Top 15 Health Benefits Of Muskmelon and Recipes

Last updated on September 27th, 2022

Muskmelon is a sweet and refreshing summer fruit that has rich water and fiber content and is packed with the goodness of several key nutrients. Apart from its refreshing nature, Muskmelon is claimed to have immense benefits that can help treat several diseases.

High on vitamins, Muskmelons can be very beneficial for eye health. It is also considered beneficial for the skin since it can help to keep it hydrated and healthy.

Nutritional Values of Muskmelons Per 100 g (3.5 oz)

Muskmelons are high in nutrients and contain a wide range of vitamins and minerals. They’re particularly abundant in vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin that aids in disease prevention and immunity.

Vitamin A, a micronutrient important for healthy eyesight, skin cell turnover, and growth and development, is also present in some varieties.

Muskmelons also contain antioxidants, which are molecules that protect cells from damage. Gallic acid, ellagic acid, and caffeic acid are some of the key antioxidants found in Muskmelons.

This table represents several nutrients and their amounts present in 100 g of Muskmelon according to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture:

Also Read: Nutritional Value and Benefits of Almonds

Glycemic Index of Muskmelons

The glycemic index (GI) is a method to measure how quickly sugar levels rise in the blood after eating a particular food. The lesser the GI score of the food is, the more diabetic-friendly it is considered, as it will slowly release blood glucose levels.

Whereas the glycemic load (GL) is a more precise metric that calculates not only the glycemic index of food but also the number of carbohydrates in one serving. A score of 10 or below is rated as low GL.

According to the Indian Express Health, the glycemic index of muskmelon is around 65. This makes muskmelon a medium glycemic food. However, muskmelon has a low glycemic load. According to the Indian Express website, the glycemic load of muskmelon is just 3.14. Thus, making it a healthy fruit and of a low blood sugar impact.

Also Read: Can Diabetics Eat Jaggery?

Health Benefits of Muskmelons

A nutrient-dense fruit, Muskmelon has been linked to several health benefits. Here are a few of the best muskmelon health advantages.

Hydrates the Body

According to the nutritional data of the U.S.D.A., muskmelons contain more than 90% of water. Therefore, these are a great source of hydrating your body, especially during summer.

Strengthen Immunity

According to the Care Hospitals website, muskmelons are high in vitamin C, which is critical for your immune system’s health. Also, muskmelon helps lower the intensity and duration of respiratory illnesses. This includes the common cold. It does so by flushing out excess phlegm from the system.

Contains Fiber

Dietary fiber is an important nutrient to have in your diet. Fiber helps in digestion and delays the rate of digestion rate. This helps you maintain your diet as you feel fuller for longer. It also helps diabetic patients by reducing the chances of blood sugar spikes.

Contains Vitamin A

Muskmelon is a good source of vitamin A. According to Tata AIG Health, one cup of muskmelon fulfills the daily vitamin A requirement of the body. This vitamin helps your body fight infection and disease by assisting in the production of white blood cells. Muskmelon also contains carotene as well as vitamin A, these both help improve vision.

Contains Antioxidants

The presence of antioxidants like caffeic acid and ellagic acid in Muskmelon makes this delicious fruit a must-have for your diet. These components not only protect your cells from damaging chemicals known as free radicals.

Also Read: HbA1c Test, Levels and Normal Range

Promotes Weight Loss

Muskmelons benefits include weight loss because they are low in calories but are abundant in vitamins and minerals that your body requires for optimal health and performance. This nutrient-dense fruit has a high water content (approximately 90% water by weight). This might help you satisfy your water demands while also potentially aiding people to lose weight in a variety of ways.

Muskmelon also includes a significant quantity of fiber, which aids with digestion. Fiber keeps you full for a longer time, which might help you lose weight by limiting your overall calorie consumption.

Also Read: Can Watermelon is Safe For Diabetes Patients?

Helps in Inflammation

According to the Care Hospitals website, muskmelons are known to have high anti-inflammatory properties. This is due to the presence of vitamins such as vitamins C and A. These vitamins work as potent antioxidants in the body.

Notably, acute inflammation is a natural immune reaction of your body that aids in the fight against infection and the healing process. Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, may have a role in the development of illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Also Read: Benefits of Sabja Seeds

Regulates Blood Pressure

According to NDTV Health, muskmelon benefits in blood pressure as being rich in potassium. Muskmelon helps to keep your blood pressure in check. It’s high fiber and water content can also help in regulating blood pressure.

