What is a Muskmelon?
Muskmelon is a sweet-tasting summer fruit. The water content of this fruit is substantial, and it also contains a range of other nutrients. Summer demands plenty of water. In contrast to drinking water, certain fruits contain considerable amounts of water, which can help prevent exhaustion.
It is also known as a sweet melon. Vitamins C and A, as well as potassium, are abundant in this fruit. It is also known as kharbuja, nutmeg melon, and it contains vitamins B1, B6, and K, as well as folate, copper, magnesium, and dietary fibers, making it highly beneficial to your health.
Furthermore, in North America, those melons are frequently incorrectly referred to as cantaloupe, a word that belongs to the Cantalupensis group of European melons. Muskmelons, like all melons, are annual vines that need a long, warm growing season. The enormous fruits produced by the yellow unisexual blossoms have a fragrant smell when matured. The plants are sensitive to a range of fungal infections, particularly in humid environments, and frost kills them.
Nutritional Value of Muskmelon
Muskmelons are high in nutrients and contain a wide range of vitamins and minerals. Vit C, a water-soluble vitamin that aids in disease prevention and immunological function, is particularly abundant in them. This delicious melon’s multiple health benefits can be due to its high nutritional content, essential for proper bodily performance.
Serving size: 1 cup diced, 150 gm
Constituent | Amount |
Fat | 0.3gm |
Calories | 53kcal |
Carbohydrates | 13gm |
Dietary fiber | 1.4g |
Sugar | 12gm |
Protein | 1.3gm |
Vitamin A | 3126 IU [ international Unit] |
Vitamin C | 40.56mg |
Potassium | 531.96mg |
Folate | 33.60mcg |
Vitamin K | 3% |
Magnesium | 5% |
Niacin | 7% |
Thiamine | 5% |
18 Health Benefits of Muskmelon
1. Stabilize Hypertension:– The fruit’s potassium content aids with blood pressure regulation. People with high blood pressure should include muskmelon in their diet since this potassium-rich fruit aids to calm blood vessels, allowing for a smoother blood flow. Potassium is a vasodilator, which means it lowers blood pressure and prevents it from rising.
2. Improves your Vision:- Muskmelon contains a high dose of vitamin A, strengthening and protecting the eye muscles against future issues. Beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, and lutein are three powerful antioxidants found in sweet melons that are widely known for promoting eye health.
Consuming this fruit can help prevent age-related vision loss and maintain normal eye function throughout your life. According to research, eating foods high in these antioxidants and vitamins A and C daily, such as muskmelon, can help maintain healthy eye function and eyesight.
3. Assists in Weight loss:- Muskmelons have a low-fat level and a high potassium content, which aids with weight management. It is good to consume the fruit in moderation to stay fit and healthy. They also have a high water content, which keeps us hydrated and satisfied, resulting in decreased consumption of high-calorie items and aiding weight loss.
4. Aids in the management of Diabetes:- This miracle fruit successfully lowers blood sugar levels thanks to its high fiber and low-fat content. Because of the abundance of nutrients in the muskmelon, it is classified as a super-fruit. It can provide the body with various health supplements that can help prevent various diseases, diabetes symptoms, and other health issues.
For people with diabetes, the carbohydrate level of muskmelon or honeydew is a safe number. Even though it is sweet, this fruit is safe and suitable for diabetes because it contains a lot of water. The reasonable number of carbs in this fruit prevents sugar surges that are hazardous and deadly.
5. Boosts Immunity:- It has vitamin C, which helps to boost immunity. They increase the formation of white blood cells, which aid in the fight against infections. It comprises phytochemicals, beta-carotene, and vitamin A, in addition to a high vitamin C content, to help keep your stomach healthy. Your immune system and intestinal health are intimately connected.
Healthy bacteria in your gut aid in the body’s proper functioning. Vitamin C also aids in the creation of protective white blood cells, which help in the destruction of a variety of harmful germs, viruses, bacteria, and other poisons that could infiltrate your body and transmit disease.
6. Heals Gastrointestinal Ulcers:- Melons contain a high amount of vitamin C, which aids in the treatment of ulcers.
7. Relieves Constipation:- Muskmelon is a combination of water and fiber that works wonders for people who suffer from constipation. Use these home remedies to relieve constipation. It contains a significant amount of fiber and water, making it an excellent natural remedy for indigestion, constipation, and other gastrointestinal system problems.
