Discover and read the best of Twitter Threads about #BotanyVersusBS

Most recents (1)

Have you seen low carb diet gurus cite this comparison of a watermelon in a renaissance painting with the type you see in the supermarkets as ‘proof’ they are more sugary and therefore unhealthy today?

Here’s why understanding basic botany makes this argument tricky...
The main diff between the 2 watermelons in these pics is the modern one on the right is redder.

This red pigment isn’t evidence of sugar (which is colourless) but of the antioxidant lycopene.

All this comparison suggests is today’s varieties are simply richer in this nutrient.
Indeed, modern watermelons are extremely diverse and come in a range of colours.

Some are less red than in the painting.

So even if we imagine this ‘red = sugar = bad’ argument isn’t just plain silly, these modern ones would be healthier than the one in the painting.
Read 5 tweets

Related hashtags

Did Thread Reader help you today?

Support us! We are indie developers!


This site is made by just two indie developers on a laptop doing marketing, support and development! Read more about the story.

Become a Premium Member ($3.00/month or $30.00/year) and get exclusive features!

Become Premium

Too expensive? Make a small donation by buying us coffee ($5) or help with server cost ($10)

Donate via Paypal Become our Patreon

Thank you for your support!