Muskmelon, a popular summer season fruit botanically named Cucumis melo, is sweet and has a great aroma. The melon keeps you hydrated, cold, and healthy too. Muskmelons are also called Cantaloupe, Sweet melons, Persian melons, Christmas melons, etc. It has different varieties across the world, such as Crenshaw, honeydew, casaba, and netted cultivars.
Muskmelon is native to Anatolia, Armenia, Iran, and western and eastern adjacent areas, including Northwest India and Afghanistan. These melons are rich in antioxidants, fiber, protein, potassium, and other essential minerals, vitamins, and nutrients.
Not only the fruit, but the muskmelon seeds also have all the above healthy constituents and nutritions. 100 grams of muskmelon seeds contain 2% protein, 7% carbohydrates, 1% fats, vitamins such as A, C, E, K, and minerals such as niacin, magnesium, zinc, and so on.
From the skin to seeds, all parts of muskmelon fruit are beneficial for our health when consumed correctly. Muskmelon is not only helpful for therapeutic applications but also hair and skin health. The paste of muskmelon pulp, seeds, and skin can be topically applied on skin and hair.
Medicinal uses of muskmelon run from treating digestive problems, diabetes, cold, flu to preventing cancer and many other health ailments. The melon also slows aging, benefits glowing skin, and healthy hair growth.
What Is Cantaloupe?
Cantaloupe is also a muskmelon that is a variety of muskmelons from the Cucurbitaceae family, including vegetables and fruits like pumpkin, squash, cucumber, etc. The fruit is yellow to orange and round to oblong.
Sometimes, the fruit has a deep salmon hue. It grows as a trailing vine similar to other melons on the ground. The fruit has a soft pulp with juicy texture, sweet taste, and musky aroma, which is possible in fully ripe fruits. The seeds of the fruits are white-colored and contained in the center hollow cavity of the fruit.
Cantaloupes are mostly summer fruits and are available between April and August.
Types of Cantaloupes
Cantaloupe fruits have multiple varieties around the world. However, there are two prevalent varieties of Cantaloupes in the Western world, according to the fruit’s origin.
North American Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo reticulatus)
North American Cantaloupes are popular in the United States. The skin of the fruits looks like a net, so it gained this name reticulatus. These melons are sweet and have a pale green flush.
European Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo cantalupensis)
In Italy, there is a papal village called Cantalup, the name given to the fruit. The fruit has green skin and differs from North American Cantaloupe. Galia melon and charentais are other widespread melon varieties that also belong to this type.
Common Names of Muskmelon
- Botanical Name: Cucumis melo
- English Name: Muskmelon, Cantaloupe, Rockmelon, Sweet melon, Spanspek
- Tamil Name: முலாம்பழம்/Mulampalam, கஸ்தூரி பழம்/Kasthuripalam
- Malayalam Name: തയ്ക്കുമ്പളം / taykkumpaḷaṁ
- Telugu Name: కర్బూజ / Kharbuja
- Kannada Name: ಖರ್ಬೂಜ / kharbooja
- Hindi Name: खरबूजा / kharabooja
- Marathi Name: कस्तूरी / Kastūrī
- Gujarati Name: શકરટેટી / Śakaraṭēṭī
- Punjabi Name: ਮਸਕਮੂਨ / Masakamūna
- Bengali Name: খরমুজ / Kharamuja
- Urdu Name: سردار.
10+ Health Benefits of Muskmelon Seeds
When the summer shows its love with extreme heat and sweat, muskmelons are the companion to deal with. Typically, melons are the healthy choice fruit for summer to hydrate our body and reduce the heat.
These fruits are juicy, sweet, and extremely cool to give us a chance to cool down our bodies. If it is fresh fruit or any prepared recipe, muskmelon makes you feel full for a long time with a high concentration of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Not only the fruit pulp, but the seeds also contain numerous health benefits and make it a healthy snack that anyone can have.
1. High in Protein, Minerals, and Vitamins
Muskmelon seeds are a great protein alternative for vegans. The plant-based protein in the muskmelon seeds is 3.6%, which also contains 4% fat and 2.5% carbohydrate. According to a study published in the Journal of World Applied Sciences, the protein content of muskmelon seeds are just equal to or extend to the protein in soy milk.
