Melon: functional fruit that is good for the skin and body –

Is controlling hunger your biggest challenge? Melon remains a great ally. Rich in pectin, a type of fiber in the form of a gel, it quickly increases the feeling of satiety. Try to include pieces of fruit in the salad: the appetite decreases right at the beginning of the meal, preventing you from overdoing the heavier dishes. The diet is also tastier: with a soft texture and slightly sweet taste, melon combines with green leaves, especially ardidinhas such as arugula and watercress.

In Brazil, the most common types are: yellow valencian, cantaloupe, galia and sapo skin. But it doesn’t matter the choice – health, waist measurement and skin all benefit from the consumption of this fruit. “Melon is on the list of functional foods – that is, it carries substances that, in addition to nourishing, reduce fluid retention, improve bowel function and reinforce the immune system”, explains Marciele Pereira, nutritionist at Lapinha Spa Médico, in Paraná.

Among the minerals, the biggest star in melon is potassium: there are 213 milligrams in every 100 grams of the fruit. And this nutrient is not weak. “As it is associated with blood pressure control, potassium is essential for heart health,” says Marciele. Nutritionist Gabriella Guerrero, from Settcoaching, in São Paulo, adds: “Melon is an important source of antioxidant vitamins (A, E and C) famous for postponing premature aging. Iron (important to combat anemia) and calcium (indispensable for bones) are also present in this fruit”. After discovering what melon is capable of doing for your beauty, now find out how to include it in salads, juices and sweets. It will be easy for you to become a fan!

which melon to choose

valencian yellow
Round and with a yellow and rough skin, it is easily found in Brazil. The pulp is firm and the color varies from greenish white to cream. It is the thinnest of all (it has 25 calories in a medium slice/100 grams) and, after ripening, it lasts the longest, in addition to having the lowest price.

Cantaloupe
Its name is the same as an Italian village, where it was supposedly first cultivated in the 17th century. The texture of the skin resembles the design of a net and, therefore, it is also known as net melon. It has a round or oval shape and a very sweet taste. The more intense the color of the pulp, which ranges from yellow-orange to salmon, the greater the concentration of vitamins A and E. This type also surpasses the others in potassium (309 milligrams in 100 grams). But it is sensitive to transport and spoils quickly after ripening.

Toadskin
The slightly rough skin and light green color with small dark green spots are responsible for the name of this melon. Oval or elongated, it has a white or greenish flesh with a texture between medium and smooth. It’s one of the less sweet varieties, but it wins in the amount of liquid.

Gaul
This Israeli type is produced especially in the northeast of Brazil. When it matures, the bark turns yellow and gets fine streaks. The pulp is soft, white or greenish in color, and has a strong aroma. Its flavor is reminiscent of cantaloupe.

to keep well

· Always buy the whole melon. “After being sliced, the fruit loses nutrients, especially vitamin C”, warns nutritionist Gabriella, who gives other suggestions for you to get it right when buying and storing it

· Give preference to melons with a firm skin, bright color and without cracks, soft parts, darkened areas or holes. The fruit aroma should be smooth and pleasant. To know if it is ready to be consumed, the skin must yield to light pressure from the fingers.

· If the melon is still green, store it closed in a cool, airy place. But, as soon as it ripens, put it in the refrigerator. After opening it, cover with plastic wrap and consume within three days.