Benefits of Melon (Cantaloupe), Uses and side effects

There are several types of melons in the world. An elderly Chinese woman named "Ali Mihan" recently opened an online store to sell a type of melon known as "Hami melon". She herself was planting the melon. She sold more than a thousand melons in about 3 months. She has been called "myth" by Internet users. In Palestine, the melon was hybridized in 1970 to produce a new type of cantaloupe that resembles to ordinary melon, but with a pale green color. It has a sweet and distinctive taste and it is very rich in vitamins.

This article aims to list the scientifically proven characteristics and benefits of cantaloupe. As this article was written by nutritionists, all the information contained are correct and useful, not like other false information published on other websites.

Nutritional value of melon

From every 100 grams of melon there is:

• More than 90 grams of water.
• 6 grams of carbohydrates.
• Nearly 1 gram of vegetable protein.
• 0 fat content.
• 1 gram of fiber.

Melon contains vitamin C, niacin or B3, E, folic acid or B9, carotenes, piridixina or thiamine or B1 and B6.

Among the minerals, mention may be made of potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, calcium, iron and zinc.

Melons provide 26 kcal per 100 grams.

What are the properties of melon?

Melon grows on sandy soils with plenty of watering and is considered as an excellent summer fruit. The benefits of eating melon are numerous.

It can weigh a kilo, with a yellowish color and a rounded shape. Its pulp is similar to the color of skin, it is soft and juicy. In the center, it presents a hollow cavity, at the edges of which the seeds are arranged, in the form of a network.Low in calories

Each 100 grams of melon contains 34 calories. It is also low in fat, but very rich in nutrients such as vitamins and minerals.

Rich in vitamin A

It has a good amount of vitamin A. It is also a powerful antioxidant beneficial for skin and mucous membranes.

Rich in vitamins

Melon is also a good source of vitamin A, vitamin B (vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12), vitamin C, vitamin E, minerals and beta-carotene.

Rich in flavonoids

The melon offers flavonoids that protect cells against free radicals, reducing the possibility of suffering from cancers of the pancreas, breast or colon.

Good for the vision

Melon improves vision and in turn prevents macular degeneration, which is common over the years.

Good for heart health

The melon controls heart rate and blood pressure because of its potassium content, which prevents heart-related diseases.

Prevents diseases

Melon helps the body resist diseases caused by infections, viruses and bacteria, by having vitamin C and manganese.

Other properties of melon

Melon also has the following properties:

• Avoid muscle cramps.
• Powerful Moisturizer Contains 90% water.
• Treat high cholesterol case.
• Recommended for pregnant women for its folic acid content.
• Eliminate toxins.
• Prevent cancer.

Benefits of melon

Helps to lose weight

Sometimes weight loss is not only an aesthetic motivation, as some weight-related disorders such as obesity cause serious health problems. Therefore, eating foods such as melon, with high water content (up to 90%) are ideal to be part of a weight loss diet. Melons are low in calories, fat and cholesterol.

Viagra effect

Some foods act like a natural Viagra, and one of them is melon. The reason? It contains an amino acid called citrulline, which produces arginine. Arginine is the precursor of a vasodilator chemical called nitric oxide, which also increases in the body with the consumption of Viagra.So the use of melon can replace Viagra.

Anti-aging

Melons are rich in collagen, a substance that helps regenerate skin and tissues and therefore keeps the body younger. Collagen is a protein with innumerable benefits for health and the body. Melon, in addition to its rich flavor, prevents premature aging thanks to its collagen content.

Hydration

Melon is associated with summer and this is due to its high water content, 90% of its composition. In addition, the water it contains is rich in electrolytes, which makes it ideal for the body to recover from intensive training (for exercise enthusiasts). Its carbohydrate and protein content allows recovery to be complete.

Healing wounds

The high collagen content found in melon provides a number of other benefits to the skin. It is essential for the healing of damaged wounds, such as skin damage from sun exposure.

Healthy teeth and bones

Another compound abundant in melon is calcium, because for every 100 grams of this food, it is possible to find 15 mg of this mineral. Calcium is vitally important to bones and teeth, and melon actively contributes to the formation of bones and teeth and keeps them strong and healthy.

Improves heart health

Heart health is also positively affected by the consumption of melon, as adenosine and lycopene found in this food appear to be related to decreased heart attacks, as suggested by some studies. Likewise, the presence of citrulline and the vasodilation it causes is also essential for the proper functioning of the arteries.

Prevents cancer

The benefits of cirtrulin are not only present when it comes to improving cardiovascular health, but also to preventing cancer. Not only that, but this food has a high carotenoid content, which is a natural element found in many fruits. Studies suggest that this compound helps prevent some forms of cancer such as lung or breast cancer.

Eye health

The presence of carotenoids such as beta-carotene in melon is useful for improving vision, as is carrot or watermelon. Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A, which the body uses to repair ocular function and develop pigments in the retina, which positively influences night vision.

Improves the digestive system

The abundance of water and fiber in the melon has a positive effect on the proper functioning of the digestive system, which is why it is necessary to consume this product frequently. In fact, with the consumption of melon, the digestive system as a whole improves, but also, this fruit helps to reduce stomach pain and is useful when a person is suffering from diarrhea. In these cases, it can be consumed as a juice.

Helps fight free radicals

Melons are a source of antioxidants, among which it is possible to find beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin. These antioxidants protect cells against free radicals and help protect against certain diseases such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, intestinal cancer, lung cancer and pancreas cancer.

Kidney health

The kidneys also benefit from the contribution of melon. Melon helps the liver release toxins from the body. For those who suffer from these problems, a good idea is to mix the melon juice with lime juice in the morning before breakfast.

Improves the health of the skin

Collagen rejuvenates and helps to repair the skin. Therefore, to look at healthy skin, eating melon is a good alternative. The regenerative power of collagen also helps to improve eye health and strengthens muscles.

How to choose melons?

To have a sweet and ripe melon, you must pay attention to the peduncle it has in one end. If it is too hard, the melon is not yet ready to eat, but if the peduncle is soft and seems dry, it is an indication that the melon is sweet and ready to be tasted.

Another way to know if the melon is ripe is to squeeze one end of the melon slightly but firmly. If it gives a little, it means that the melon is ripe. But if it's hard, it's not ready.

We must also pay attention to the smell. If the melon has a pleasant and sweet aroma, this is another indication that it is ready. But if it does not feel like something, we have to let it mature a few more days.

What are the contraindications of melon?

Intolerance to one of its components.

Diabetics should take it in moderation.

People taking diuretics should take it in moderation as this may improve its effect.

It is also not recommended to be taken by children under two years old.

Side effects of melon

Despite being a very rich and healthy food, it must be taken into account that melons can be indigestible when consumed green or immature. In addition, there are some cases in which this fruit is totally contraindicated:

Melon allergy

There are people allergic to melon who cannot consume it.

Melon can cause digestive disorders

In very specific cases, melon can produce gastrointestinal symptoms (such as diarrhea).

Sources

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov : Beneficial Role of Bitter Melon Supplementation in Obesity and Related Complications in Metabolic Syndrome
[2] http://www.stylecraze.com : 23 Best Benefits Of Cantaloupe (Kharbuja) For Skin, Hair, And Health
[3] https://www.healthbeckon.com : 11 Amazing Benefits And Uses Of Melons