Muskmelon is a stunning yellow colored fruit having a pleasant aroma and tempting sweetness. When you consume this fruit, you’ll not only get to savor its fresh, juicy flavors but also the several health benefits that are attributed to muskmelon. You can add muskmelon to your regular diet by simply eating a fresh muskmelon, as part of a fruit salad, or relish it in form of muskmelon juice or smoothie.
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Useful Information About Muskmelon
Muskmelon is a type of melon that is related to the Cucurbitaceae family. It also comprises of fruits and vegetables like squash, pumpkin, cucumber, gourd, etc. Muskmelon is light yellow to orange in color, sometimes also comes with a deeper salmon hue. Just like other melons, it is also cultivated on the ground surface as a trailing vine.
This fruit has a round shape, a soft consistency and juicy texture with a sweet musky aroma which is synonymous with an entirely ripe fruit. The hollow cavity in the middle contains small off-white colored seeds. Muskmelons are predominantly summer fruits and are best to buy from April to August.
Health Benefits of Muskmelon & Muskmelon Juice
Muskmelon is loaded with several nutrients and has high nutritional value. Below are some benefits you can get from consuming muskmelons.
1. Strengthens Immune System
Consuming muskmelon on a regular basis can improve your immunity. It is rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A that boost immunity by stimulating the white blood cells in the body. The effectiveness of Muskmelon to keep your immune system healthy has been backed by a 1997 study titled “Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Fruit Nutritional Quality and Health Functionality” that was published in Research Gate.
2. Improves Cardiovascular Health
Muskmelons are rich in potassium which controls blood pressure, thus keeping your heart healthy. They are also rich in a compound called adenosine which is helpful for maintaining heart health as it has blood thinning properties. This, in turn, helps in preventing blood clotting in the cardiovascular system. It has been backed by a 2011 study titled “Muskmelon Is Eat-Must Melon” that was published in International Research Journal of Pharmacy.
3. Can Help Prevent Cancer
Muskmelons have high amounts of Vitamin C and beta-carotene which can effectively fight and eliminate free radicals from the body. These free radicals are harmful as they attack the body cells and cause cancerous growth. The effectiveness of Muskmelon in preventing cancer has been validated by a 2017 study titled “Pectin from muskmelon peels: extraction optimization and physicochemical properties” that was published in US National Library of Medicine.
4. Treats Insomnia
It has powerful relaxing properties as it contains a unique compound that relieves the nerves and calms anxieties. Thus, it helps insomniacs to get rid of their sleeping disorders by soothing their nervous system.
5. Helps in Weight Loss
Muskmelon aids in weight loss as it is low in calories and high in fiber. Fiber is beneficial for weight loss as it takes a long time to leave your stomach and enter the digestive tract, thus making you feel fuller for a longer period of time. This fact is supported by a 2018 study titled “Muskmelon is the secret to weight loss” that was published in The Indian Express.
6. Beneficial for Lungs
A regular intake of this melon type replenishes the body with vitamin A which is depleted over a period due to continuous smoking or exposure to passive smoking. This helps in rejuvenating the lungs and is particularly beneficial for smokers whose lungs have been severely damaged due to smoking.
7. Cures Toothache
Muskmelon is useful in treating toothache. Take about 6 grams of cantaloupe skin, add water and simmer till cooked. On cooling, strain and use it as a mouth rinse. The usefulness of Muskmelon in treating toothache is backed by a 2016 study titled “Diagnosis and treatment of abnormal dental pain” that was published in US National Library of Medicine.
8. Promotes Digestion
Muskmelon is perfect for your stomach giving it a cooling and calming effect. It regulates bowel movements making your digestive system healthy. This miraculous fruit is full of essential dietary fiber that helps in regulating proper bowel movements. It also ensures a good and smooth flow of food through your digestive tract, thus reducing the risk of colorectal cancer.
9.Treats Arthritis
Adding a proper dose of muskmelon to your diet can help you kill the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can prevent oxidative stress in your joints and bones, thus reducing inflammation. This benefit has been backed by a 2013 study titled “What to Eat for Breakfast When You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis” that was published in the Food & Fitness section of Health Monitor.
