the idea that both soluble and insoluble dietary fibers play a role in the hypocholesterolemic properties of banana pulp (7). The rats' findings support using watermelon fruit rind as a hypocholesterolemic agent. More research is required to determine whether the rind of watermelon has a hypocholesterolemic effect in humans (8).

One study suggests that watermelon reduces cardiovascular disease risk factors in rats by improving lipid profiles and decreasing inflammation (9). The antiinflammation effect is unknown for bananas.

Antioxidants

Bananas are rich in phenolic compounds that reduce antioxidants and the damage caused by free radicals. This, in turn, reduces inflammation and several degenerative diseases. (10) (11)

Drug Interactions

When it comes to bananas, it is best to avoid them if you are using MAOI medicines, a form of antidepressant. Some people may get hypertensive crises due to combining MAOI medications with bananas. (12)