If you love refreshing summer treats like mangoes and watermelons, then muskmelon should be also on your list.
Also known as cantaloupe, this popular summer fruit not only satisfies your sweet tooth but is also stocked with impressive nutritional value.
Loaded with vitamins C, potassium, and even folate, muskmelon is more than just a delicious snack. It helps keep you hydrated, cool, and ready to beat the summer heat.
Its high water content and nutrient-rich makeup may even contribute to reducing the risk of chronic diseases, making it a perfect addition to fruit salads or as a standalone treat.
Related reading: 10 Best Water-packed African Foods To Help With Dehydration
What Is Muskmelon?
Muskmelon, scientifically called Cucumis melo, is a juicy and delicious fruit that belongs to the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae.
Known for its refreshing flavor, muskmelon includes several popular varieties such as cantaloupe, honeydew, and casaba.
Though it’s enjoyed worldwide, muskmelon has deep roots in Africa, particularly south of the Sahara. In South Africa, varieties like Honeydew and Imperial 45 are favorites.
Beyond just a snack, muskmelon seeds are used in traditional goodies like Wrewre soup, one of my favorite traditional dishes that belong in the West and Central African cuisine.
Whether eaten as a sweet fruit or incorporated into a daily diet, muskmelon offers a tasty and nutritious way to stay refreshed.
6 Health Benefits of Muskmelon
Beyond its sugary and revitalizing taste, muskmelon is loaded with nutritional goodness that can elevate your health.
As an excellent source of essential vitamins like vitamin A and C, this fruit provides powerful health support, helping to boost your immune system.
With its naturally low-calorie composition and high water content, muskmelon makes for a perfect everyday snack if you're looking to stay hydrated and healthy.
But that’s only scratching the surface. Here are some more potential benefits of eating musk melon you should know about:
1. It Manages High Blood Pressure
Muskmelon is a heart-friendly fruit, especially for those who want lower blood pressure.
Rich in potassium, muskmelon acts as a vasodilator, helping to relax blood vessels and counteract the effects of sodium, which can elevate blood pressure.
This promotes smoother blood flow and keeps your blood pressure in check. Talk about a super fruit, huh?
Additionally, muskmelon contains superoxide dismutase, an enzyme that helps relax the nerves and further aids in lowering blood pressure.
With its dietary fiber and vitamin C content, muskmelon also supports heart health by reducing "bad cholesterol" and stabilizing blood sugar levels.
2. It Strengthens Your Eye Health
Muskmelon is a boon for your eye health, thanks to its rich content of powerful antioxidant, such as beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, and lutein.
Vitamin A, which is abundant in muskmelon, works alongside these antioxidants to support healthy eyesight and protect against age-related issues such as macular degeneration and night blindness.
Beta-carotene, the pigment that gives muskmelon its vibrant color, is particularly effective in maintaining good eyesight and combating vision problems associated with aging.
Regular consumption of muskmelon can therefore contribute to healthier eyes and improved vision over time. So, don’t hesitate to mix the fruit in a fresh salad or a smoothie for a quick power-up of essential nutrients!
3. It Supports Immunity Against Diseases
Muskmelon is a powerful ally in boosting your immune system, thanks to its rich vitamin C content.
This essential vitamin acts as a potent antioxidant, enhancing the production of white blood cells that protect your body from harmful microorganisms and toxins.
The watery fruit also contains vital phytochemicals and vitamin A, which contribute to maintaining a healthy gut. Gut health has been proven to be closely linked to immune function.
Muskmelon seeds also offer benefits by helping to clear excess phlegm, reducing common cold symptoms, and supporting healthy bone development. How cool is that?
4. It Aids In Managing Weight Gain
Cantaloupe, is a fantastic addition to your diet if you're looking to support weight loss. Although nutrient-dense, these fruits contain very little calories.
The fruit’s generous water composition—about 90% by weight—helps keep you hydrated and may contribute to weight management.
In a massive review study in 2016, health experts found that eating watery fruits like muskmelons and cantaloupes has been linked to an increase in weight loss in obese people.
This benefit is due, in part, to the melons’ fiber content promoting healthy digestion and keeping you feeling full longer, which helps curb overall food intake and supports weight loss.
5. It Helps Promote Healthy Skin and Hair
People wanting to improve skin and hair health will benefit from eating muskmelon regularly. Its rich antioxidant content helps cleanse your skin by removing impurities and promoting a natural glow.
Muskmelon also supports collagen production through its vitamin C content, which keeps your skin tissues firm and youthful. Not to mention its high folic acid content aids in the regeneration of skin cells, helping to reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
Beyond eating it, you can use muskmelon in skincare treatments by applying a paste made from its flesh, seeds, and skin.
This natural remedy can soothe conditions like eczema, minor burns, and freckles, making muskmelon a versatile and effective choice for beauty care.
6. It Boosts Your Defence Against Cancer
The antioxidants in muskmelon, including beta-carotene and tocopherol, help combat oxidative stress and neutralize free radicals that can damage cells and increase cancer risk.
Studies suggest that these antioxidants may reduce the likelihood of developing cancers such as lung and prostate. Additionally, the dietary fiber content in muskmelon supports colon health and may lower the risk of colorectal cancer.
Conclusion
The best thing about muskmelon as a healthy fruit is how easy it is to include in your diet.
Enjoy it cubed on its own, mixed into a vibrant fruit salad, or blended into a fresh sorbet for a healthy dessert. For added nutrition, try adding muskmelon to your salads or smoothies.
With so many delicious options, muskmelon is a fantastic choice for satisfying your palate and boosting your overall health.
References
https://www.britannica.com/plant/muskmelonhttps://www.daff.gov.za/phocadownloadpap/Brochures_and_Production_Guidelines/Brochure%20Musk%20Melons.pdf
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.RES.88.2.132
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-507/superoxide-dismutase-sod
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33114699/