Health Benefits of Melons

Did you know that there are forty different kinds of melons?¹ The kinds of melons range from more common melons such as watermelon and cantaloupe, to lesser known melons such as hami and galia.² Each type of melon has its own unique flavor, which makes them a versatile option to use in many different recipes.

No matter which type of melon you like to eat, there are a variety of health benefits that you could take advantage of from including more of this fruit in your everyday diet. Check out some of the best health benefits of melons.

High in Nutrients

One great health benefit of melons is that they are high in nutrients.

Specifically, melons have:

9% of the recommended Daily Value of potassium, which aids your body in managing fluids³
About 2.6% of the recommended Daily Value of protein, which plays a role in the structure and function of your body’s tissues and organs.⁴
About 5.6% of the recommended Daily Value of fiber. Fiber helps you feel full and may lower your chances of heart disease and cancer.⁵
65% of the recommended Daily Value of potassium, which helps your body’s nerves and heart muscles function, as well as aiding nutrients to move in your body.^{6, 7}

Full of Hydration

Another benefit of melons is that they are full of hydration. Melons consist mostly of water. In fact, every melon contains about ninety percent water. A few examples of melons with high water content includes cantaloupe, with 5 ounces of water, and watermelon, which has nearly a cup.⁸

Additionally, melons have electrolytes. Electrolytes manage the nerve and muscle operation in your body. Specifically, electrolytes give off an electrical charge that results in your muscles contracting. In other words, electrolytes simply help your body balance itself.⁹

Rich in Beta-carotene

Another benefit of melons is that are rich in beta-carotene.¹⁰ Beta-carotene has benefits of its own such as:

Enhancing vision
Lowering the chances of aged-related macular degeneration
Shielding your body from free radicals, which are cancer-causing molecules
Reduces your chance of heart disease¹¹

Helps Lower Stress

An additional benefit of melons is that they may help lower your stress levels. This is because melons contain an enzyme called superoxide dismutase. This enzyme helps the body fight against oxidative stress.¹²

Oxidative stress is when the balance of antioxidant defense and free radical production is interrupted. When you are stressed out, oxidative stress can begin in your body.¹³ By eating melons, you are taking in superoxide dismutase enzyme and therefore reducing your oxidative stress levels.

Aids in Digestion

Another health benefit of melons is that they aid in digestion. This is because melons are full of fiber, which helps your body properly digest food.

Specifically, fiber aids in the process of removing toxins in your body and getting rid of constipation. Additionally, the water in melons helps ward off fissures and hemorrhoids.¹⁰

Ways to Eat Melons

There are a variety of ways that you can add melons to your diet. Here are some ways:

Add melons to your salad
Have sliced grilled onions as a snack
Add melons to your smoothie recipes
Slice melons and add them to salsa
Make a refreshing sorbet with frozen melons
Add melons to your water
Add melons to your yogurt
Add some sliced melon to your everyday lunch
Make desserts with fresh melons

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Saber Healthcare is an organization dedicated to providing consultant services to long-term care providers. This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to be seen as professional advice. Please consult with a medical expert before relying on the information provided.

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