Improves Your Eyesight

Vitamin A is responsible for strengthening the eye muscles and protecting them from future problems. This vitamin is found in abundance in Muskmelons. Also, carotene is present in muskmelon, giving it vivid yellow, orange, and red colors. It also helps in preventing cataracts and improves vision.

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Aids in Diabetes

Muskmelons are of low glycemic index and with high fiber content and negligible fat. The low glycemic profile and high fiber eliminate the chances of blood glucose fluctuations. Thus helping control blood sugar levels very effectively.

Good for Stomach Ulcers

The high amount of vitamin C in this wonder fruit helps aid ulcer problems.

Treats Constipation

High in both water and fiber content, Muskmelon works wonders for those suffering from constipation. The water helps loosen up the stool while the fiber bulks it up for a better bowel movement.

Helps Flush Out Kidney Stones

The oxykine in muskmelon (in its seeds) has been shown to be effective in treating renal stones and kidney diseases. According to the Kokilaben Hospital website, muskmelon seeds are a must to have for kidney patients. While the fruit’s high water content cleanses the kidneys. Muskmelon also has diuretic properties that aid in the treatment of renal problems.

Also Read: Chai Seeds Benefits and Recipes

Safe for Pregnant Mothers

Muskmelon’s high folate content benefits pregnant women to lose weight. They do so by removing excess sodium and reducing water retention. When taken in moderation, it is safe for pregnant women.

Manages Sleeping Disorder

Muskmelons are believed to be effective in preventing sleep disorders such as insomnia. This is due to the presence of compounds that help relax brain nerves and calm anxiety.

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Relieves Menstrual Cramps

The anticoagulant properties of Muskmelons and the presence of vitamin C make this fruit a must-have for all women experiencing menstrual cramps. According to Lybrate Health, muskmelon helps dissolve cramps and reduces the irritation and pain experienced in these cramps. Muskmelon not only dissolves clots and eases muscle cramps it also helps to regulate menstrual flow.

For painless periods it is recommended to have Muskmelon at least on the first 2 days of your menstruation cycle.

Prevents Cancer Symptoms

According to Lybrate Health, Muskmelons are packed with antioxidants, vitamin C and beta-carotene. These can help in preventing cancer and malignancies. They do so by eliminating free radicals from the body.

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Good for Acidity

Antioxidants and fiber are found in abundance in Muskmelons. These help keep the mucous membrane healthy, thus preventing acid reflux and other stomach problems. Also, Muskmelons have a pH that is neutral, which makes them a good choice for people who have acid reflux.

Helps with Cardiovascular Problems

Among the many health benefits of Muskmelons, one is to keep your heart healthy. According to the Hindustan Times Health, muskmelon contains compounds like adenosine, which adds to its nutrient profile. The adenosine present in muskmelon gives it anticoagulant qualities. Adenosine is known for its blood-thinning properties and aids in the prevention of heart strokes and attacks. Hence protecting you from cardiovascular diseases.

Also Read: Homeopathic Medicines For Diabetes

Delicious Muskmelon Recipes

This juicy and sweet fruit not only has a terrific taste and an aromatic freshness to it, but it also has a lot of health advantages. To get the most out of this delicious fruit, here are some refreshing recipes that will leave wanting more:

Muskmelon Juice

To beat the summer heat, Muskmelon juice can be your best choice as it will not only refresh you but will also replenish all the lost essential minerals and give you an instant boost of energy.

To make juice from this pulpy fruit, you just need to add some cold water to its pulp and mix until you get a pulpy, cooling juice.

Ingredients

• Muskmelon: 600 grams, peeled and chopped
• Ginger: 2 inches, grated
• Lemon: 1, juiced
• Salt and Pepper: to taste
• Sugar: to taste
• Ice cubes: a few

How to Make Muskmelon Juice Recipe

• Step 1: To make the Muskmelon juice, blend all of the ingredients into a smooth puree in a blender. For the finest flavor, choose a muskmelon that is juicy and ripe.
• Step 2: Add some cold water to get the desired consistency. Check salt and sweetness as per your taste.
• Step 3: Now add a few ice cubes to the juice and serve chilled to your guests.

Also Read: Is Dhokla Safe For Diabetes Patients?