Muskmelon seeds are a great source of minerals like magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. They help keep the blood pressure levels in check, improve the strength and density of bones, and reduce the chances of type 2 diabetes.
Muskmelon seeds are of vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E. The muskmelon seeds also help in improving vision.
2. Rich Source of Antioxidants
Muskmelon seeds are filled with antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E that prevent macular damage in the eyes. The antioxidants remove the free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and maintain cholesterol levels in the blood on a check. Somewhere, it is believed to prevent cancer cell growth.
Vitamin C is a prominent antioxidant that fights against the common cold and flu. It improves immunity also.
3. Lowers Blood Pressure
Muskmelon seeds are a great source of potassium that aid in lowering blood pressure and, thus, maintaining a healthy heart.
4. Improves Vision
Vitamin A is abundant in muskmelon seeds; it also has beta carotene, which helps improve the vision and cut down the chances of developing cataracts.
5. For Hair and Nails Growth
Protein is essential for the growth of body tissues, hair, and nails. It ensures strength and quality. As a source of protein, muskmelon helps you get healthy hair and nails.
6. Strengthens Immune System
Muskmelon seeds have vitamin C enhancing the immune system of the body by improving the white blood cell production in the blood.
7. Benefits Expectant
An adequate amount of folate in muskmelon seeds expels excessive sodium and reduces the water retention issues in expectant women.
8. Relieves Stress
Muskmelon seeds are surprisingly prone to stress and help to relax. The seeds increase oxygen flow from and to the brain, and thereby it calms down the brain tissues and eases the tension.
9. Treats Stomach Problems
Muskmelon has been shown to remove intestinal worms, so these are healthy snacks for kids.
The seeds have neutral pH levels that relieve acid reflux problems and various other stomach aches.
10. Prevents Cardiovascular Diseases
Muskmelon seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids that regulate cardiovascular functions properly and prevent risks of severe illnesses.
11. For Bone Health
The minerals in muskmelon seeds increase the strength and density of bones. As we are aging, bone density will decrease. To combat bone density problems, you should consume muskmelon seeds, especially for women and children.
12. Prevents Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is now common in most people. Muskmelon seeds can help prevent this condition. By regulating insulin secretion, maintaining blood cholesterol, lowering bad LDL cholesterol levels, and many other ways, the seeds offer protection from diabetes.
13. Helps Weight Loss
The high concentration of fiber in muskmelon seeds eventually gives a feeling of fullness for a long time and prevents you from carving often. Thus, it is an excellent addition to your weight loss diet.
14. Intestinal Health
Muskmelon seeds help in removing intestinal worms and cleanse the body. They are a healthy remedy to get rid of the common cold and flu and many other viral infections. The excessive phlegm in the body can be removed and thus prevent congestion.
15+ Health Benefits of Muskmelon Fruit
From treating the cold to preventing cancer, muskmelon is a great summer fruit with a high nutritional profile. The ripe fruits have a sweet taste and great aroma. Let’s see how the fruit is beneficial in human health.
1. Controls Blood Pressure
The abundant amount of potassium in muskmelon helps to regulate the pressure levels in the blood and thereby reduce hypertension. The fruit helps relax the blood vessels and regulate smooth blow flow. The potassium content of the fruit works as a vasodilator and prevents sudden elevation in blood pressure.
2. Helps in Weight Loss
Muskmelons have very low fat. The fruit’s carbohydrate content is also healthy and is easily broken down into energy by the body.
The fruit is high in water and has dietary fiber that helps in weight loss. The fiber takes time to enter the digestive tract from the stomach. So it slows down the digestive process, thus preventing you from overeating.
The potassium content of the fruit helps lose belly fat.
3. Boosts Immunity
Vitamin C in muskmelon increases the count of white blood cells and removes harmful bacteria and viruses. The vitamin also hampers the premature aging of cells.
Besides vitamin C, muskmelon also has vitamin A, beta-carotene, and phytochemicals that provide gut health, which eventually influences immunity.
Vitamin C invokes white blood cell production that expels the harmful virus, bacteria, and microorganisms that cause various health ailments.
4. Treats Ulcers
The high level of vitamin C in muskmelon is helpful in the treatment and prevention of various ulcers.
