Muskmelon, Cantaloupe, or Kharbooja is one of the favorite fruits enjoyed during the summer season. Being very sweet and juicy, it acts as a supplement in fulfilling the requirement of water in our body. We can easily find cucumber, watermelon, lemon water, and muskmelon in most Indian homes during summer. Did you know that apart from water, muskmelon is rich in essential vitamins and minerals also? Let’s discuss muskmelon benefits, it’s uses and side-effects in detail.
Nutritional Value Of Muskmelon | Quantity-177 grams |
Calories | 60.2 |
Vitamin C | 65mg |
Carbohydrates | 14.4 grams |
Fiber | 1.6 grams |
Iron | 0.4 grams |
Magnesium | 21.2 mg |
Phosphorus | 26.6 mg |
Sodium | 28.3 mg |
Potassium | 473 mg |
Table of Contents
Benefits Of Muskmelon
1. Keeps Our Body Hydrated
Muskmelon deserves to be included in the list of popular fruits for summer as it not only high on taste but also health. Did you know that it contains 90% water that makes it suitable for fulfilling the water requirement of the body? One must consume muskmelon in summers to beat the scorching heat. Also, if you are traveling in summers, eating a muskmelon is a great option as it keeps the body hydrated. You can also have lemon water, cucumber, coconut water, watermelon to protect yourself from dehydration.
2. Rich In Fiber
1 cup of muskmelon contains 1.6 grams of fiber that helps in keeping the stomach full. Fiber takes time to digest hence you do not feel the constant hunger pangs. If you want to lose weight then muskmelon can be highly beneficial for you.
3. Good Source Of Vitamins And Minerals
Muskmelon has several vital nutrients such as Vitamin K, calcium, zinc, copper, manganese that helps in improving overall health. Muskmelon can be a good option for people suffering from various deficiencies of vitamins and minerals.
4. Immunity Booster
When it comes to immunity, it’s important to talk about Vitamin C as it is widely known for building stronger immunity. Muskmelon is a rich source of vitamin C. It helps in producing white blood cells that help in fighting various diseases and infections. So try including this delicious fruit in your diet for amazing results.
Also Read: Benefits And Side-Effects Of A Vitamin C Rich Diet
5. Can Control Sugar Levels
Muskmelon benefits are known for diabetics because of the presence of oxykine, an extract found in muskmelon that helps in maintaining the sugar levels of the body which is beneficial in diabetes. However, if you are diabetic, medical advice from your doctor is recommended before consuming muskmelon.
6. Advantageous In Pregnancy
Pregnant and wondering if eating muskmelon is a good idea or not? The answer is – Go for it! Muskmelon contains many essential vitamins such as vitamin A, B1, and C and minerals like iron, calcium, and phosphorous. The fruit is also rich in folic acid, one of the most important vitamins required during pregnancy.
7. Aids Heart Health
The health benefits of muskmelons are even more than you think! It has vital nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and beta carotene that are crucial for a healthy heart. Additionally, muskmelons do have anticoagulant properties because of the presence of adenosine in it, which helps in thinning the blood, hence maintaining a healthy heart.
8. Can Relieve Menstrual Pain
Some women complain of extreme pain during menstruation. Muskmelon can be a savior during those painful days as it makes the blood flow easy and can relieve abdominal cramps. Additionally, muskmelon seeds also help in easing menstrual pain, so next time, do give this humble fruit a try, it may just surprise you with its benefits.
9. May Soothe Stomach Ulcers
Muskmelon is cool in nature, so if you are suffering from stomach ulcers, the cooling properties of the fruit will definitely ease off the burning sensation in the stomach caused by ulcers. Being rich in Vitamin C also helps in further treating the ulcers.
10. Can Cure Constipation
There are plenty of home remedies to cure constipation and muskmelon being high on water and fiber can help keep stomach problems at bay. Fibre keeps our digestive system healthy and aids in preventing constipation. Additionally, the minerals present in muskmelon reduce the acidity of the stomach.
11. Helpful In Treating Toothache
Due to the essential minerals found in Muskmelon, it plays an important role in easing off severe toothaches. Also, the peel of the fruit contains an essence that helps in minimizing the pain. Just boil the peel of the muskmelon in water, let it cool down a bit, and then use it as a mouthwash once or twice a day to see the best results.
