13 benefits and nutritional properties of melon
Surely, one of the fruits that is most desirable in summer, when the heat comes, is the melon. Its sweet taste and high water content make it a perfect food to cope with high temperatures.
The health benefits of melon are many, as 100 grams of this fruit provide different nutrients: 14.8 g of carbohydrates, 0.5 g of fat, 1.5 g of protein, 5,706 mg of vitamin A, 546.94 mg of potassium and 74.7 mg of vitamin C.
The health benefits of melon and its properties
But, what are the benefits of this tasty fruit? In the following lines we explain it in detail.
1. Ideal for weight loss
Sometimes, weight loss is not only an aesthetic motivation , because some weight-related disorders such as obesity cause serious health problems. Therefore, eating foods such as melon, which are high in water content (up to 90%), are ideal for being part of a weight loss diet. Melons are low in calories, fat and cholesterol.
2. Viagra effect
Some foods act like a natural Viagra, and one of them is melon . The reason? It contains an amino acid called citrulline, which produces arginine. Arginine is the precursor of a vasodilator chemical called nitric oxide, which is also increased within the body by the consumption of Viagra. Thus, the consumption of melon could prevent the importance, at least that which has no psychological origin.
3. Anti-aging
Melons are high in collagen, a substance that helps regenerate skin and tissues and therefore keeps us younger. Collagen is a protein with countless benefits for the health of the body, and melon, in addition to its rich taste, allows us to avoid premature aging thanks to its content.
4. Hydration
As I mentioned, the melon is associated with summer and much of this is due to its high water content , 90% of its composition. In addition, the water it contains is rich in electrolytes, so it is ideal for the body to recover from a hard workout (if you are a lover of physical exercise). Its content in carbohydrates and proteins, in addition, will allow the recovery to be complete.
5. Wound healing
Its high collagen content provides another set of benefits for the skin that not only have to do with ageing, but are essential for the healing of wounds and damaged skin, for example, from exposure to the sun.
6. Healthy teeth and bones
Another compound that abounds in melon is calcium, because for every 100 grams of this food is possible to find 15 mg of this mineral . Calcium is vitally important for bones and teeth, and melon actively contributes to their formation and to keeping them healthy and strong.
7. Improves heart health
The health of the heart is also positively affected thanks to the consumption of melon , since the adenosine and lycopene found in this food seem to be related to a decrease in heart attacks, as suggested by some studies.
The presence of citrulline and the vasodilation it causes is also essential for the proper functioning of the arteries.
8. Prevents cancer
The benefits of cirtrulline are not only present in improving cardiovascular health, but also in preventing cancer. Not only that, but this food has a high content of carotenoids , which is a natural pigment found inside many fruits. Studies suggest that this compound helps prevent some forms of cancer such as lung or breast cancer.
9. Eye health
The presence of carotenoids such as beta-carotene contained in melon is useful for improving vision , just like carrot or watermelon. Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A, which the body uses to repair eye function and for pigment development in the retina, which also has a positive influence on night vision.
10. Improves the digestive system
The abundance of water and fiber in this food has a positive effect on the proper functioning of the digestive system, so we should consume this product frequently. In fact, with the consumption of melon, the digestive system as a whole improves, but in addition, this fruit helps to reduce stomach pain and is useful when a person suffers from diarrhea. In these cases, it can be consumed as a juice.
11. Helps fight free radicals
Melons are a source of antioxidants , among which it is possible to find beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin. These antioxidants protect cells from free radicals, and therefore help protect against some diseases such as cancer of the breast, prostate, intestine, lung or pancreas.
12. Kidney Health
The kidneys also benefit from the intake of melon , as it helps people to go to the bathroom. It serves as an aid to the liver in releasing toxins from the body, and for those who suffer from problems in this organ, a good idea is to mix melon juice with lime juice in the morning, before breakfast.
13. Improves skin health
Collagen, as I said, rejuvenates and helps repair the skin. Therefore, to look healthy skin eating melon is a good alternative . The regenerating power of collagen also helps to improve the health of the eyes and gives strength to the muscles.
Benefits of watermelon
Another ideal fruit to eat in the summer season is watermelon, which like melon has multiple benefits for people’s health.
- If you want to know more about these benefits, you can read our article: “Watermelon: 10 properties and benefits of this summer fruit”