Muskmelon: Benefits, Nutritional Facts and more

Muskmelon, also known as Cantaloupe Melon, is a sweet and juicy fruit that is perfect when consumed during summer due to its high water content.

The health advantages of Muskmelon can be found in every part of the fruit.

It is widely grown in India and is popular in all of the country’s regions. Muskmelon is high in minerals, antioxidants and other wholesome properties.

Nutritional Facts of Muskmelon

Muskmelon is water like any other melon. Over 90 percent of Muskmelon is water. This doesn’t make them fall short of other vital nutrients.

The nutritional content in 100 g of Muskmelon is

• Calories – 25 Kcal
• Carbohydrates – 4.64 gram
• Protein – 0.48 gram
• Fat – 0.37 gram
• Dietary Fibre – 1.79 gram

(Source: IFCT, 2017)

Health Benefits of Muskmelon

Muskmelon is beneficial to one’s health as it is filled with various essential vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre.

Keeps the body hydrated 

Being mostly water, consuming Muskmelon is refreshing and hydrating to the body in addition to being nutritious. Muskmelon helps to cool the body, thus guarding against the heat.

Immunity booster 

The high vitamin C content in Muskmelon makes it an immunity-boosting fruit. It provides our bodies with new white blood cells, which boost the body’s disease-fighting capabilities and aid to drive away diseases.

Good for vision 

Antioxidants such as Zeaxanthin, beta-carotene and lutein are present in Muskmelon that are widely known for promoting eye health. Regular consumption of this fruit can help prevent age-related vision loss and maintain normal eye function throughout life.

According to research, eating foods high in these antioxidants as well as vitamins A and C, daily can help maintain healthy eye function and eyesight.

Good for Cardiovascular health 

The potassium in Muskmelon helps regulate the blood pressure in an individual. It also lowers the possibility of cardiovascular diseases.

Blood clotting is minimised in the cardiovascular system because of the presence of adenosine, which has blood-thinning characteristics.

For a healthy gut system 

Healthy gut health is rendered by the Muskmelon due to the high water and fibre content in them. This helps in cooling the stomach and regulating bowel movements, preventing constipation. Muskmelon is considered a digestion-friendly fruit.

Help in weight loss

The excessive water and fibre content in Muskmelon along with potassium aids in weight loss. There is negligible fat in them, which is an added advantage.

Consuming Muskmelon regularly helps in weight loss while also providing essential nutrients.

Prevent Diabetic Nephropathy 

‘Oxykine’, an extract present in Muskmelon is known to prevent diabetic nephropathy. Diabetic nephropathy is a condition where the kidney cells are alarmingly damaged.

Combat stress 

Muskmelon is regarded as a stress-relieving food because of the presence of potassium that regulates the heartbeat and increases the oxygen supply to the brain. This calms the mind and gives a relaxed feeling, thus relieving stress.

The stress-relieving enzyme, superoxide dismutase is a component of Muskmelon that relaxes the nerves and lowers blood pressure.

Promote hair growth 

Vitamin A, which helps to promote hair growth, is high in Muskmelon. The presence of Vitamin A aids in the formation of sebum, an oily secretion produced by the sebaceous glands beneath the scalp. This encourages hair development while also keeping it hydrated.

Healthy skin 

Muskmelon has the potential to be an excellent beauty product. Muskmelon has skin-friendly collagen that helps keep the skin supple, thereby, delaying ageing. The vitamin C content in them also gives a natural, glowing skin.

Benefits Weight loss

Muskmelon is a low-calorie fruit with 90% water content. They are also loaded with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, making them a wholesome fruit for weight loss.

Helps in Weight control

Muskmelon is a good weight-loss option as it is low in calories and high in nutrients including protein, dietary fibre, potassium, vitamin A, beta carotene and vitamin C. The minimal fat content in Muskmelon is a boon to individuals seeking weight loss.

Reduces Hunger

Muskmelon is rich in fibre that makes a person feel full for a longer time, thus minimising hunger and helping in weight loss.

Prevents Dehydration

The 90 percent water content in Muskmelon, keeps a person hydrated, hindering dehydration. Proper hydration eases digestion, prevents kidney diseases like kidney stones and is good for heart health.

Additional health benefits of consuming muskmelon

This delicious fruit should be consumed on a regular basis during the summer months to benefit from its nutrition content.

Being mostly water, Muskmelon consumption wards off dehydration. They also offer various other health benefits.

Controls blood pressure 

Muskmelon is high in potassium, fibre and water, which helps to keep the blood pressure in check.

Promotes digestion 

The water and fibre in muskmelon are beneficial to the digestive system. It can also aid in the prevention of constipation. Eating muskmelon can assist regulate bowel movement while also cooling the stomach.

Helps in hydration

Muskmelon is loaded with water, which helps to hydrate the body, especially during the hot summer months. It also has a cooling effect and protects the body from heat.