12. Promotes Skin Health
If you are suffering from dry skin then muskmelon can do wonders for you! It is known for its hydration and anti-aging properties, due to the presence of water and Vitamin C. Not only does it hydrate the skin and keep it supple, but it also keeps other skin problems at bay. Apart from eating, muskmelon pulp can be applied directly to the skin for hydration. Its application may help in decreasing fine lines and wrinkles due to the abundance of antioxidants present in it.
13. Makes Hair Strong
Hairfall is a common problem faced by everyone during summers due to excess sweating. Musk Melon contains Inositol which helps in preventing hair loss and promote hair growth. It conditions our hair very well without leaving it oily or greasy. You can apply muskmelon pulp on your scalp and leave it for 15-20 minutes and then wash as normal. This will help the essential nutrients to penetrate into the scalp and with regular application, you may notice your hair getting healthier and stronger.
14. Improves Eye Health
You must add muskmelon in your daily diet to improve the overall health of your eyes. It contains beta keratin which is known to boost healthy eyesight. The right amount of beta keratin is crucial for the body so it must be consumed by everyone.
Dishes To Make With Muskmelon
Nothing can be better than cold food items to beat the hot summer days. If you like muskmelon, then here are some easy ways to consume it. Read on to find out more.
Muskmelon Salad
Muskmelon can be added to your diet as a salad. Just peel it and cut it in cubes, add other summer fruits that you fancy, or just leave it like that. You can also add some black salt and lemon juice to enhance the taste.
Muskmelon Juice
Peel the muskmelon and cut into pieces. Put it in the blender and add sugar to taste. No need to add water in it because muskmelon already contains a good amount of water. Blend it properly and pour it in a glass. Serve chilled.
Muskmelon As A Breakfast
Muskmelon can be a perfect addition to breakfast. If you like eating muesli for breakfast then you can add muskmelon chunks to it. You can further add yogurt to the muesli and muskmelon and kickstart your day with this healthy breakfast. A drizzle of honey is the perfect finish to this wholesome combination.
Also Read: Best Packaged Dahi To Buy By Mishry Reviews.
Muskmelon Ice cream
It is very easy to make muskmelon ice cream at home. Peel a muskmelon, cut it into pieces, and put it in the freezer for some time. Blend the frozen muskmelon pieces with water, sugar, or honey. A little bit of water can be added for desired consistency. Pour the mixture in a bowl, freeze it for 5-6 hours and serve it.
Muskmelon Smoothie
The recipe for muskmelon smoothie is the same as muskmelon ice cream. Peel the muskmelon, cut it, and freeze it. You can add some water, sugar or honey while blending it. After pouring it into the glass, you can also add some lemon juice. It can be served immediately or after refrigeration.
Also Read: Mishry Reviews: Best Honey Brands With No Added Sugar
Muskmelon And Banana Shake
You can peel and cut deseeded muskmelon and banana to blend them in the blender. Add milk for the desired consistency. You can skip the sugar if you want or you can add it as per your liking. Blend them properly and pour it in the glass. Garnish it with dry fruits and enjoy it.
Side-Effects Of Muskmelon
As we all know that excess of everything is bad and the same rule applies to muskmelon. A high intake of muskmelon can be harmful to us hence it should be consumed in a moderate amount for maximum benefits.
Stomach Problems
Muskmelon contains sorbitol, which is a type of a sugar compound. This consumed in moderate quantity is fine, but excessive intake may lead to adverse effects such as loose stools and gas.
Cholera Diarrhoea
It is not advisable to drink water after eating muskmelon because of its innate quality of being high in water content. Excess amounts of water along with the fiber from the fruit can irritate your gastrointestinal tract and causing bacteria to thrive and expand, resulting in severe diarrhea.
Cough And Cold
If you are suffering from an extreme cough then you shouldn’t eat muskmelon as it may increase your cough. You must consult your doctor in case of chronic cough and cold.
Allergy
Some people may be allergic to muskmelon so it’s important to take doctor’s advice in case you feel the same.
Conclusion
Vitamins and minerals present in Muskmelon are extremely beneficial for maintaining good health. It is advantageous during pregnancy, diabetes, and heart-related problems. Being a summer fruit, one should fully indulge in it to keep the hydration level high. But at the same time, it is crucial to know the side-effects of muskmelon as half baked information could prove to be futile.
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