Know the Medicinal Importance, Benefits and Uses of Melon

2022-03-31 00:00:00

Melon is a fruit known for its unique taste and consumed as a fresh ripe fruit. The sweeter and tastier the melon is, the more it is full of health. It is beneficial to consume it during summers because in addition to nutritious elements, a good amount of water is found in it which prevents the body from getting dehydrated in summer. Apart from this, there are many health benefits of melon. Therefore, eating melon keeps the body healthy. Its seeds, peel are used in Ayurveda along with melon. Being rich in medicinal properties, it is also used as a treatment for many diseases. The botanical name of melon is Cucumis melo, which belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family.

Importance of Melon in Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, Melon has a cooling effect. It is a great source of minerals and vitamins. It mainly contains calcium, iron, vitamins A and C. In Ayurvedic medicine, melon or oil made from its seeds helps in curing many diseases. Vitamins A and C present in it are useful for immune health, healthy blood flow and good metabolism plus the mineral and magnesium are helpful for boosting immunity and maintaining strong bones. They work to normalize blood sugar levels and protect the body from dehydration. Melon protects the body from diseases like scurvy. The juice of melon is used in eczema, headache, urinary tract, facial blemishes etc. Due to being full of these properties, melon has been given a status of Ayurvedic medicine.

Benefits of Melon

Helpful in reducing weight-

Melons contain a high amount of fiber which helps to control abdominal obesity. It contains plenty of fiber which helps increase metabolism due to which the body burns calories. As a result, it helps in reducing weight.

Effective in preventing cancer-

Oxidative stress and free radicals lead to many physical problems including cancer. Antioxidant properties are found in melon which reduce the problem of oxidative stress and free radicals. Apart from this, anti-cancer properties are found in melons. According to scientific research, anti-cancer properties prevent the growth of tumors formed in the body.

Useful for diabetes-

Consumption of melon is good for diabetes as it is rich in fiber because consuming a diet rich in fiber slows down the digestion power due to which less amount of sugar is absorbed in the blood. Because of this, the pancreas gets a lot of time to make insulin which helps in controlling diabetes. Insulin is a hormone which converts sugar molecules into energy. Apart from this, according to a report published on the website of NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information), oxycaine is found in melons which balances the level of sugar in the blood.

For eyes-

Watermelon contains many nutrients. Vitamin-A is also one of these elements which is very important for the eyes. Lack of vitamin-A affects the eyesight therefore, the defects of the eyes can be removed by the consumption of melon.

For heart health-

Melon is rich in various vitamins and minerals which helps to keep the heart healthy. It contains beta carotene, which acts as a powerful antioxidant. It maintains proper blood circulation in the heart, so that heart attack and other fatal heart diseases can be avoided.

Helpful in relieving stress-

Melon works to relieve stress. According to medical research done on this, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme is found in abundance in melon juice which is beneficial for reducing stress. It also works to lower blood pressure and relax the nerves. In addition, superoxide dismutase is the main enzyme of the body's enzymatic antioxidant defense system which also helps in getting rid of oxidative stress.

For Immunity-

The benefits of melon also include strengthening the immune system. It is rich in Vitamin C which exhibits an antioxidant and immunostimulant property. It helps in increasing the immunity of the body and removes physical weakness.

For digestion-

Poor digestion power of the body is the cause of many problems. Consumption of melon improves the digestive power of the body according to a report because it is rich in fiber which helps in improving digestion. It also reduces acid reflux. Apart from this, the dietary fibers in it maintain normal bowel movement. Melon is a juicy fruit having a lot of water content. It keeps the body hydrated in summers and also provides coolness to the body.

Beneficial for arthritis-

Melon has anti-inflammatory properties which prevents oxidative stress in joints and bones. Apart from this, calcium and potassium are found in melons which strengthen the bones. Therefore, arthritis patients must consume melon during summers.

For pregnant women-

Consumption of melon is beneficial for pregnant women because many types of vitamins and minerals are found in it which are very important for a pregnant woman. It fulfills the deficiency of nutrients in the body during pregnancy. Apart from this, the folic acid present in melon protects against neural tube (problem related to the bones of the baby's brain and spine).

For anti aging-

Consumption of melon has been shown to have a positive effect in reducing the effects of aging. Due to lack of elements like vitamins A, C, E and antioxidants in the body, the problem of aging starts accelerating. All these elements are found in abundance in melons or face packs made from it. Therefore, it is believed that melon is helpful in slowing down the effects of aging.

Useful for hair-

Zinc, iron, niacin present in melon prove to be effective in removing the problem of hair fall. It also strengthens the hair. Scientific research done on it shows that behenic acid is found in its oil which is used as a conditioner and moisturiser. It helps to improve the texture and strength.

Uses of Melon

• The outer layer of the melon is peeled before eating.
• Melon is used to make smoothies.
• It is also consumed by making fruit salad.
• Melon seeds are made into tea and consumed.
• The seeds of melon are also used for making laddus.
• Its seeds are made into powder and consumed.

Side effects of Melon

• Some people may be allergic to consuming melon therefore such individuals should not consume it.
• Water should not be drunk immediately after eating melon. Doing so can lead to a major contributor of getting cholera.
• A person suffering from severe cough, cold or sinus should use it in small quantities.
• Melon should not be consumed in the morning on an empty stomach. Doing so can cause bile disorders in the stomach.