Muskmelon & the seeds - health benefits

Muskmelon [Cucumis melo) belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and it is one of the commercially important varieties of melons. They are well- known for their musky-scented sweet juicy orange flesh. Muskmelons are commonly eaten fresh or used for preparing healthy snacks and juices.

Muskmelons (Cucumis melo) are classified in the Reticulatus cultivar group. These melons are sometimes erroneously or mistakenly referred to as cantaloupe in North America, a term that should properly be reserved for European melons of the Cantalupensis group.

Muskmelon is a sweet melon with high fiber and water content which may promote your digestive health.  The fiber also helps to reduce cholesterol and blood sugar level. Musk melon helps your gut health preventing constipation and other digestive problems.

It is an excellent source of antioxidant vitamins, vitamin A and C.

Vitamin A helps your vision and eyesight. Vitamin C boosts immunity and your skin health promoting collagen production. Carotenoids and chlorophylls are the main pigments of melon pulp and rind.

Melon fruits also contain protein and sugars; the major antioxidants in melons include phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid, and carotenoids. Seeds contain vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids. Muskmelon also contains flavonoids and alkaloids. 

Health benefits

·        Boosts your immunity

Musk melons are rich source of vitamin C. The vitamin C content is more than 40 mg/100 g of fresh weight. The vitamin plays a key role in boosting your immunity against infections. 

·        Antioxidants protects from oxidative stress to vital organs 

Vitamin A & C along with polyphenols and flavonoids function as powerful antioxidants that can neutralize the effects of free radical and protect the body. provitamin A, carotenoid is present in muskmelon in higher amounts ,which is converted into vitamin A by your body.

Antioxidants help the body to repair the damage caused by oxidative stress from reactive oxygen species free radicals. Free radicals can cause changes in cells and DNA that can lead to illnesses, including cancer. Vitamin C is an antioxidant which protects against cancers. 

·        Improves your skin health

Vitamins A and C are excellent antioxidants to protect your skin from oxidative stress from various causes.

Vitamin C also boosts collagen formation which is very important for preventing sagging of skin. Collagen, a fibrous protein in connective tissue that is weaved throughout various systems in the body; Collagen fibers form extensive and robust networks providing the dermis of your skin with strength, firmness and elasticity.

Vitamin C helps the body to repair the damage caused by oxidative stress from reactive oxygen species free radicals.

·        Musk melon is also rich in folate [vitamin B9] which is very important for maintaining good health and is essential during pregnancy for the foetal health. It helps to prevent macular degeneration.

·         Vitamin K in muskmelon helps in blood clotting  and prevent bleeding.

·        In addition to α- and β-carotene, melon fruits are also good sources of cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin which are important for health of eyes and vision.

·        A small quantity of vitamin E is also present in muskmelon flesh and a higher content of tocopherol [vitamin E] is found in seeds.

How to include muskmelon in to your diet?

•    Musk melon date shake

 This shake is prepared by simply blending   chilled muskmelon cubes [1 cup] and soft dates [5 dates after removing seeds] in a blender adding some milk[ preferably 1cup]  .

You may add maple syrup or honey for sweetening the shake. To make it more nutritious add roasted muskmelon seeds, chia seeds, slivered almonds . Instead of cow’s milk you may use almond milk or soy milk if you are a pure vegan or do not prefer animal milk.

This shake is very yummy and nutritious. Refrigerate if you want chilled muskmelon date shake.

•    Muskmelon smoothie

To make a smoothie chop the flesh of muskmelon into cube pieces and grind in a blender adding some water. You may add mint, cardamom , apple  pieces and  honey  into the blender if you want a more yummy  and nutritious smoothie.

•    Muskmelon feta salad

You may make musk melon feta salad within a few minutes.

Step 1

Sprinkle lemon juice and salt over chopped onions. Keep it aside.

Step2

Now take half cup of cube size chopped muskmelon in a bowl. Add half cup of berries of any type [eg: cranberries] and crumble feta cheese over it. MIX everything well.

Step3

Now add the onion, salt, lemon juice mix into this. Stir well and add more lemon juice if necessary. Now you may add chopped mint leaves and crumbled feta cheese again. Yummy musk melon salad is ready to serve. You may add roasted musk melon seeds into it if you like to make it more nutritious.

                                                            MUSKMELON SEEDS

     Commonly people use vegetables or fruits and throw away their seeds. Although all seeds are not beneficial to health some are rich in nutrients, while others are toxic and harmful. Apple and plum seeds are toxic to your body as they contain amygdalin. But muskmelon seeds and a few other seeds are very nutritious and safe in boosting your health. Therefore try including muskmelon seeds into your diet.

Benefits of muskmelon seeds

·        Rich source of protein which is essential for bodybuilding and growth of cells.

·        Excellent source of fiber to reduce cholesterol, blood sugar and improve digestive health.

·        Rich in antioxidants which are essential to fight against free radicals causing oxidative damage to your body.

·        A good source of vitamin C and therefore boosts immunity

·        It is a good source of minerals calcium, phosphorus and magnesium which are vital for health of bones and heart.

·        B -complex vitamins are present in muskmelon seeds and which are essential for the healthy functioning of heart and nervous system.

·        Biologically active compounds like tocopherols, phospholipids, and sterols are present in melon seed in a large amount which may help cell structure and functions.

·        It has been proven that these seeds have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant potentials. 

How to include muskmelon seeds into your diet?

·        Roasted seeds - roast the seeds after spreading them on a tray  and keep the tray in an oven for roasting.

·        Ground seeds- you can also grind the seeds in a mixer  and add the powder into any of your snacks.

 You may use the seeds after roasting or grinding them. In both forms the seeds can be added into your snacks, smoothies, salads ,oats etc. along with other nuts and seeds.

References

1.     https://www.britannica.com/plant/muskmelon 

2.     Menon S.V., Rao T. Nutritional quality of muskmelon fruit as revealed by its biochemical properties during different rates of ripening. Int. Food Res. J. 2012;19:1621–1628. [Google Scholar]

3.     https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8469201/

4.     https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/muskmelon

5.    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351109040_Chemical_Composition_and_Health_Benefits_of_Melon_Seed_A_Review