Is watermelon malansa?
Answer (1)
Watermelon is not considered malansa in the scientific or medical sense. The term "malansa" in Filipino usually refers to food that has a strong, fishy smell—like seafood, eggs, or oily meats—especially if they can cause inflammation or irritation when a person is healing from a wound. In many Filipino homes, people are told to avoid "malansang pagkain" after circumcision, surgery, or while recovering from wounds.Some people believe that fruits like watermelon or tomatoes are malansa and should be avoided during healing. But scientifically, there is no strong evidence that watermelon causes delayed wound healing or infections. In fact, watermelon is rich in vitamin C, which helps the body repair tissues and strengthen the immune system—two things that actually support healing. It's also hydrating, which helps with recovery.However, it’s also true that every person’s body reacts differently. Some individuals might be allergic to watermelon or tomatoes, which could cause mild symptoms like itchiness or rashes. In rare cases, food allergies can interfere with healing if they lead to inflammation or irritation. But for most healthy people, eating watermelon while recovering is not harmful.Always consult a doctor if you're unsure. Beliefs passed down by tradition can be helpful sometimes, but it's also important to understand the science behind them.
