Melon is a sweet, flavorful and incredibly healthy fruit that delights us during the summer months. Thanks to its unique composition, it not only quenches thirst, but also saturates the body with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Melon is advised to be consumed by nutritionists and doctors. Let’s find out what is useful melon and whether it can be harmful.
How useful melon for health
The benefits of melon for the human body are multifaceted. Here are just some of the positive factors:
- Hydration and improvement of kidney function. Like watermelon, melon consists of 85-90% water, which makes it a great product for maintaining water balance. Its mild diuretic effect helps cleanse the kidneys of toxins, prevent fluid retention in the body and help fight swelling.
- Strengthening the immune system. The vitamin C found in melon boosts the immune system, helping the body fight viruses and bacteria more effectively.
- Maintaining healthy skin. Melon is rich in vitamin C, which stimulates the production of collagen, the protein responsible for skin firmness and elasticity. In addition, its antioxidants help protect the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals and slow down the aging process.
- Digestive Support. Melon contains fiber, which stimulates intestinal peristalsis, improving digestion. Its consumption helps avoid constipation and promotes gentle cleansing of the body. Yes, melon acts as a laxative.
- Vision Support. The vitamin A in melon (in the form of beta-carotene) helps maintain eye health and prevents age-related vision changes such as macular degeneration.
- Blood pressure relief. Magnesium and potassium present in melon support cardiovascular health by helping to regulate blood pressure. These elements relax the walls of blood vessels, improving blood flow and preventing hypertension.
- Weight loss aid. Low calories (about 34 calories per 100 grams) and high water content make melon a great diet food. It satiates quickly, satisfies hunger and helps to avoid overeating.
- Reduces stress and improves sleep. Melon contains B vitamins, including B6, which is involved in the synthesis of serotonin, the joy hormone. This helps to improve mood, reduce stress levels and improve sleep quality.
Who should be careful
Despite its numerous beneficial properties, melon can be contraindicated in a number of cases. People with diabetes should consume it in moderate amounts because of the content of natural sugars. It is not recommended to combine melon with alcohol or dairy products, as this can cause discomfort in the stomach. Then the melon will be harmful and will not want to eat this fruit for a long time.
Here are some interesting facts about the melon
- Ancient Origins. Melon is considered one of the oldest cultivated plants. It began to be cultivated in Africa and Southwest Asia more than 4,000 years ago. Finds of melon seeds have been discovered in Egyptian tombs, indicating its popularity back in the time of the pharaohs.
- It’s a berry! From the botanical point of view, the melon is not a fruit, but a berry, as its pulp develops from a single flower and contains many seeds.
- Variety of varieties. There are more than 500 varieties of melon in the world! They vary in shape, size, color and taste. Some, such as the cantaloupe variety, have orange flesh, while others have white or green flesh.
- Record Weight. The heaviest melon in the world was grown in the United States in 2019 and weighed 33.8 kilograms!
- Symbol of health in Asia. In China and Japan, melon is often presented as a symbol of health and longevity. In Japan, special varieties of melon, such as yubari, are considered a delicacy and can cost several hundred dollars.
- Honey flavor. The name of the variety “cantaloupe” comes from the Italian village of Cantalupo, where the first melons with a characteristic sweet and honey flavor were grown in the 16th century.
- The seeds are not discarded. In some countries, melon seeds are dried, roasted and used as a snack or addition to dishes, as they are rich in protein and healthy oils.
- Aphrodisiac effect. Melon is believed to have a mild aphrodisiac effect because of the vitamins it contains, which have a positive effect on the hormonal background and mood.
- Traveling plant. Melon spread around the world thanks to traders. It was brought to Europe from Persia, then Spanish explorers brought it to America.
How to choose a ripe melon
To get the maximum benefit and enjoy the flavor, it is important to choose the right melon. A ripe melon has a pleasant, rich flavor. The rind should be firm, but not too hard, with a slight “honey” tinge. When tapped, the sound should be slightly muffled.
Melon is not only a delicious and refreshing dessert, but also a valuable source of vitamins and minerals. Its regular consumption helps maintain healthy skin, heart, eyes and digestive system, and improves mood. Sweet and juicy, melon will become a bright accent on your summer table!
To learn about the benefits of other products, go to the Benefits food page.