10. Combats Stress
Sometimes, a hectic lifestyle can lead to stress. Muskmelon is rich in potassium which normalizes the heartbeat and promotes the supply of oxygen to the brain, thus making you feel more relaxed and focused.
Nutritional Value Of Muskmelon
The various Muskmelon benefits for health can be attributed to its rich nutritional content comprising Vitamins A, B, C and minerals like magnesium, sodium, and potassium. Moreover, it has zero cholesterol and high-level Vitamin B complex such as B1 (thiamine), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid) and B6 (pyridoxine). Check out the nutritional value of muskmelon here.
PRINCIPLE | NUTRIENT VALUE | PERCENTAGE OF RDA |
Energy | 34 Kcal | 1.5% |
Carbohydrates | 8.6 g | 6.5% |
Protein | 0.84 g | 1.5% |
Total Fat | 0.19 g | <1% |
Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
Dietary Fiber | 0.9 g | 2.25% |
Vitamins | ||
Folates | 21 µg | 5% |
Niacin | 0.734 mg | 4.5% |
Pantothenic acid | 0.105 mg | 2% |
Pyridoxine | 0.072 mg | 5.5% |
Riboflavin | 0.026 mg | 2% |
Thiamin | 0.017 mg | 1% |
Vitamin A | 3382 IU | 112% |
Vitamin C | 36.7 mg | 61% |
Vitamin E | 0.05 mg | 0.5% |
Vitamin K | 2.5 mcg | 2% |
Minerals | ||
Calcium | 9 mg | 1% |
Copper | 41 µg | 4.5% |
Iron | 0.21 mg | 2.5% |
Magnesium | 12 mg | 3% |
Manganese | 0.041 mg | 2% |
Source: International Research Journal of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Division, Hisar, India.
Risks Of Consuming Muskmelon
May Hamper Sugar levels
Diabetes mellitus is a condition characterized by elevated blood sugar(glucose) levels. Macrobiotic Nutritionist and Health Practitioner Shilpa Arora says that an excess of melons may not be the best idea for diabetics. It can cause sugar overload which could lead to high blood sugar levels.
Effect on Gastro-Intestinal Tract
Eating too many muskmelons can affect your gastrointestinal tract. It is advised to drink lots of water after eating muskmelons. Muskmelon is mostly water, sugar and fibre. Microbes or bacteria need water and sugar to develop and expand. So, if you drink water after having muskmelons, there are more chances of the microbes spreading across your GI tract.
May Lead To A Lower Metabolic Rate
Muskmelons have a large percentage of natural sugar which may induce weight gain. It gets increasingly tough in the evening to burn this simple sugar effectively. The digestive process is slower than usual at night; hence, it is recommended to keep off sugary and acidic foods.
How To Consume Muskmelon?
1. Muskmelon Ice Pops
Blend all the ingredients for thirty seconds. Just make sure the mix is all smooth and pureed. Pour it into popsicle molds and freeze for 12 hours and enjoy the chilled and yummy popsicles.
What You Need:
- Diced Muskmelon (3 cups)
- 1 Lime
2. Muskmelon Smoothie
Add all the ingredients to the blender and blend until smooth. Serve in an attractive glass and enjoy the chilled drink during hot summer months.
What You Need
- 1 cup muskmelon (diced)
- 1 cup yogurt
- 20 ice cubes
- Sugar for taste
- ½ teaspoon of fresh ginger (grated)
Fun Facts Related To Muskmelon
- Muskmelon has many siblings in the form of other melons, squash, cucumbers, pumpkins, and gourds.
- An average-sized muskmelon contains just 100 calories. Who knew something so sweet could be this good for you?
- Muskmelon is the most popular melon in the United States!
If you’re someone who is diet conscious and want to improve your immunity and overall health. Grab a bowl of muskmelon in the morning and obtain numerous health benefits. So, what are you waiting for? Start a healthy routine today.