Melon: all the properties and health benefits

The melon (cucumis melo) belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, which makes it related to cucumber, squash, and zucchini.

Various theories circulate about its origin: some believe it native of the East (India, China or Persia), while others place their origin in the African continent. In any case, it was already cultivated in Egypt five millennia before our era.

Today it is one of the largest fruits, with a weight that oscillates between 700 g and 4 kg. The rind varies in texture and color (green, yellow, orange or even white), as does the pulp (from yellowish white to orange to green).

melon properties

Along with watermelon, it is one of the most appetizing fruits in summer. The melon contains a lot of water, about 85%. 100 g of its pulp represent only about 35 calories, it provides 8 g of carbohydrates, fiber (1%) and a small amount of fat (0.1%) and protein (0.6%).

Another of its virtues is its high content in beta carotene (converted to vitamin A in the body), and vitamins C and B9. With 200 g more than 80% of the daily needs of vitamin C are covered, 30% of B9 or folic acid and 20% of beta-carotene. Both vitamin A and C are antioxidants and strengthen the immune system.

The melon stands out in potassium (330 mg/ 100 g), which explains its diuretic effect and contains some match (21mg), calcium (6mg) and magnesium (15mg).

Health benefits

Its richness in water, potassium, folic acid and antioxidant vitamins makes melon a light and very healthy food.

It is depurative

Due to its high water content and its contribution of fiber and potassium, Melon has a diuretic and slightly laxative action, which helps to eliminate waste from the body.

This makes it a good skin ally and makes it recommendable for people who suffer from blood vessel and heart conditions or fluid retention. It also has a beneficial effect in cases of rheumatism, arthritis and gout.

Reduces blood pressure

Added to the high proportion of water and potassium is its low sodium content (20 mg/100 g), which allows it to be included in diets without salt prescribed, once again, in cases of hypertension or fluid retention.

Recommended in pregnancy

Its consumption is convenient during pregnancy and the months before, since its components (calcium, magnesium, folates and vitamins A and C) are favorable to the growth of the fetus.

Its folic acid content is especially significant. A 200 g serving covers up to 30% of the daily needs for this vitamin.

To lose weight

Due to its low caloric intake and its low percentage of sugars, It is recommended in treatments against obesity and diabetes.

anti-inflammatory effect

Its anti-inflammatory properties make this fruit a good ally in the hemorrhoids treatment, including the external application.

melon in the kitchen

The most common way to consume melon in its natural state is as a table fruit. However, it lends itself very well to an infinite number of both sweet and savory preparations.

It is ideal for prepare compotes, jams, creams, sorbets or juices, and it is increasingly used in appetizers as a snack or as a luxury ingredient in colorful skewers.

It also allows you to prepare summer salads and fruit salads.

The melon is digested better if eaten alone. In any case, it should not be taken very cold or by drinking large amounts of water, since it could be excessively laxative.

The most nutritious and rich in beta-carotene varieties are the cantaloupe, orange pulp and Gaul (small in size, rounded in shape, cracked rind and extremely sweet). He will have It is the most common and the richest in water.

Purchase and conservation

You have to choose the most compact and heaviest specimens, and pay attention to your skin, which should be thick, without spots and with the color that corresponds to its variety.

A ripe melon has to give off a sweet and delicate aroma, but not excessive, since it would be an indication that it is past.

Another way to know its status is to press, with your thumb, on the end of the stem, which should yield slightly if the fruit is in good condition.

In case there is still something green, we can store in a cool and airy place until it matures. However, once ripe it should be consumed soon.

It is best to keep it in the fridge, even if only for a few days and cover it with a transparent film to prevent it from permeating with other aromas.

How to take advantage of the seeds

Melon seeds are also nutritious and a very interesting culinary ingredient.

Tasty appetizer: dried in the sun or in the oven, or lightly toasted, they can be salted or spiced to serve as an appetizer. Prepared in this way, their high flavonoid content stands out, which gives them antioxidant effects.Summer refreshment: in Mexico a fresh water is prepared with the seeds. They are washed and drained, crushed, sweetened and mixed with chopped melon and water. The drink is refrigerated three hours before serving.calming oil: An edible oil rich in flavonoids and with pectoral and soothing properties is also extracted from the melon seeds by pressing.