Thread by @Botanygeek

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.

That’s before we get on to the fact that there are loads of red watermelons in old paintings.

Like this guy from the 17th century.

And finally, if we are using depiction in Renaissance art as scientific proof of things being true.

I want me a pet unicorn!

#BotanyVersusBS