If anyone is asked about their favourite summer fruits, they often mention mangoes. However, there is another summer fruit that people adore - muskmelon, also known as Kharbuja. It is a mildly sweet and watery fruit that most Indian households enjoy during the summer because it is quite refreshing and helps hydrate the body. This fruit belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, and its scientific name is Cucumis melo var.

Muskmelon is a sweet and refreshing fruit with high water and fibre content, packed with several crucial nutrients. Consequently, there are many health benefits to consuming muskmelon, as it is rich in vitamins that are highly beneficial for the eyes, skin, and even internal organs such as the kidneys.

Let’s discuss some of the health benefits of muskmelon. 

Nutritional Value of Muskmelon

Muskmelon offers numerous benefits due to its nutritional content, which is essential for proper body functioning. Here is the nutritional content of muskmelon that can support overall health:

• Carotenoids 
• Dietary Fibres
• Carbohydrates
• Electrolytes - Potassium
• Minerals - Copper, Zinc, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, and Calcium
• Vitamins - Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B complexes (B1 - thiamine, B3 - niacin, B5 - pantothenic acid, B6 pyridoxine)

Here’s the nutritional value of muskmelon (per 100 grams) - 

• Calories - 24 
• Fat - 0.3 grams
• Fibre - 2 grams
• Carbs - 13 grams - 4.29 gm
• Sugar - 2,99 grams
• Protein - 1 gram
• Moisture - 92.97 gm
• Folate - 8 percent of RDI (Recommended Daily Intake)
• Niacin - 7 percent of RDI
• Vitamin C - 64 percent of RDI
• Potassium - 29 percent of RDI
• Vitamin B6 - 7 percent of RDI
• Magnesium - 5 percent of RDI
• Vitamin K - 3 percent of RDI

13 Health Benefits of Muskmelon

There are several health benefits linked to the consumption of muskmelon. Here are some of the advantages of eating muskmelon:

1. Boosts Immunity: Muskmelon contains Vitamin C, which is essential for the immune system. It helps eliminate excess phlegm from the system, reducing the severity and duration of respiratory infections like the common cold. The fruit is also rich in Vitamin A, which promotes the production of white blood cells and aids in the body's defence against infections and diseases. Additionally, the presence of antioxidants like ellagic and caffeic acid protects the body's cells from damaging chemicals known as free radicals, preventing chronic diseases such as heart disease.
2. Helps in Weight Loss: Muskmelons are low in calories and fats, and they are rich in vitamins and minerals essential for optimal health. They consist of 90 percent water by weight, helping people lose weight while fulfilling the body's hydration needs. Muskmelon is also a good source of fibre, aiding in digestion and keeping you feeling full for longer, reducing cravings for junk food. 
3. Keeps Your Body Hydrated: Muskmelon has a high water content that keeps your body hydrated in the hot summer, helping it cool down while protecting it from the scorching heat. When the body is properly hydrated, it functions well.
4. Regulates Blood Pressure: Muskmelon benefits in regulating blood pressure because it is rich in potassium, which helps keep blood pressure in check. Additionally, the water and fibre content help regulate and manage blood pressure.
5. Reduce Inflammation: Another health benefit of muskmelon is its ability to reduce inflammation. Muskmelon contains a high content of Vitamin C and A, both of which have anti-inflammatory properties. These act as potent antioxidants in the body. Inflammation can be acute or chronic; acute inflammation may be a reaction of your body that helps fight off infection, while chronic inflammation might lead to several diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, etc.
6. Improves Eyesight: Due to the high vitamin A content of muskmelons, the eye muscles are strengthened. Muskmelon also contains carotene, which helps prevent cataracts and enhance vision. These are some of the amazing eye related health benefits of eating muskmelon.
7. Promotes Healthy Skin: Muskmelon helps maintain healthy, moisturised, and radiant skin because it is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Additionally, it contains a significant amount of collagen, which keeps skin tissues firm, supple, and prevents premature ageing.
8. Boosts Hair Growth: Another popular benefit of muskmelon is its ability to maintain healthy hair. The vitamin A found in muskmelon may stimulate sebum production, keeping your hair healthy. Some people even apply muskmelon to their scalp, resulting in lustrous, shiny, and strong hair.
9. Prevents Diabetic Nephropathy: Muskmelon contains oxykine, which helps prevent diabetic nephropathy and has a low glycemic index (GI). This means that the glucose and fructose present in melon are simple sugars, making it suitable for diabetic patients and those dealing with obesity. 
10. Helps in Flushing Out Kidney Stones: Muskmelon's benefits for the kidneys should not be overlooked. The oxykine in muskmelon has proven effective in treating kidney stones and diseases, and the fruit's high water content aids in kidney cleansing. It also possesses diuretic properties that assist in managing renal problems.
11. Promotes Healthy Sleeping: Muskmelon relaxes the nerves and muscles, relieving insomnia. It also possesses stress-relieving properties by enhancing oxygen flow to the brain, thereby making the mind calmer and stress-free. Consequently, it promotes a good night’s sleep.
12. Safe Pregnancy: Muskmelon has a high folate content, which is beneficial for the developing foetus. It also helps pregnant women lose weight by eliminating excess sodium and reducing water retention. However, it is advisable to seek a doctor’s advice before incorporating muskmelon into a pregnancy diet.
13. Curbs Menstrual Cramps: Among the various benefits of consuming muskmelon, it aids in preventing menstrual cramps. The anticoagulant properties and vitamin C content of muskmelon not only ease muscle cramps and dissolve clots but also regulate a healthy period flow. It is recommended to consume muskmelon during at least the first two days of menstruation.

Conclusion

With its low calorie and almost no fat content, muskmelon is one of the best fruits to enjoy during the summer. The best part is that it is suitable for everyone, including patients with diabetes and cancer. However, if you are considering incorporating muskmelon into your diet during pregnancy or for other health conditions such as renal problems or heart problems, it is essential to consult a doctor.