Discover melon health benefits - sweet, hydrating summer fruit with 90% water, vitamin C, and potassium. Perfect for cooling, immunity, digestion, skin health, and natural hydration.
Sun, Aug 17, 2025Melon is a refreshing summer fruit packed with water, vitamins, and antioxidants. It helps keep the body hydrated, supports digestion, boosts immunity, and promotes healthy skin. Varieties like muskmelon and cantaloupe are especially popular for their sweet and juicy flavor.
Melon is a sweet, juicy fruit with high water content, commonly eaten fresh in summer for hydration and cooling.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 34 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 8.2 g |
| Fiber | 0.9 g |
| Vitamin C | 18 mg (20% RDI) |
| Potassium | 267 mg |
| Water Content | 90% |
Q: What’s the difference between muskmelon and cantaloupe? A: In India, “muskmelon” (kharbooja) typically refers to smooth-skinned, pale varieties. Cantaloupe has netted, rough skin and orange flesh. Both are nutritious with similar benefits. Cantaloupe has slightly more beta-carotene (vitamin A). Choose based on availability and sweetness preference.
Q: Can diabetics eat melon? A: Yes, in moderation. Melon has a medium to high glycemic index (65-70) but is low in calories and rich in fiber. Diabetics should limit portion to 1 cup (160g), eat with protein or nuts to slow sugar absorption, and monitor blood sugar levels. Avoid overripe, very sweet melons.
Q: Why shouldn’t I eat melon at night? A: According to Ayurveda, melon has high water content and cooling properties that may slow digestion if eaten at night, potentially causing bloating or indigestion in some people. It’s best consumed during the day (especially breakfast or as a mid-morning snack) for optimal digestion and hydration.
Q: How do I pick a ripe, sweet melon? A: Choose a melon that feels heavy for its size, has a sweet aroma at the stem end, gives slightly when pressed at the blossom end, and has a creamy yellow (not green) rind. Avoid melons with soft spots, cracks, or mold. The “thump test” - a ripe melon sounds hollow.
Q: Can pregnant women eat melon? A: Yes, melon is safe and beneficial during pregnancy. It provides hydration, folate (prevents birth defects), vitamin C, fiber (relieves constipation), and potassium. Wash the rind thoroughly before cutting to prevent bacterial contamination (especially listeria). Consume fresh, properly stored melon in moderation.
Q: Are melon seeds edible? A: Yes, dried melon seeds (especially from muskmelon) are edible and nutritious. They’re rich in protein, healthy fats, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Roast them for a crunchy snack or grind into powder. In India, melon seed powder (magaz) is used in traditional sweets and drinks.
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