This fruit’s fiber content aids in healthy bowel motions and has a relaxing and cooling impact on the stomach. Fiber helps to keep hunger at bay by adding weight to the stool.
8. Inhibits Kidney Stones:– Muskmelon-Oxykine extract is effective in treating renal issues. Oxykine, a muskmelon extract, has been shown to help with kidney problems and stones. Because of its high moisture content, it also purifies the kidneys.
9. Beneficial to Expectant Mothers– Muskmelon’s high folate level helps pregnant women lose weight by removing extra salt and reducing water retention. When ingested in moderation, it is safe for pregnant women. It’s high folate level keeps the body from retaining water by eliminating excess salt.
10. Suppresses Sleep–Disordered Breathing:- Muskmelon calms the nerves and muscles of the brain, preventing sleep disorders such as sleeplessness. It is a stress-relieving food that might help you feel more focused and relaxed because it is high in potassium. This aids in the relaxation and concentration of your brain.
11. Lower Menstrual Cramps:- According to studies, the vitamin C in muskmelon helps regulate menstrual flow, alleviating menstruation cramps in women. So eat this fruit for at least the first two days of your menstruation. It breaks clots and relieves muscle spasms due to its anticoagulant characteristics.
12. Inhibits the signs and symptoms of Cancer:- It contains vitamin C, which neutralizes free radicals and protects against cancer. Vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system, can also help to prevent and treat cancer. It prevents the onset of cancer by removing free radicals created in the body.
Those who have cancer should try to include muskmelon in some form to help battle the cancer cells that have already formed. It’s also quite soft and chewable. So cancer patients who suffer from mouth sores and trouble chewing can benefit from this nutritious fruit.
13. It’s a medication that helps you relax:- Eating muskmelon enhances the flow of oxygen to the brain, resulting in a tranquil and stress-free brain. This fruit enables you to relax and focus by increasing the transport of oxygen to your brain.
14. Improves Skin health:- It has an anti-aging property that makes the skin glow and prevents acne.
15. Relieves Toothache:- Eating raw muskmelon or washing your mouth with a solution produced from its skin can help reduce dental pain. When boiled in water, phytochemicals in the skin of muskmelon are liberated. Toothache treatment can be obtained by drinking this water. Make this mixture and set it aside to cool.
16. Heart-friendly:- Muskmelon has anticoagulant qualities, which prevent blood from clotting by naturally thinning it. It keeps blood flowing smoothly through our arteries and protects our blood vessels from added pressure. Consequently, the heart does not have to work any more complex than it needs to be healthy!
17. Relief Cough and flu:- Cough, cold, and nasal congestion are common symptoms of seasonal changes. Taking muskmelon seeds can help you get rid of coughs and colds by removing extra mucus from your system—Toss muskmelon seeds in your salads or yogurt, either dry or fresh.
18. Good for Lungs:- Vitamin A is replenished in your body when you eat muskmelon regularly. Smoking, pollution, eating pollutants, consuming contaminated food products, and other things cause the vitamin A content in your body to diminish over time. All of this causes your lungs to weaken day by day.
Your body’s vitamin A helps to rejuvenate your lungs, allowing you to breathe fully and properly. This is exceptionally effective for passive smokers and children who have breathing problems. The vitamins and minerals in this fruit aid in the relief of bronchial congestion.
Muskmelon Vs. Cantaloupe
1. Muskmelons and cantaloupes are both members of the Cucurbitaceae family of plants. However, muskmelon belongs to the reticulatus group, whereas cantaloupe belongs to the cantalupensis group.
2. When it comes to distinguishing between muskmelon and cantaloupe, the appearance can be crucial. Muskmelon has brown, wrinkled skin with a sweet, musky flavor and scent. The orange-colored flesh of the fruit is rich in water. On the other hand, Cantaloupe has a net-like, light green skin with a central seed chamber and salmon-colored flesh. It’s also delicious.
3. It’s difficult to distinguish between muskmelon and cantaloupe by smell because both have a pleasant, fresh, and soft, musky aroma.
4. Muskmelon has a delicate, musky flavor with a high sugar content that lingers on the tongue for a long time. Cantaloupes that have been fully ripened have a sweet, smooth, and juicy flavor. It also has a high moisture content, which makes you feel full after consuming it.