The fiber in muskmelon invokes proper bowel movements and treats the stomach with the cooling effects. Vitamin A in muskmelon is also believed to treat stomach ulcers. The melon increases fighting cells in the body and thereby boosts the overall immune power.
5. Relieves Constipation
The dietary fiber in muskmelon is a good remedy for constipation as it adds bulk to the stool.
The fiber and high water content of muskmelon help regulate digestive functions. It keeps you hydrated and calms your body. Also, it helps to maintain the pH levels with water and fiber content.
6. Prevents Kidney Stones
Oxykine is an extract prepared from muskmelon that has properties to treat kidney stones and disorders. With its high water content, muskmelon cleanses the kidneys.
7. Cures Sleeping Disorder
The fruit has powerful laxative properties that relax nerves and calm the mind, thereby injecting a relaxing effect on the nervous system and muscles, helping people suffering from insomnia.
8. Eases Menstrual Cramps
Muskmelon has an anti-coagulant property that soothes muscle cramps and dissolves clotting.
The natural sweetness, water, fiber, and vitamin C in muskmelons relax the mind and body. Thus, the properties ease the discomfort during menstruation.
9. Prevents Risk of Cancer
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant in muskmelon that removes free radicals and prevents oxidative stress, eventually protecting the body from cell damage. Thus, it prevents cancer conditions.
Additionally, Tocopherol and beta-carotene are the antioxidants in muskmelon that aid in preventing and treating cancer.
10. Helps in Quitting Smoking
It heals the lungs affected by smoking, and it also helps rapid recovery from nicotine withdrawal. Constant smoking diminishes vitamin A in the body, which can be treated by eating muskmelon.
11. Prevents Heart Diseases
Muskmelons have adenosine that has blood-thickening properties that it reduces various heart problems. This mineral prevents blood clotting in the cardiovascular system. Folate and vitamin C in fruit help prevent heart attacks and arteriosclerosis (hardening of arteries), respectively.
12. Strengthens Bones and Muscles
Potassium in muskmelon keeps bones and muscles strong and healthy. Vitamin C is muskmelon that strengthens bones and muscles by invoking collagen production in them.
Muskmelon has phytochemicals and anti-inflammatory properties that prevent oxidative stress in joints and bones. It also lowers inflammation and pain in joints.
13. Help Combats Stress
The hectic modern lifestyle blesses us with stress, anxiety, insomnia, and various other mental conditions. Following a healthy diet can relieve stress from your mind and body. Muskmelon, with high water or cooling content and potassium, is stress-relieving food. The potassium maintains the heartbeat and promotes oxygen supply to nerves and the brain.
14. Treatment For Arthritis
The anti-inflammatory properties of muskmelon alleviate pains linked to arthritis. Arthritis is a condition that causes extreme joint pains in the legs and knees. Thus, it prevents patients from doing their daily activities, even regular movements like standing and sitting become difficult for them.
Anti-inflammatory property-rich foods are advised for rheumatoid arthritis patients. In that way, muskmelon is healthy food to avoid oxidative stress in joints and bones.
15. Cures Toothache
Muskmelon helps in treating dental issues.
In 2016, a study published in the US National Library of Medicine found that muskmelon can heal dental pain and toothache. The researchers concluded that consuming fresh muskmelon or using its skin extract for rinsing can significantly relieve dental pains.
You can make a muskmelon mouthwash at your home. Peel the skin of muskmelon, put the peeled skin in water, and boil. Strain the liquid and let it cool. Use this solution for rinsing your mouth twice a day.
16. Beneficial For Lungs
Eating muskmelon fills your body with vitamin A. Because of our certain habits and factors like pollution, smoking, and unhealthy diet, the amount of vitamin A in our body, gets diminished.
Over time, this vitamin A deficiency weakens the lungs. We need adequate vitamin A for healthy lungs that help you breathe properly. In that case, muskmelon is a healthy remedy for smokers and kids with breathing issues.
Skin Benefits Of Muskmelon
Muskmelon combats impurities, aging, free radicals, and provides glowing and rejuvenated skin by promoting collagen.
You can make easy face packs and masks at home using muskmelon to get glowing, radiant, and healthy skin.
1. Hydrates and Rejuvenates Skin
If you are drinking adequate water in a day, it eventually benefits the skin and brings a natural glow. Hydration is important for the skin as much as the body, so eating water fruits is beneficial in skin health also.
