Fruits are foods with great nutritional and medicinal contributions to our body. Among them we can highlight the melon , which is one of the most consumed and common fruits in the world, although at first glance it seems tasteless.
In this sense, melon can be consumed in milkshakes, juices, desserts and various dishes, which makes it a versatile food with vitamins and minerals , which cares for the cardiac , nervous and central system. In addition, it helps us prevent certain diseases, such as cancer .
For this reason, in this article we will explain in detail the properties and benefits of melon , so that you can learn about and enjoy each of its benefits and include it in your diet .
What is melon?
The melon is a cucurbit fruit of Asian origin with a sweet and delicate flavor , which is cultivated especially in the summer. It has more than 80% water in its content.
Its bark has different textures (generally rough), which is green, yellow, white and orange, and its creamy pulp is orange with gradients towards green.
Note: The melon plant is creeping or climbing with yellow flowers. Its stems are cylindrical, herbaceous and downy, with 3-7-lobed leaves with tooth margins. It is known by the scientific name of Cucumis melo.
On the other hand, we can highlight the yellow or canary melon (originally from Asia), which is known for the striking color of its rind, which has a pale green or almost white pulp. This species has a spicier flavor than the commercial one.
melon properties
This sweet fruit is an easy food to plant and harvest. It also has a significant amount of vitamins and minerals that benefit our body, which we can obtain through its different forms of preparation . Next we will detail its properties:
1. Vitamins
Melon is one of the most common fruits in summer. A wide variety of nutrients are found in its pulp, since in 100 grams of this food there are 18 mg of vitamin C , 3 mg of vitamin A , 20 mg of folic acid and 30 mg of beta-carotene. In addition, it has many antioxidants that strengthen the body.
2. Minerals
This fruit is rich in minerals that improve the immune and nervous system. It is 85% water, 30% potassium , 20% phosphorous, 15% calcium, and 15% magnesium . This is why it is recommended to consume people with low defenses.
Important: A study in Venezuela on the components of melon , revealed that it is a fruit with a high moisture content and low acidity. Contains minerals such as calcium , magnesium and potassium. It is characterized by having a good substrate for microbial growth. (1)
3. Other compounds
This food is known throughout the world for its great benefits to the body . In its content it has 1% fiber and antioxidants that help reduce stress and anxiety.
To highlight: In 100 grams you can find only 33 calories. It does not affect cholesterol , since it does not contain fat.
What are the benefits of melon?
Most people are unaware that melon is a highly nutritious fruit, with great potential to prevent disease. Consuming it improves the quality of the blood, protects from free radicals and prevents aging. Some of its most outstanding benefits are:
1. Strengthens the immune system
Melon is highly energetic, which is why it is of great benefit to the immune system. It has vitamin B, which helps the production of hemoglobin in the blood. In the same way, it is a carbohydrate that increases defenses and prevents the spread of respiratory diseases.
You should know: The high levels of vitamin C that this fruit has, help fight infections and viral diseases that exist in the environment, thus maintaining a strong immune system and ready to fight against any health threat.
2. Protects heart health
Thanks to its high water, potassium and low salt content, it is ideal for controlling hypertension and arterial problems. For this reason, melon helps improve heart health , since it has lycopene and vitamin A, which reduces the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular accidents.
3. Decreases the action of free radicals
Cantaloupe is high in antioxidants such as zeaxanthin and lutein . These substances help cells fight free radicals , regenerate neurons and prevent oxidative stress . Melon also prevents suffering from mental illness.
Important: A study in Chile on fruits, determined that the consumption of melon is necessary , since it contains antioxidants that are capable of preventing diseases derived from free radicals. In addition, they have great nutritional effects for the body. (two)
4. Improves digestive and kidney health
Another of the benefits of eating melon is that it has a significant percentage of fiber , which provides diuretic and laxative properties that help expel all kinds of toxins and waste. Therefore, melon is a good ally for those who suffer from kidney diseases. It also has antioxidants that take care of the liver, so that it releases toxins and purifies the blood.
Note: Melon juice helps relieve stomach pain , combat diarrhea, reduce acidity and regulate flatulence. Similarly, the concentrate of this fruit improves kidney problems , avoiding health complications such as kidney stones.
On the other hand, the diuretic properties of melon help eliminate fluid retention and swelling thanks to its potassium levels, in order to maintain an ideal body weight and reduce inflammation in different parts of the body.
5. Strengthens muscles, bones and teeth
Melon has calcium and potassium, which help to regenerate muscles after a physical journey . It contains anti-inflammatory virtues that repair tissues and prevent tearing of the muscles.
To highlight: This fruit has a significant percentage of calcium , which is the mineral that improves bone health and maximizes the appearance of teeth to keep them healthy and strong.
On the other hand, melon helps to enhance sexual desire thanks to the level of citrulline it has, since it has a viagra effect which helps combat erectile dysfunction.
6. Promotes eye and skin health
This fruit has a high collagen content, which is the substance responsible for regenerating skin and tissues, strengthening nails, giving shine to the dermis and preventing aging (expression lines).
It also has vitamin A that helps wound healing, increases melanin production and regenerates the dermis . On the other hand, it has beta- carotene that elevates vision and cares for the retina. In addition, its antioxidants improve night vision.
7. Helps lose weight
Melon is the favorite fruit for those who want to lose weight. It has a very low caloric intake and its glucose concentration is minimal. So it’s ideal to eat when there’s anxiety. It is rich in water and electrolytes, which helps to hydrate and purify the body of toxins.
You should know: A study in Mexico revealed that melon is a fruit with great nutritional conditions. Contains soluble solutions with a low amount of glucose and sodium. For this reason, it is recommended for overweight people. (3)
8. Prevents cancer
One of the most outstanding benefits of melon is that it has polyphenols , which help prevent chronic diseases such as cancer. This fruit is rich in carotenoids, which prevent the appearance of malignant cells within the lungs and chest. In addition, melon is a purifier of the blood and the lymphatic system.
Important: According to an article published in the International Research Journal of Pharmacy , melon has useful medicinal properties , such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, free radical scavenger, antiplatelet, antiulcer, and anticancer properties, making it ideal for preventing chronic diseases. (4)
How can you consume melon?
Melon is a food consumed in almost every home in the world. The most common way is to eat it directly and fresh . On the other hand, the melon is the protagonist of sweets, jams, creams, milkshakes, sorbets and juices.
Note: Also in some cuisines, melon is used as a garnish for savory dishes and salads.
When should you not eat melon?
Melon is a tasty, natural and completely healthy fruit. However, its excessive consumption can affect people suffering from diseases such as arthritis, acute pancreatitis, inflammation of the gallbladder and cholecystitis. Therefore, it is recommended to consume it moderately.
To highlight: The melon should be consumed when removing the skin , since it is a potential home for bacteria and pathogenic microorganisms, if it is allowed to spend a long time for consumption once cut.
Key Findings
- Melon is a widely consumed fruit worldwide, which has a sweet and mild flavor and aroma .
- 85% of its composition is water and its bark is usually hard, with a rustic texture of green, orange and white in its content.
- This fruit is an excellent option to lose weight , since it does not have fat and its caloric intake is very low.
- It is ideal for preventing chronic diseases such as cancer and heart conditions.
- The melon can be consumed directly and fresh, however its consumption should be moderate .
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.