Boosts skin health

Muskmelon has skin-beneficial properties. Skin cleansing can be aided by a high level of antioxidants.

It also promotes collagen formation that is good for the skin. Including Muskmelon in the diet can benefit the skin.

Contains a variety of nutrients 

Muskmelon can provide a range of nutrients to a diet. This calorie-free summer fruit is high in vitamin A, vitamin C, fibre, potassium, folate and protein.

Benefits of Muskmelon for skin

Muskmelon is not only a great fruit with many health benefits, but it is also known for its role in skin health. It is now used as a good skincare ingredient owing to its various benefits for the skin.

Vitamin C is abundant in Muskmelon, helping to increase immunity. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that fights free radicals and helps to keep skin look young.

So, early signs of ageing can be warded off when Muskmelon is added to the diet routine.

Rejuvenates and hydrates skin

Dry, dull skin is long gone when Muskmelon is used regularly. The high nutrient content in them plays a vital role in skin rejuvenation while the excessive water content in them hydrates the skin.

Muskmelon pulp can also be used as a face mask. When the pulp is applied to the skin in the form of paste and cleansed after some time, soft and supple skin can be witnessed.

Helps in skin regeneration

Being a good source of Vitamin C and A, Muskmelon is widely used for skin regeneration. This fruit boosts collagen formation in the skin, thus enhancing the natural glow.

Face mask with Muskmelon pulp and orange pulp is one of the best home remedies to help in skin regeneration.

Prevents premature ageing

Muskmelon is high in folic acid, which assists in cell regeneration and keeps the skin healthy and shining. It also keeps wrinkles and fine lines at bay by protecting the skin from free radicals.

Muskmelon helps to preserve the elasticity of the skin, making it a great anti-ageing agent.

The juice of Muskmelon proves to be a super face pack when applied to the face and washed off.

Treats eczema and other skin conditions

Muskmelon is effective in treating skin conditions like eczema and dark spots. Sometimes, this fruit is also a remedy for mild burns and tears and is used as a first-aid measure.

Lemon can be combined with it since it has antifungal and antibacterial properties that benefit in treating various skin disorders.

Muskmelon pulp with lemon juice makes a great combination to heal many skin conditions.

Treats chapped lips

Muskmelon possesses skin-lightening as well as exfoliating traits which help in curing dry, chapped lips. Regular usage of Muskmelon on lips can provide nourished, supple and soft lips.

Muskmelon pulp can be used along with petroleum jelly to achieve the best results.

Benefits of Muskmelon for Hair

Muskmelon hydrates the entire body and is helpful for healthy hair since it contains iron and other nutrients.

Combats Hair loss

Inositol, present in Muskmelon is likely to promote hair growth and intercept hair loss. It moisturises the hair without making it oily or greasy.

This is a vital ingredient that can combat hair loss. When used along with coconut oil, it is super effective to enhance hair growth.

Muskmelon pulp combined with coconut oil is a great hair mask to promote hair growth.

Works as a natural conditioner

The ability to condition and soften the hair in addition to maintaining the scalp and hair health proves to be a great quality of Muskmelon.

Homemade conditioner can be prepared by mixing  Muskmelon with curd and banana. The natural oils in bananas also help to soften the hair.

Strengthens hair

The hair is made long and strong with regular usage of Muskmelon. No signs of broken and damaged hair can be seen while using Muskmelon. It also works wonders on dry and dull hair.

A hair mask with Muskmelon pulp, almond oil, coconut oil and vitamin E capsules is a very effective remedy to strengthen damaged hair.

Advantages

• Muskmelons are nutrient-dense and have a very high amount of water. They boost heart health, skin health and immunity, enhance eyesight and promote weight loss.
• It aids in the treatment of kidney stones as well as the prevention of issues or problems during pregnancy.
• Consuming Muskmelon during menstruation helps to relieve menstruation cramps.
• Muskmelon is low in calories and high in protein, dietary fibre, vitamin A, niacin, folic acid, and vitamin C. This nutritious fruit is also high in potassium, calcium, magnesium and carotenoids, all of which are essential nutrients.
• Muskmelon is fat-free, saturated fat-free and cholesterol-free.

Disadvantages

• The cold nature of Muskmelon makes it difficult for eating while having a cough or cold.
• Being high in water and fibre, too much Muskmelon consumption can cause diarrhoea in some.
• A high intake of this fruit can also result in stomach problems and can cause gas trouble.
• Muskmelon is not recommended to be eaten on empty stomach in the early morning as the person may experience stomach or bile-related problems.
• This is a medium glycemic index fruit and so, too much consumption increases the blood sugar levels.

Conclusion

One of the super, wholesome fruit for summer is undoubtedly Muskmelon. Being a melon variety, this fruit is also mostly water.

The round, orange fruit is nutrient-dense and helps in combating various health problems and diseases. Their benefits are also witnessed in skin and hair health.

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