Melon: general characteristics
The melon, belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. Small or large, often it has yellow skin or signs type network, while the flesh is whitish or a similar color to orange. Its taste is always very sweet but must be picked when it is ripe. Melon there are summer and winter varieties variety and is sold for a good part of the year.
Between summer melons are distinguished from those yellow-orange pulp, which in turn are divided into netted melons, difficult to store, with a thin skin that forms a kind of pattern, and the cantaloupe melon, fruits with more lasting and with more robust skin.
Melon: properties and benefits
Among the enumerated properties of the melon diuretic ones are undoubtedly the best known. Also, it has refreshing properties and refreshing and is a good relief during the hot summer days. Its diuretic effect increases its slimming properties: in fact, the high percentage of water and the presence of alimentary fibers increase the sense of satiety, helping to decrease hunger in a remarkable way. Its cleansing properties help the expulsion of impurities and at the same time replenishes the lost vitamins and minerals.
Also really appreciated the anti-stress properties, thanks to the enzyme superoxide dismutase containing this fruit in good quantity and helps fight fatigue. Furthermore, the high percentage of vitamin B6 contained in melon also helps fight insomnia.
Also noteworthy are its antioxidant properties, provided by the excellent amount of vitamin A, vitamin C and the presence of carotenoids that fight cellular aging. Finally, the melon also has healing properties dates from vitamin C that helps the production of collagen and thus accelerates the healing of cuts, bruises, burns or burns caused by sun exposure.
There are many benefits of the melon, including:
- It prevents heart attacks and strokes due to adenosine which keeps blood fluid;
- the high content of carotenoids brings significant benefits for cancer prevention and for reducing the risk of lung cancer;
- It stimulates bowel movements and is beneficial to digestion, and also thanks to the high mineral content helps to eliminate excessive acidity of the organism.
The melon is also a major source of energy and, thanks to its content of natural sugars and the considerable amount of vitamin B, stimulates the production of energy by the body. In addition, it also has a very good diuretic effect, due to its high water content, help to maintain the health of the kidneys and can help to counteract gout when consumed with lemon. To a great beneficial action it is useful to consume it in the morning.
The high percentage of potassium present in the melon pulp has beneficial effects on the circulation and blood pressure. In particular, the blood circulation improves thanks to the presence of adenosine, a substance that fluidic the blood and prevents the formation of clots in the blood.
The melon will also have beneficial effects on the view: in fact, the presence of vitamin A in the fruit improves eye health and plays a preventive action on macular degeneration, a condition that often occurs in old age. The presence of vitamin B6 has beneficial effects on the nervous system and helps to solve problems related to sleep disorders.
It 'also effective on the skin: the flesh of melon is perfect to prepare face masks for dry skin and helps keeping it soft and wrinkle-free. Finally, the presence of beta-carotene in melon favors the production of melanin by the body, while vitamin B acts effectively on depressive states. Also on the bones the apple tree has beneficial effects, thanks to the abundance of phosphorus and calcium that protect from osteoporosis.
Melon: nutritional values and calories
Quantity per 100 grams:
34 calories
Fat 0.2 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Carbohydrates 8 g
dietary fiber 0.9 g
8 g sugar
Protein 0.8 g
Iron 0.2 mg
Sodium 16 mg
Potassium 267 mg
Magnesium 12 mg
Calcium 9 mg
Vitamin A 189 mg
0.05 mg vitamin B1
Vitamin B2 0.04 mg
Vitamin B6 0.1 mg
Vitamin C 36.7 mg
Vitamin PP 0.60 mg
Melon: all uses
The melon is widely used as a starter, with the risotto, to prepare for summer salads and light and tasty buffet. It 'also great to serve with the ham and is perfect for preparing snacks to be served as an aperitif.
The melon is also a valuable ally of beauty. A great recipe for a DIY mask is the one that provides the melon centrifuged juice and milk: stir the resulting solution and refrigerate at least 1 hour before applying it to the skin. The mask is also perfect for strengthening the hair and to fight dandruff.
To be sure you have purchased a quality melon is recommended to choose a melon handsome hard and with the peel not wasted. If you plan to choose the good just because it has a very fragrant smell you are wrong: in fact, not always a good melon is recognized by the smell, because some species are scented only when they are overripe. In any case, to preserve it, it is not advisable to keep the melon in the fridge, so it's appropriate to make only a few minutes before serving, to taste a bit 'cooler. The reason? Because of the humidity of the refrigerator the pulp can be overly soften until they become soft. The advice is to keep it in a cool place, but away from the fridge.
Melon: contraindications and side effects
There are no particular contraindications to the melon consumption, except that, if taken in large quantities, it can cause an electrolyte imbalance in the body, due to the low sodium content and high content of potassium, which can lead to the formation of cramps. Moreover, it is not recommended intake of melon for people with diabetes and people who have problems of gastric disorders.
