Muskmelon, called Kharbuja in India, is a common fruit in summer which is loved for having a slightly sweet taste and being a good source of water. This member of cucurbitaceae family is juicy and helps keep you cool during warm weather because it has lots of water as well as fiber.
Muskmelon provides essential nutrients like vitamins C, A, B1, B6, K, folate, copper, magnesium, potassium, and dietary fibers. These nutrients play a crucial role in our health, helping with such things as weight loss, having a healthy skin, making sure your heart is working okay, improving immunity levels or even seeing objects better at night, etc.
The flesh, skin and seeds of a muskmelon can be used for many health or beauty treatments that may include getting rid of dryness, spots or pimples. Muskmelon is liked by most Indian households in summer because it tastes sweet and at the same time nourishes the body.
Let’s take a look at 8 health benefits of Muskmelon.
Muskmelon Nutrition Facts
According to FoodData Central, 1 cup serving of cubed muskmelon contains:
- Calories: 54.4
- Carb: 13.1 grams
- Fiber: 1.44 grams
- Water: 144 grams
- Total Sugar: 12.6 grams
- Protein: 1.34 grams
- Fat: <1 g
- Vitamin C: 65% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin A: 30% of the DV
- Potassium: 9% of the DV
- Folate: 8% of the DV
Muskmelon Health Benefits
The taste of muskmelon is amazingly sweet and crunchy, it has various health benefits. Here are some of the proven health benefits of muskmelon scientifically researched by the National Library of Medicine:
1. Boosts Immunity and Fights Infections
Muskmelon is a rich source of vitamin C, which is a strong antioxidant. This helps in building a strong immune system. With the usual Indians facing the issue of seasonal infections, taking in muskmelon will therefore be a natural defense against the cold, flu among other diseases.
2. Promotes Healthy Digestion
Muskmelon has high fiber content which helps promote good digestion in people who generally have health concerns related with digestion. Eating muskmelons frequently helps prevent constipation, enhance bowel movement and reduce digestive discomfort.
3. Enhances Hydration
The scorching summers of India need a good drink. Muskmelon, containing nearly 90% of its weight in water, comes in handy when trying to replace lost bodily fluids that could otherwise have led to fatigue or headache due to dehydration.
4. Supports Weight Management
Musk melon is one of the perfect fruit for anyone who is trying to lose weight. This is because it has very few calories yet contains a lot of fiber that makes you feel full longer if you eat it as a snack. If you have this kind of fruit each day, then will not need any other food because the feeling of fullness will be there all through.
5. Aids in Heart Health
India faces a significant health issue from cardiovascular diseases. Muskmelon with high potassium content regulates blood pressure levels thus preventing heart diseases. Eating a balanced diet that includes muskmelon can help a healthy heart.
6. Promotes Healthy Skin and Hair
Muskmelon has natural benefits for the skin and hair. It provides essential nutrients like vitamins A and C which are important for having healthy skin with a youthful glow and blemish free appearance. Besides, it helps the hair shine due to the moisturizing properties found in the fruit itself.
7. Supports Eye Health
Because eye health problems are becoming more common nowadays, maintaining good eyesight is vital. Having a lot of vitamin A, muskmelon boosts eyesight by ensuring night vision is safe as well as for dry eyes risk reduction. To keep your eyes functioning right keep eating musk melons every day.
8. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
It is important to think about what we eat as we have a lot of people who live in India suffering from diabetes. Muskmelon makes a good choice because it has high fiber which helps regulate blood sugar and is not very sweet but tastes really nice thus can be recommended for people with diabetes because it has low Glycemic Index (GI) levels.
Best Ways To Consume Muskmelon
Muskmelon is a versatile fruit that not only offers numerous health benefits but also gives a good taste to our tongue. Here are some best ways to enjoy muskmelon:
1. Fresh and Simple
Simply cut and enjoy muskmelon in its natural state. This method allows you to appreciate how sweet and juicy they are and makes them your favorite treat. Before eating, refrigerate the muskmelon slices first. A cool bite will refresh your appetite especially in Indian summer.
2. Muskmelon Smoothie
Mix some yogurt or milk with your muskmelon for a quick and healthy drink that is great for making smoothies. Just a little bit of honey and cardamom can be included in order to make it tastier. Whether you want to serve it as it is made one day or enjoy it as a cold drink while it’s hot, this is the perfect smoothie.
3. Muskmelon Salad
Adding muskmelon to your salad can be an excellent idea for adding a flavor to it as well as giving it a nice touch on the mouth. Mix some cubed muskmelons with watermelons, grapes together with pomegranate seeds which would make them look more attractive when arranged artistically in a bowl. To make it tastier, you could sprinkle mint leaves over a salad after squeezing some lemon juice into it.
4. Muskmelon Chaat
Give a desi twist to your muskmelon by preparing a tangy and savory chaat. Dice the muskmelon and mix it with chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and a sprinkle of chaat masala. This unique combination of flavors creates a delightful snack that is perfect for evening cravings.
Final Words
Muskmelon can bring a plenty of health benefits, from boosting immunity and aiding digestion to promoting heart health and enhancing skin and hair. Delicious fruit, muskmelon serves as a nutritional powerhouse that caters to the specific needs.
However, if you are pregnant or have other health conditions such as kidney problems or heart problems, it is essential to talk to a health professional before adding muskmelon to your diet.
[Please note: The above is generic advice, and it’s always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet, especially if you have underlying health conditions.]
My name is Dt. Abhishek and I am a nutritionist from India. I have done my graduation in Nutrition and Dietetics, I am also a member of Indian Dietetics Association, I try to stay on track and constantly try to learn new things.