Vitamin E and K in muskmelon help bring radiance to the skin. B vitamins of muskmelon, such as betaine and choline, heal the skin. The fruit juice can be applied topically on the skin to smoothen and hydrate it.
2. Skin Regeneration
Everyone wants to look young and fresh. Vitamins A and C in muskmelon are helpful in this. Vitamin A stimulates regeneration of skin while Vitamin C stimulates the collagen formation in connective tissues of the body that, in turn, bring a youthful look and glow to the skin.
Make a face pack by blending muskmelon, oatmeal, and yogurt into a thick paste. Apply it on the face and neck, massage for a few minutes in circular movements gently, and wash with warm water. Repeat it thrice a week for optimum effects.
3. Anti-Aging Benefits
With a proper healthy diet and regular workout, you can slow down aging and its symptoms. The folic acid in muskmelon helps in cell regeneration, which is beneficial for pregnant women, mainly. While vitamin C stops cell damages due to free radicals by removing them from the body. Thus, muskmelon prevents wrinkles and keeps the elasticity of the skin. It also stimulates collagen synthesis, thereby slowing down aging.
4. Treatment of Skin Problems
You can use muskmelon juice as a skin lotion to treat eczema and remove freckles. It also alleviates skin problems like burns, irritation, and abrasions.
Hair Benefits Of Muskmelon
Muskmelon, as a hair conditioner, can treat hair loss, split ends, and frizzy hair. Muskmelon with high protein improves hair growth, cooling effect prevents hair loss due to body heat, high concentration of Vitamin A invokes sebum production where the sebaceous glands are secreted which in turn helps keeps the hair healthy, and other nutrients help in dandruff, white hair, and other scalp issues.
1. Combats Hair Loss
Hair loss has now become common on everyone as we are dealing with our day with pollution, unhealthy food, lack of manual work, etc.
We need a proper amount of protein and minerals in our diet to maintain a healthy scalp and hair.
Inositol is a form of B vitamin that can significantly prevent hair loss. Most of the Citrus fruits except lemon have this vitamin.
Muskmelon has a high amount of inositol, so consuming the fruit can improve hair growth and end hair loss.
2. Perfect Conditioner
Muskmelon, with high water, protein, and the cooling effect is a perfect hair conditioner for summer.
Just mash the pulp of muskmelon and massage it on the scalp and hair after using shampoo. Wash with fresh water after 10 minutes.
Nutritional Profile of Muskmelon
Cantaloupe and its varieties are rich in vitamins like A, b-16, C, minerals like potassium, iron, sodium, magnesium, dietary fiber, beta-carotene, folic acid, and other essential nutrients. However, muskmelon has zero cholesterol and a high concentration of B vitamin complexes such as B1 (thiamine), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), and B6 (pyridoxine).
If you are working on your weight and trying to add healthy ingredients to your diet, then muskmelon is an excellent choice for weight loss.
With time, the health benefits and nutritional values of muskmelon are much acknowledged and utilized. Researchers around the world are in progress to find out further health benefits.
Let’s see the nutritional profile of Fresh Muskmelon/Cantaloupe in Serving Size of 100 grams.
Nutrition | Value | % RDA |
---|---|---|
Energy | 34 Kcal | 1.5% |
Carbohydrates | 8.6 g | 6.5% |
Protein | 0.84 g | 1.5% |
Total Fat | 0.19 g | <1% |
Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
Dietary Fiber | 0.9 g | 2.25% |
Vitamins | ||
Folates | 21 µg | 5% |
Niacin | 0.734 mg | 4.5% |
Pantothenic acid | 0.105 mg | 2% |
Pyridoxine | 0.072 mg | 5.5% |
Riboflavin | 0.026 mg | 2% |
Thiamin | 0.017 mg | 1% |
Vitamin A | 3382 IU | 112% |
Vitamin C | 36.7 mg | 61% |
Vitamin E | 0.05 mg | 0.5% |
Vitamin K | 2.5 mcg | 2% |
Electrolytes | ||
Sodium | 1 mg | 0% |
Potassium | 267 mg | 6% |
Minerals | ||
Calcium | 9 mg | 1% |
Copper | 41 µg | 4.5% |
Iron | 0.21 mg | 2.5% |
Magnesium | 12 mg | 3% |
Manganese | 0.041 mg | 2% |
Zinc | 0.18 mg | 1.5% |
Phyto-nutrients | ||
Carotene-alpha | 2020 µg | N/D |
Crypto-xanthin-beta | 1 µg | N/D |
Lutein-zeaxanthin | 26 µg | N/D |
Vitamin A
Beta-carotene is a red-orange pigment in fruits and plants which is a primary source of Vitamin A. A cup of muskmelon offers 5986 IU of vitamin A which is far more than the daily recommended intake value of this vitamin for both men and women.
