Muskmelon: Health Benefits, Nutritional Value, Side Effects

Muskmelon, more commonly known as kharbuja, is one of the most-loved fruits during summer. There are multiple muskmelon benefits for health that make this fruit a great snack to beat the summer heat. You can experience the benefits of melon in every part of the fruit, from flesh to seeds. From protecting your skin and improving digestive health to keeping you hydrated, all these sweet melon benefits come from the nutrients present in it. Read on to know more about its nutritional value and the benefits of melon.

Nutritional Value of Muskmelon 

100 gram of muskmelon contains the following nutrients: [1] 

Water – 90.20 g 

Protein – 0.82 g 

Total fat – 0.18 g 

Energy (Atwater specific factor) – 34 kcal 

Energy (Atwater general factor) – 28 kcal 

Carbohydrates – 8 g 

Vitamin B6 – 5% 

Vitamin C – 61% 

Sugar – 7.88 g 

Magnesium – 13 mg 

Iron – 0.38 mg 

Sodium – 30 mg 

Potassium – 157 mg 

Phosphorus – 17 mg 

Calcium – 9 mg

What are the benefits of Musk melon?

Helps Regulate Blood Pressure and GERD 

Muskmelon benefits your body by regulating your blood pressure because of its high potassium content. It helps your blood vessels relax and aids in the smooth flow of blood. Potassium also acts like a vasodilator. This helps maintain your blood pressure and helps ensure that it does not elevate.

The antioxidants and fiber present in it also make muskmelon one of the best natural remedies for acidity. Studies also suggest that there is a strong co-relation between GERD and hypertension [2]. Due to its remedial properties for acidity, muskmelon can in turn help regulate blood pressure.

An Efficient Digestive System

Due to its high water and fibre content, muskmelons are an excellent natural remedy for those who have indigestion, constipation, and other digestive problems. This fruit's fibre content aids in maintaining regular bowel motions and has a soothing and cooling impact on the stomach. Fibre makes stools more voluminous and prevents hunger cravings. Additionally, the high vitamin C concentration in it aids in treating stomach ulcers.

Benefits Eye Health

Three powerful antioxidants renowned for promoting eye health are found in the sweet melon: beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, and lutein. The vibrant hue of muskmelon is due to beta-carotene. Health professionals assert that beta-carotene is a remedy for age-related vision issues and is necessary for healthy eye function and clear eyesight. So, if you want healthy eyes, include this fruit in your diet. 

According to research, consistently ingesting foods like muskmelon, which are high in antioxidants and vitamins A and C, promotes good eye function and clear vision. Night blindness, cataracts, and xerophthalmia are among the eye conditions that vitamin A is known to guard against. [1]

Cardiovascular Health Benefits

Because adenosine is present in muskmelon, it has anticoagulant qualities that thin the blood, lowering the risk of heart disease. These melons are also a good source of potassium, which regulates blood pressure and protects the health of our hearts.

Lung Health

Your body loses vitamin A over time for various reasons, such as smoking, pollution, eating toxins, consuming tainted foods, etc. Your lungs weaken day by day as a result of all of this. Muskmelon supplies vitamin A to your body on a regular basis.

Studies show that vitamin A rejuvenates the lungs, improving your ability to breathe deeply and comfortably. Passive smokers and children with breathing problems will notably benefit from this. You can get rid of lung congestion thanks to the nutrients and minerals in this fruit. [2]

Promotes Hair Health 

Thanks to its vitamin A content, muskmelon benefits your hair growth by boosting sebum production. Sebum is an oily secretion from the sebaceous glands that helps you have healthy hair. You can directly apply muskmelon pulp to your scalp for lustrous and long hair!

Keeps Skin Healthy  

There are multiple muskmelon juice benefits for your skin. The antioxidants and vitamin A present in the fruit can help remove impurities from your skin. The vitamin C and collagen present in it helps keep your skin soft and glowing. Apart from the pulp, don’t miss out on muskmelon seeds. Benefits include hydration and skin rejuvenation! To make the most of the seeds, grind them along with the pulp and apply the paste to your face or all over the body.

Keeps Hydrated 

Just like watermelon benefits your body by offering hydration, muskmelon does too. Its high water content helps you stay hydrated and cool during the summer.

Boosts Immunity 

Muskmelon is a vitamin C-rich fruit. This is a powerful antioxidant that can help give your immune system a boost. Apart from this, the immunity boosting benefits of melon also come from its phytochemicals, vitamin A, and beta-carotene content. All of these help improve your gut health, which in turn aids your immune system.

Combats Stress 

One of the benefits of healthy snacking with muskmelon is that it can help you fight stress with its high potassium content. Thus, muskmelon benefits you by helping you feel relaxed and focused. The potassium present in it can also help by regulating your heartbeat and improving the oxygen supply to your brain.

Improves Bone Health 

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, sweet melon benefits include pain relief, usually associated with arthritis. This is because muskmelon can help in prevention of oxidative stress, especially in your joints and bones. This in turn reduces inflammation and the pain caused by it. Moreover, daily consumption of muskmelon can also help you deal with issues arising from poor bone health like osteoporosis. 

