Health Benefits of Melon
Rose May Pimentel in Health
Jun 17, 2021 • 2 min Read
Sweet, juicy, and refreshing — melon or also known as cantaloupe, has vitamins, minerals, micronutrients, and antioxidants, and immunity-enhancing phytochemicals. It is mostly water, 90%.
Melons are delicious and there are other surprising ways to use them. A few examples are melon smoothie, melon salad, and melon ice cream.
Here are some of the amazing benefits of melon, from Organic Facts:
1. Improves Vision
Having a couple of slices of fresh melon regularly can be very helpful for your eyes. Vitamin C, zeaxanthin, and carotenoids, present in melons, are beneficial for maintaining healthy eyes, according to a study published in the Nutrients journal. They are also associated with a reduced risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
2. Anticancer Potential
Melon contains a good amount of folate and a quarter of a medium melon provides about 25 mcg of folate. The preliminary research of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that folate may help provide protection early in carcinogenesis in people with low levels of it.
3. Boosts Immunity
Melon provides vitamin C, vitamin A, beta-carotene, and phytochemicals that work against free radicals.
4. Reduces Dehydration
Melons are mostly full of water and this water content makes them a great summer essential as it prevents dehydration.
5. Skin and Hair Care
Melons contain dietary beta-carotene that ensures no overdose or vitamin A toxicity because the body only converts as much as it needs unlike supplements, the rest remains as beta-carotene to fight diseases as antioxidants. The amount that turns into vitamin A enters the skin and stimulates the membrane of skin cells and increases growth and repair. This protects the skin membrane against harmful toxins that prematurely age the skin. Vitamin A cream is also used as a salve for irritation and redness on the skin, due to its naturally soothing qualities. Melon also contains many hair-enriching nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, and iron and zinc. These minerals and vitamins help to promote hair growth and simultaneously minimize hair loss.
6. Regulates Blood Pressure
Potassium, one of the essential nutrients found in melons is a vasodilator, it helps to relax the blood vessels and lowers blood pressure.
7. Promotes Digestion
Melons have a high amount of dietary fiber, which is an essential component of healthy bowel movements and digestive health. Eating a proper amount of dietary fiber can bulk up your stool, reduce constipation, and make your bowel movements regular.
8. Aids in Pregnancy
The folate content in melon is very helpful for pregnant women as it helps reduce birth defects. It can prevent neural tube defects and keep the baby healthy without delivering any side effects.
Go start including this nutritious and delicious fruit in your daily diet and enjoy its benefits.
Stay healthy and safe!
