Melons belong to the group of the gourd family and they grow close to the ground. Melons have a hard rind which surrounds the fleshy center. There are different melon types and some of the most known include watermelon, honeydew and cantaloupe. Melons provide you minimal calories but a range of nutrients. Some people, however, wonder if melons are good for the health. Continue reading to learn the answer.

Is Melon Good for You?

Yes, melon is good for your health. You can eat it in various forms such as salad or juice. Though different melon species vary in the content of some nutrients, they contain almost the same nutrients which can benefit your entire body. The common benefits of eating melon include:

1. Promote Weight Loss

It is well known that melon is rich in fibers which help you regulate the digestion as well as get rid of cholesterol. It is also low in calories. People who are very keen in keeping their bodies fit should consume melon.

2. Hydrate the Body

Melon does contain a lot of water, about 90%. Besides, it is also rich in potassium which assures the body has regular water levels. That’s the reason why the melon is mostly consumed during the summer season. 

3. Support Heart Health

Is melon good for you? Yes, melon is rich in various nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, choline, and fiber, which protects your heart by lowering the blood pressure and reducing the risk for stroke. Melon can lower inflammation and oxidative stress so as to prevent heart-related problems.

4. Lower Cancer Risk

Beta-carotene found in cantaloupe lowers the risk for colon cancer and prostate cancer. This fruit is also rich in flavonoid cryptoxanthin which protects us from breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, etc. Rich vitamin C and lycopene content in watermelon also help in the prevention of some cancers.

5. Help the Kidneys

The diuretic effects of melon help your kidneys get rid of toxins and other waste products, which promotes the good health of kidneys. The rich content of potassium can prevent the kidney stones formation.

6. Regulate Blood Pressure

Is melon good for you? Yes! Scientific studies have showed that an increase in potassium, magnesium, and amino acids help regulate and reduce high blood pressure. Melon is rich in all of the nutrients.

7. Boost Immune System

Melon is  a dense source for vitamin C, which helps strengthen your immune system. Vitamin C will prevent the possible bacteria buildup and protect your body from possible infections and diseases.

8. Fight Inflammation

Antioxidants can fight inflammation in the body. Melon, as a rich antioxidant source, can promote cell growth and combat free radicals that induce inflammation and other health problems. 

9. Improve Overall Eye Health

Melon is also rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, necessary phytonutrients for your overall eye health. This fruit can promote the better vision and prevent eye diseases such as ARMD, cataracts, and age-related blindness. The high beta-carotene content can also help prevent night blindness.

10. Prevent and Treat Diabetes

Melon contains properties that regulate the production of insulin in the human body. It is also low in glucose even though it has a sweet taste. This fruit is good for diabetes who like to eat sweet things.

11. Nourish the Skin

Is melon good for you? Yes, melon is rich in vitamin C which regulates the collagen production in the body. Collagen can repair skin tissues and blood vessels to make skin fair and young-looking. If you want a beautiful skin, nourish it by eating melon.

12. Other Benefits

• Melon helps regulate your digestion. Constipation and bloating can be treated with just a glass of  melon juice.
• Due to the high levels of calcium, melon is very good for the health of your bones and teeth.
• As melon is rich in various nutrients, it should be widely consumed by pregnant women.

• Melon contains high levels of vitamin C and beta-carotene. Both are linked with a lower risk for developing asthma.
• Melon promotes healthy levels of C-reactive protein, which lowers the risk of having a metabolic syndrome.

Precautions

Eating cantaloupe presents no risk for most people. However, as it is high in potassium, people who take ACE inhibitors and beta blockers should eat them moderately. These medications prescribed routinely for the treatment of high blood pressure, kidney problems or migraines can cause potassium levels to increase.