Vitamin C
Fresh muskmelon fruit is rich in water-soluble Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). It is an essential vitamin for repairing tissues and their growth. Vitamin C is also an effective antioxidant that removes free radicals and reduces oxidative stress. A cup of muskmelon offers 65 mg of Vitamin C, 87% (men), and 72% (women) daily recommended intake.
Potassium
Potassium is an electrolyte and a mineral that directs electricity in the body and other assorted minerals such as calcium, sodium, and magnesium. A cup of muskmelon offers 463 mg of potassium, which is equal to 10% DV.
Carotenoids
Carotenoids, aka tetraterpenoids, are red, orange, and yellow organic pigments produced by plants, as well as several fungi and bacteria. It gives vibrant color to carrots, corn, pumpkins, tomatoes, salmon, lobster, shrimp, and daffodils.
They can cut down the risks of certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases. It is also beneficial for eye health.
Folate
Muskmelon has a high level of folate, which is a micronutrient and water-soluble B vitamin. For cell growth and repair, our body needs folate. It also prevents anemia.
Myo Inositol
Myo Inositol is a lipid that prevents mental conditions like insomnia, anxiety, and arteries.
Muskmelon is tasty and nutritious enough to add to your fruit salads, especially for summer. For optimum health and beauty benefits, consume fresh muskmelon.
Interesting Ways to Consume Muskmelon Seeds
Muskmelon seeds can be consumed in many ways as raw, roasted, toasted, etc. It is simple and easy to add to your meals. Let’s check some other ways to consume muskmelon seeds.
- Muskmelon seeds are crunchy to eat raw, or it can be added to salads and fruit servings. The seeds not only enhance the nutritional profile of the food but also add extra nutty and crunchiness.
- Wash the seeds, dry them, and roast them to be crispy in an oven or with a pan on the stove. A healthy roasted snack is now ready to munch in between meals.
- Adding the muskmelon seeds to smoothies will bring different taste and thickness.
- Muskmelon seeds are a good spread for bread, bun, and sandwiches also.
- You can add the ground seeds to soups, gravies, and stews to thicken them. It is the typical application of muskmelon seeds to be used as a thickening agent in spicy meat recipes.
- Muskmelon seeds go great with crumbles and pies also.
Healthy Ways to Consume Muskmelon
Muskmelon is a sweet and watery fruit commonly eaten raw or added in salads, but some great yet quick recipes can enhance the taste of muskmelon.
Muskmelon Slush
Ingredients
- Muskmelon – 2 cups
- Black salt – 1/4 teaspoon
Preparation
- Blend muskmelon with mint and a pinch of black salt in a blender and take out the smooth puree. Take a shallow container and put the puree in it. Refrigerate it for 3 to 4 hours. Take out the container. Again, blend the cooled mixture to make it slushy. Transfer the mixture into glasses, add mint leaves for garnishing, and serve cool.
Muskmelon Smoothie
Ingredients (With Yogurt)
- Muskmelon – 1 cup
- Yogurt – 1 cup
- Ice Cubes – 15 to 12
- Ginger – ½ teaspoon (grated)
- Sugar to taste
Ingredients (With Banana)
- Muskmelon – 1 cup
- Banana – 1 (frozen)
- Curd – ½ cup
- Water – ½ cup
Preparation
- Blend all the ingredients until it turns to a smooth puree. Enjoy this chilled drink in summer.
Muskmelon Ice Pops
Ingredients
- Muskmelon – 3 cups
- Lime – 1
Preparation
- Blend all the ingredients for half a minute or till you get a smooth puree. Now, transfer the puree into popsicle molds and put it in the freezer for 12 hours and enjoy it.
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