Muskmelon Vs. Honeydew
1. Except for vitamin C and beta-carotene, they have similar nutritional benefits. Muskmelon has twice as much vitamin C as honeydew, with 61 percent of the daily value vs. 30 percent in honeydew. It takes the lead in vitamin A, with 68 percent of the daily value compared to 1 percent in honeydew. Both calculations are based on 3.5-ounce serving size. Muskmelon is richer in beta carotene as compared to honeydew.
2. The similarities between honeydew and muskmelon outnumber the differences. They both contain 90% water, have the same number of calories per mouthful, and have similar quantities of fiber and phenol phytonutrients, as well as small traces of B vitamins and minerals.
3. Honeydew melons differ from muskmelons because their skin is smooth, their flesh is green, and their aroma is distinct.
4. Muskmelon requires more water for its growth as compared to honeydew melon.
5. It has a shorter ripening time[90days], whereas honeydew melon has a longer ripening time[100days] and grows at a lower temperature than a muskmelon.
NOTE: – They can be kept at room temperature until sliced, after which they should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Before cutting your melon, carefully wash and clean the rind to remove any dirt or bacteria on the outside.
How to Eat Muskmelon?
The best ways to incorporate muskmelons into your everyday routine are as follows:
1. Sorbet [mixed with ice cream] – This is an effortless dessert to make. In a mixer, churn a few slices of it. Squeeze the lemon off the top and freeze it for an hour. One of the healthiest ice creams is now available for consumption!
2. Refreshing salad – Combine all seasonal fruits, particularly muskmelon, in a salad and gain health benefits.
3. Fruit smoothie – Make a breakfast smoothie with a few slices of muskmelon. To get the most out of it, mix it with yogurt and other fruits.
4. In the form of juice– Mix the fruit chunks with some cold water to obtain a pulpy, cooling juice. You may also make a smoothie with basil leaves, yogurt, and honey.
5. Salad with Melon and Papaya-Make a nutritious, summery salad with melons, papaya, onions, and tomatoes, topped with a sweet, saucy, and lemony vinaigrette — a delicious carb-free dinner option.
Side Effects of Eating Muskmelon
1. If you are allergic to it, don’t eat it.
2. If you are about to catch a cold, you should avoid eating it due to its calm behavior. After all, if you eat this, your body will quickly acquire a cold.
3. If you overeat melon, it might create stomach issues such as flatulence; thus, avoid consuming it in large quantities. If you eat within your means, you will reap numerous rewards.
4. People with diabetes should not consume melon in large quantities. It causes an excessive rise in blood sugar levels. Muskmelon has an extremely high glycemic index. If you have diabetes and prefer to eat, see your doctor before eating daily.
5. Because melon has a considerable amount of water and fiber, overeating it will significantly enhance your risk of diarrhea.
Conclusion
Muskmelon is a sweet fruit commonly known as kharbuja in India and sweet melon, nutmeg melon in other parts of the world. It belongs to the Cantalupensis group. It is rich in vitamin C, phytochemicals, potassium, folate, thiamine & vitamin K.
It provides immense health benefits like improving vision, regulating hypertension, revitalizing skin, promoting hair growth, controlling flu, alleviating constipation, boosts immunity, and many more. You can have it in the form of juice, smoothie, custard, salad.
It can also be added to the batter while making a honey pancake. Its roasted & salted seeds are an excellent munchkin option. Everybody should include this superfood in the diet until and unless you’re allergic to it.
FAQ
1. Is Muskmelon Good for the Stomach?
Yes, it is suitable for stomach health as it has high moisture & fiber content. It helps in relieving constipation & keeps the inner gastrointestinal organ maintained.
2. Does eating Muskmelon increase weight?
It is high in potassium, which aids in body weight maintenance. Furthermore, the fruit’s fat content is low; therefore it does not cause weight gain.
3. Is muskmelon good for hair?
Musk Melon includes Inositol, which is necessary for hair development and prevention. It moisturizes your hair without making it oily or greasy.
4. Can a pregnant lady eat muskmelon?
It is a harmless fruit to consume during pregnancy if consumed in moderation. The fruit is low in carbs but abundant in nutrients and fiber, making it a reliable and healthful snack alternative for a pregnant woman.