Apart from the above sweet melon benefits, do keep in mind that excessive consumption can cause issues. Common side effects of muskmelon include the following: 

• Gas 
• Diarrhea 
• Increase blood sugar levels 
• Difficulty in digestion

Be sure to contact a doctor immediately if you have any side effects or questions about muskmelon benefits for you unique needs. Book a  doctor appointment online or in person on Bajaj Finserv Health in a few simple clicks. You can consult top specialists from your home or go for a visit personally. They can help you understand your health needs better and guide you towards better health.

How can we incorporate musk melon into the diet?

Muskmelon Mint Slush

Ingredients:

2 cups of Muskmelon (cut into small pieces)

1/4 teaspoon black salt

Method:

Combine black salt, Muskmelon, and mint in a blender or liquidiser to make a smooth puree

Now, combine and thoroughly mix all the ingredients in a bowl

Pour the mixture into a shallow container you have available

For 3 to 4 hours, freeze

Once more, using the blender, process the mixture until it becomes mushy

Place the frozen slushy mixture in glasses, top with mint leaves, and serve

Green Salad with Muskmelon Dressing

Ingredients:

Cucumber – 1 (cut into cubes)

Capsicum – 1 (cut into cubes)

Broccoli florets – 1 cup (blanched)

Lettuce leaves torn – 1 cup

Dressing

Chopped Muskmelon – 1 cup

Coriander leaves – 1 tbsp

Mint leaves – 1 tbsp

Cumin powder – 1 tsp

Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Blend ingredients for the dressing

Combine all veggies in a bowl, pour the dressing and serve 

Muskmelon Banana Smoothie

Ingredients:

Muskmelon – 1 cup

Banana – 1 (frozen)

Curd – ½ cup

Water – ½ cup

Method:

Blend all the ingredients together, then serve chilled

Other Potential benefits

Muskmelon is beneficial for skin and overall health. Among its applications are the following:

• Replenishes and hydrates skin cells
• Prevents the signs of ageing
• Treats skin conditions such as eczema
• Stops hair loss and is the best conditioner
• Restores the body's vitamin A and C reserves
• Minimises water retention issues in pregnant women by removing extra salt
• Assists in controlling the menstrual flow

What are the side effects of musk melon?

There are some side effects linked to the overconsumption of muskmelons. These are as follows:

• Eating too many melons might be bad for diabetes. It can manufacture an excessive amount of sugar, which can increase the body's blood sugar levels
• The large amount of natural sugar in muskmelons could contribute to weight gain
• Gas problems and loose stools have been linked to eating too many muskmelons

FAQs

Can we eat muskmelon daily?

Yes, kharbuja or muskmelon has various health benefits for the body, just like any other fruit. The only warning is to stay away from muskmelon and other fruit with a high GI right before night. Your blood sugar level may surge due to eating these fruits at night, thus keeping you awake.

Is muskmelon good for the stomach?

Muskmelon's high water and fibre content is beneficial to your digestive system. Additionally, it can aid in preventing constipation. Consuming muskmelon might cool your stomach and assist in managing bowel movements.

Is Muskmelon cool or hot?

Due to its Sita (cool) power, eating muskmelons relieves heat or burning sensations in the body. However, Muskmelon should be avoided if you have a cough or cold because it can worsen your condition.

Can people with diabetes eat Muskmelon?

One of its key advantages is that muskmelon has a moderate glycaemic index. (GI). The glycaemic index determines how quickly a food increases blood sugar levels. High GI foods are more likely to result in quick blood sugar rises. However, those with a low GI are absorbed more gradually and affect blood sugar levels less dramatically. 

The GI of muskmelons is 65, which is regarded as moderate. As a result, it is absorbed slowly and might not result in considerable blood sugar rises. In addition, muskmelons are a wonderful source of fibre, which can help reduce blood sugar spikes and improve blood sugar regulation.

However, it is crucial to remember that those with diabetes should continue to be cautious about their overall carbohydrate intake, including that of fruits like a muskmelon.

Is muskmelon good for fatty liver?

For people with fatty liver disease, muskmelon may be helpful. The antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in muskmelons benefit the liver by shielding it from harm and enhancing its performance. Muskmelons are also low in calories and high in fibre, making them a healthy snack choice for people trying to reduce weight and strengthen the health of their livers. Of course, muskmelons should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, but it is crucial to remember that they shouldn't be the only treatment for fatty liver disease.

Does muskmelon increase weight?

Being low in calories and high in nutrients, including protein, dietary fibre, potassium, vitamin A, beta carotene, and vitamin C, muskmelons are a fantastic choice for those trying to lose weight. In addition, Muskmelon's low-fat content is a blessing for those trying to lose weight.

Which is better: watermelon or muskmelon?

The greatest summertime fruit options are watermelons and muskmelons because of their high-water content. Choose a muskmelon over a watermelon if you enjoy melons. Muskmelons are preferable because they have more fibre and a lower glycaemic load than watermelon, which has a high glycaemic index. In addition, since watermelon contains less salt, it is excellent for people with high blood pressure.