Introduction of Muskmelon

Muskmelon is one of the best fruits in summer and also tasty and beneficial for our health. It is a refreshing evening snack of the summer season with a mild sugary and watery taste.

Muskmelon belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and its scientific name is Cucumismelo var. Cantalupensis. Referred as ‘sweet melon,’ Muskmelonhas a strong musky smell and yellow color with tempting sweetness and a pleasant aroma. This fruit is basically a summer fruit and is best in April to August.

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Nutritional facts of muskmelon –

Muskmelon has numerous health benefits and is rich in nutritional content that is as follows:

  • Carbohydrates
  • Dietary fibers
  • Vitamins –A, C, B complexes such as B1 (thiamine), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid) and B6 (pyridoxine)
  • Minerals – Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Zinc and Calcium
  • Electrolytes – Potassium
  • Carotenoids

Healthy ways to consume muskmelon –

People prefer eating muskmelon due to its mouthwatering recipes that can enhance your experience. Muskmelon recipes are not only healthy but you can also prepare it at home instantly.

1. Muskmelon-Mint Slush:

Ingredients:

  • Muskmelon – 2 cups (small pieces)
  • Black salt – 1/4 teaspoon

Method:

  1. Makea smooth puree into a blender using muskmelon and mint with black salt.
  2. Combine all the ingredients in a shallow container.
  3. Pour the mixture into glasses and garnish it with mint leaves.

2. Muskmelon banana smoothie:

Ingredients:

  • Muskmelon – 1 cup
  • Banana – 1 (frozen)
  • Curd – ½ cup
  • Water – ½ cup

Method:

Blend all the ingredients and serve chilled in glasses.

3. Green Salad with muskmelon dressing

Ingredients:

  • Lettuce leaves torn – 1 cup
  • Cucumber – 1 (cut in cubes)
  • Capsicum – 1 (cut in cubes)
  • Broccoli florets – 1 cup (blanched)

Dressing:

  • Chopped muskmelon – 1 cup
  • Coriander leaves – 1 tbsp
  • Mint leaves – 1 tbsp
  • Cumin powder – 1 tsp
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Method:

  1. Blend ingredients with the dressing.
  2. Combine all vegetables in a bowl and pour the dressing and serve.

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Major Health benefits of Muskmelon –

  • Immunity booster – Muskmelon helps improve and strengthen the immune system. In turn, it makes the body ready to fight diseases. The fruit is rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A whichstimulate the white blood cells and phytochemicals in the body to keep your gut healthy.
  • Keeps the body hydrated –Rich in water content, Muskmelon keeps your body hydrated in the hot summer season and also cools the body and protects it against heat. Consuming muskmelon on a daily basis ensures a good supply of essential minerals and vitamins.
  • Good for cardiovascular health – Being rich in potassium, muskmelon controls blood pressure and keeps your heart healthy. The fruit has blood-thinning properties as it has a compound, adenosine which is beneficial for the heart and prevents blood clotting in the cardiovascular system.
  • Prevents Diabetic Nephropathy–In Diabetic Nephropathy, the kidney cells get dangerously damaged which can be prevented by muskmelon extract known as “oxykine”. The fructose and glucose present in melon is a simple sugar so it is completely safe for diabetic patients and people suffering from obesity.
  • For a healthy gut system – Very rich infiber and water content, muskmelon is an essential fruit for gut health. Also, it contains the fiber which helps in regulating proper bowel movements with a cooling and calming effect on the stomach.
  • Good for vision – Rich in vitamin A, muskmelon is highly beneficial for your eye health. The fruit prevents the development of age-related vision loss,helps improve your eyesight and prevents cataracts. Regular consumption of muskmelon can reduce the risk of developing cataracts for the lifetime. In actual, the sweet melon contains three potent antioxidants – beta-carotene, zeaxanthinand lutein. According to health experts, beta-carotene is responsible for proper eye functioning and age-related vision problems. Always have this fruit in your diet for a healthy eye function.
  • Helps in weight loss – Muskmelon is very beneficial for weight loss as it is low in fat and calories. Studies proved that consumption of muskmelon for a long time canmake you feel full for a longer time.
  • Combats stress – Muskmelon helps relieve stress and keep your mind calm. This stress buster fruit contains minerals such as potassium that can help you feel more focused and relaxed.By eating muskmelon regularly, you can have a stress-relieving impact on your mind. It can also help normalize the heartbeat and promote the supply of oxygen to the brain.
  • Healthy skin–Highly rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants; muskmelon keeps your skin healthy and radiant. The fruit is also high in collagen, a protein that keeps the skin tissues soft and tight and also, prevents them from withering. Muskmelon also has vitamin C content in abundance which helps in maintaining the natural glow of your skin. The choice is yours; you can eat the flesh or make juice. You can also ground the seeds, pulp and skin into a paste and apply it on your skin. The fruit is considered as one of the cost-effective and a good way to help your skin from wrinkles. 
  • Promote hair growth –Muskmelon containsVitamin A which can stimulate the production of sebum, keeping your hair healthy. Directly applying muskmelon pulp to your scalp can help boost hair health and results in long and lustrous hair.There are studies that have proved the potential benefits of muskmelon for hair health and its growth.

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Can we eat muskmelon empty stomach?

No. The fruits which belong to the melon family such as watermelon and muskmelon should never be taken empty stomach especially in the morning. The reason behind it is the high levels of fiber present in these fruits as it can affect the digestion process and lead to gas and burps. Doctors always advice avoid eating muskmelons empty stomach.

Is Muskmelon cold in nature?

Muskmelon keeps the body hydrated as it is highly rich in water content. The fruit keeps your body hydrated in the hot summer season and also, cools and protects it against the heat.

Why muskmelon is more beneficial than watermelon?

Muskmelon is highly rich in vitamin C, fibre and sodium and also, it makes a perfect summer fruit.  People who are suffering from dehydration and overweight problems, they are suggested to take muskmelon on a regular basis.

Can Sugar Patients Consume Muskmelon On A Regular Basis?

Muskmelon helpscontrolling diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels in the body. It is recommended to eat muskmelon in your daily diet as it is highly rich in fiber and water content.

Which Type Of Crop Is Muskmelon?

Muskmelon, also called nutmeg melon, is one of netted-rind melons in the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae) which are known for their musky-scented sweet juicy orange flesh.

Side effects of muskmelon –

Being heavy in nature, muskmelon might not suit to people with weak stomach. When taken in excess, muskmelon can cause gas and other stomach problems.

CONCLUSION –

In this article, you come to know about the detailed health benefits of muskmelon. It is suggested to regularly consume this fruit for a lifetime. Muskmelons can be taken as a mid-meal snack between lunch and breakfast as well as evening snack. The fruit offers hydration to the body and prepares your body from all ill effects.