Introduction
Cucumis melo, also known as melon is a species of Cucumis that has been developed into many cultivated varieties. Muskmelon refers to the musky netted-rind type. Muskmelon was domesticated in West Asia and over time many cultivars developed with variety in shape and sweetness. Iran, India, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and China become centers for melon cultivation. Melons were consumed in Ancient Greece and Rome.
Muskmelon, also called nutmeg melon, any of several varieties of netted-rind melons in the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae), noted for their musky-scented sweet juicy orange flesh. Muskmelon is a species that belongs to the gourd family.
We all are familiar with this delicious summer fruit but aren’t aware of its potential benefits. You would be happy to know that it is not only an incredibly refreshing evening snack of the summer but also a great nutritional source.
Muskmelon, also referred to as ‘sweet melon’ and got its name from its strong musky smell.It is a yellow-coloured fruit with tempting sweetness and a pleasant aroma. They are abundantly available in summer and have high water content (90%) making them hydrating and cooling.
Nutritional values:
Per 100 gram serving, cantaloupe melons provide 34 calories and are a rich source of vitamin A (68% DV) and vitamin C (61% DV), with other nutrients at a negligible level.Melons are 90% water and 9% carbohydrates, with less than 1% each of protein and fat.
100 grams of muskmelon contains:
Calories:34 kcal
Dietary fibre: 0.9 gm
Fat :0.19 gm
Protein:0.84 gm
Carbohydrates: 8.6 gm
cantaloupe is a small round melon of a variety with orange flesh and ribbed skin.
While all cantaloupes are muskmelons, not all muskmelons are cantaloupes. In addition to cantaloupe, other varieties of muskmelon include honeydew melon, Persian melon, and Santa Claus melon.
Nutritional values of Cantaloupe:
Amount Per 100 grams
Calories : 34 Kcal
Total Fat : 0.19 g; 0%DV
Saturated fat : 0.1 g; 0%DV
Cholesterol : 0 mg ; 0%DV
Sodium :16 mg ; 0% DV
Potassium : 267 mg; 7%DV
Total Carbohydrate: 8 g ;
DV 2%
Dietary fiber : 0.9 g ; DV 3%
Sugar : 8.6 g
Protein : 0.84 g 1%
Vitamin C : 61% DV
Calcium : 0% DV
Iron :1% DV
Vitamin D : 0% DV
Vitamin B 6 : 5% DV
Cobalamin : 0% DV
Magnesium : 3% DV
(DV means daily value)
In addition to their consumption when fresh, melons are sometimes dried. Other varieties are cooked or grown for their seeds, which are processed to produce melon oil. Still other varieties are grown only for their pleasant fragrance.
From its flesh to skin, and seeds, all parts of this fruit have health benefits if applied or consumed the right way.
The skin and seeds can be ground into a paste to make a facemask. It is a free beauty treatment that people have been practicing for ages. Applying the paste to your skin can help reduce any signs of dryness, blemishes, acne, etc.
Muskmelon can help improve and strengthen the immune system, making it easier for the body to fight diseases. It is rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A that boosts immunity by stimulating the white blood cells in the body.
Vitamin A and several phytochemicals help to keep your gut healthy.
The only caution is to avoid muskmelon and any fruit with a high glycemic index just before bedtime. It can spike up your blood sugar level, keeping you awake.
Drinking water after having fruits that have high water content like watermelon, muskmelon, oranges and strawberry disrupt the pH level of the digestive system. Fruits that have high water content can upset the pH levels by making the stomach less acidic.
Avoid mixing your watermelons, muskmelons, cantaloupe and honeydews with other fruits. Try not to mix with acidic fruits, such as grapefruits and strawberries, or sub-acidic foods such as apples, pomegranates and peaches, with sweet fruits, such as bananas and raisins for a better digestion.
Glycemic index or GI of muskmelon is 65 which puts it into the medium GI food category and makes it a relatively safer fruit option for people with diabetes, given that they keep a check on the portion size they are consuming.
The Glycemic load (GL) is worked out by the following formula: GL = GI x carbohydrate / 100.
GL of muskmelon=65×8/100
= 5.2
Therefore one can eat even 200 gm of muskmelon having Glycemic load of 10.4
Muskmelon is kidney friendly:
A storehouse of potassium, vitamins, minerals, muskmelon is considered great for kidney health, blood pressure and eye health. It is a great snack for people with diabetes too as it is low on glycaemic load and keeps blood sugar levels in check.
Summary Health Benefits of Muskmelon:-
•Healthy Digestive System.
•Helps in regulating blood pressure.
•Muskmelon Promotes hair growth.
•Muskmelon may support vision and eye health.
•Muskmelon boosts Immunity.
•Muskmelon for beautiful-looking skin.
•Muskmelon may help combat stress.
•Muskmelon for arthritis.
Do enjoy muskmelon in summer and stay healthy.
Information compiled by:
Dr. Bhairavsinh Raol
