Dryness and heat rise in summer, thus weakening the digestive system. We should get food that can quickly be digested. In summer, superfoods are foods that can minimize body heat. Although the king of fruit, mangoes could not wait for many of us, we have to accept that summer is more than just that. Several other juicy and tasty fruits that deserve their own share of fame are in season. Take, for example, the love affair of summer and melons. Muskmelon, sweet, fleshy and aromatic, is one of India’s most valued and grown fruits.
Muskmelon, in fact, is said to have its most probable origin in an area from India to Africa. Melons are a storehouse of nutritional benefits, packaged with a bevy of nutrients and antioxidants. Cucumis melo is the botanical name for muskmelon. It is high in beta-carotene, vitamin C and assorted antioxidants. They’re also fantastic for the immune system.
Muskmelon nutritional facts: The dietary values in single cup of muskmelon are : Calories (53), Magnesium (19mg), Protein (1g), C (57mg), Dietary fiber (1g), Carbohydrate (12g), acid (22 mg), Folic Niacin (1mg), Sodium (23mg), Vitamin Calcium (14mg), Vitamin A (5276 IU), Potassium (417mg), Carotenoids (3, 219mg), fat (0g), cholesterol (0g) and saturated fat (0g).
Health benefits of muskmelon
1. Controls blood pressure
The muskmelons are very rich in potassium that helps in regulating blood pressure and also helps keep hypertension at bay.
2. Strengthens eyes
Muskmelons have more doses of beta carotene and vitamin A, which sharpens the eye sight as well as reduce the risk of developing cataracts.
3. Helps in weight loss
Muskmelons can be used for weight loss purposes. It is consisted of 95% water and also full of fiber. Consuming muskmelon gives a tendency of full stomach and discourages the desire for more eating. On other hand, the fruit is associated with no cholesterol, less calories, as well as sugar. They contain really high content of potassium which helps in losing some belly fat.
4. Helps control diabetes
Muskmelons help regulate blood the sugar levels so control diabetes.
Muskmelon could definitely be safely added to the diabetic meal plan even though glycemic index of muskmelon is around 65. The reason behind it is low glycemic load of the fruit that is only 3.14. A cup of chopped muskmelon (150 grams) has low glycemic index.
5. Low on cholesterol
Muskmelons are cholesterol free and so can be had without any worry.
6. Boosts immunity
Muskmelons are too rich in vitamin C, they strengthen the immune system. They stimulate and increase the white blood cells which help in destroying viruses and bacteria. They also prevent ageing of cells.
7. Treats ulcers
The high amount of vitamin C can be helpful in the treatment and prevention of the ulcers.
8. Relieves constipation
Muskmelon has high amount of dietary fiber, making it very good for those suffering from the constipation since it adds bulk to your daily diet.
9. Prevents kidney stone
The extract of musk melons, oxykine has qualities of treating kidney disorders and the stones. It cleanses the kidneys due to its high water content.
10. Helps during pregnancy
They have huge amount of the folic acid, which tends to prevent water retention through excreting more amounts of sodium. It prevents birth defects and also ensures healthy baby development.
11. Cures sleeping disorder
Muskmelons can relax the nerves as well as muscles making it quite easier for the people suffering from insomnia to sleep.
12. Eases menstrual cramp
Due to muskmelon’s anti-coagulant property, musk is able to dissolve clots and eases the muscle cramps.
13. Prevents risks of cancer
The vitamin C eliminates harmful free radicals and saves cells from getting damaged by them, so preventing the risks of getting cancer.
14. Helps to quit smoking
It rejuvenates lungs and helps our body to recover from the nicotine withdrawal faster.
15. Prevents heart diseases
It is having potassium that is good for cardiac problems. The presence of adenosine in muskmelon makes blood thinning and reduces the chances of heart attack and strokes.