Muskmelon Kheer

The Muskmelon kheer recipe isn’t much different from your rice kheer. You just need to replace rice with muskmelon and boil it with low-fat milk, natural or artificial sweetener, and dry fruits. So let’s get started! To make the Melon Kheer, you need:

Ingredients

• Sago (Saboodana): 1/2 cup
• Watermelon: 1/2 small, seeds scooped out
• Low Fat Milk: 4 cups
• Sweetener: 1-2 teaspoons
• Green cardamom powder: a pinch
• Kewra water: 1 teaspoon
• Almonds: blanched and slivered 8-10

Instruction for Cooking

• Wash sago and soak it in one and a half cups of water. After half an hour, drain the water and set the sago aside.
• Scoop out melon balls from watermelon using a Parisienne scoop and put it in the refrigerator.
• Now, in a thick-bottomed pan, bring milk to a boil, then add the sago and cook on low heat until the sago is translucent and cooked.
• Add sugar and green cardamom powder and keep stirring it. Now remove the pan from the heat and let it cool before mixing in the kewra water.
• Transfer the kheer to a bowl and chill it in the fridge.
• Place melon balls in tiny glasses, pour sago kheer over the top and decorate with almond slivers to serve.

Muskmelon Ice Cream

Nothing can beat the ice creams that are made with seasonal fruits. Muskmelon ice cream is so easy to make and can be an amazing way to relish your favorite summer fruit in a chilled way. To make this recipe, you need:

Ingredients

• Muskmelon: 1-1/2 cups
• Low Fat Milk: 100 to 125 ml, boiled and cooled
• Low Fat Condensed Milk: 100 gms
• Milk Powder: 5 tablespoons (tbsp)
• Vanilla Essence: 1/8 tsp
• Strawberry Syrup: 3 tsp

Instruction to Make( Step-by-Step)

• Take out the seeds and peel the skin of the muskmelon.
• Grind the pulp to make a smooth thick pulp.
• Take the pulp out in a freezer-safe bowl, and add milk, condensed milk, milk powder, and vanilla essence.
• Beat the mixture well until it becomes frothy.
• Transfer the container to the freezer for 4 hours.
• Now remove it and beat again.
• Put it back into the freezer for another 6-8 hours.
• Now serve it in ice cream cups.

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Side Effects of Muskmelons

Muskmelons are full of nutrients and can be heavy on your stomach. Due to its laxative properties, too much of Muskmelons can be dangerous for your health. Also, people with prediabetes and type-2 diabetes should take it in small quantities or only on the recommendation of their dietician. Here are some of  the side effects of Muskmelons:

May Interfere with Blood Glucose Levels

Even though the glycemic index of Muskmelon is 65, which falls under the medium category, it still has 12 grams of sugar in it. Excess eating of Muskmelons can elevate sugar levels dangerously, so it is always better to consult your healthcare professional before you consume it on a daily basis.

May Affect Digestion

Eating an excessive amount of Muskmelon can affect your gastrointestinal tract as melon is mostly water, sugar, and fiber. As microbes or bacteria need water and sugar to develop and expand, Muskmelons can provide the best environment for the microbes to spread across your GI tract.

May Induce Diarrhea

What makes Muskmelon a great fruit is its high water and fiber content. However, it has been reported that eating an excessive amount of it might cause diarrhea. Though Muskmelon contains sorbitol, a sugar molecule that is safe in small amounts, however, if consumed in large amounts, it is known to cause loose stools, bloating, and gastric problems. As a result, it’s critical to keep an eye on portions.

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Can Diabetics Eat Muskmelons?

People with Type-2 diabetes and prediabetes often wonder if they too can enjoy this sweet, refreshing seasonal fruit or if will it interfere with their blood sugar levels? While a food low on the glycemic index is recommended for people with diabetes, Muskmelon that comes in the medium range can be a little too much for diabetics.

With a sugar content of 12 grams and 65 glycemic indexes, Muskmelons are to be eaten in consideration and in very small or recommended portions as directed by your doctor.

Also Read: Indian Diet Plan For Diabetes

Conclusion

With 53 calories and an almost negligible amount of fat per 1-cup serving, adding Muskmelon to your diet plan is a smart way to incorporate essential nutrients and sweetness into your healthy eating plan.

Given the health benefits and the water and fiber content, Muskmelons are the best choice to beat the summer heat.

Also Read: Stimulate Your Pancreas to Produce Insulin

FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)