Calories in Melon
Melon belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. It grows on veins. It has numerous types, which resemble in structure. Their basic structure comprises thick flesh with a central seed-filled cavity. However, watermelon is an exception to the general structure of melons. Melon is known for its unique little sweet and watery taste. It does not combine with other foods. This is the reason why it is commonly eaten alone. An ideal way of eating melon is to cut it into small pieces and sprinkle black pepper and common salt according to taste. It should be eaten right after cutting. In case of watermelon, seeds need to be removed before eating. Melon benefits your health in a number of ways. It owes its health benefits to the various nutrients present in it. To learn about the melon nutrition facts and melon calories, keep reading.
Nutritional Value of Melon
A typical melon contains about 10% sugar and 90% water by weight. Alike numerous other types of fruits, it is a rich source of vitamin C. The inner rind of the melon is edible and contains many nutrients. On an average, 100 gm of melon contains 14 gram of total fat. Out of this 14 gm, 1.5 gm is saturated fat, 2.7 gm is monounsaturated fat and 9.3 gm is polyunsaturated fat. In 100 gm of melon, 7 gm is constituted by proteins. Almost 5 gm is constituted by carbohydrates. The melon contains absolutely no cholesterol. It has many minerals and vitamins. It contains 1 mg of sodium, 0.5 mg of copper, 100 mg of magnesium, 0.6 mg of manganese, 200 mg of phosphorus, 195 mg of potassium and 17 mcg of selenium. Apart from the given nutrients, 100 gm of melon contains 14 mg of vitamin E, 1.9 mg of pantothenic acid and 64 mcg of folate. The calories in melon of 100 gm weight lies between 14 - 50 calories.
Health Benefits of Melon
Due to the presence of the various nutrients and negligible melon calories, it provides you numerous health benefits. Melon is almost 90% water, the substance which helps in inducing frequent urination. Thus, melon helps in cleaning of the kidneys. Melon contains potassium. It promotes detoxification. It helps in washing off the toxic depositions from the kidneys. To add to it, potassium works to lower the concentration of uric acid in the blood. All these properties of potassium enables melon to reduce the risk of kidney damage and formation of renal calculi in it. Since melon contains potassium, it provides you all the given health benefits of it. Melon contains good amounts of magnesium. Both potassium and magnesium are very effective at bringing down the blood pressure.
Melon contains carotenoids (phytochemical responsible for yellow to red color melon), which are scientifically proven to prevent hardening of walls of arteries and veins. The carotenoid which is found in abundance in melon is lycopnene. It is known to enhance cardiac functions. Melons, on regular consumption, reduces the dangers of heat stroke during summer season. Melon has antioxidants. They curb the action of free radicals which are known to play an active role in developing heart diseases, cancer and physical changes associated with aging.
According to a general observation, patients of diabetes often don't feel satisfied by eating. This is probably because of restricted intake of food quantity and calories. Diabetics feel low in energy and hungry quite often. For them and people with similar condition, melon is a wonder fruit. Due to the presence of water and fiber, it gives them a feeling of satisfaction and fullness. Even on eating in thick wedge, it gives people only a few calories. In addition to all these benefits, melon benefits diabetics by providing them with potassium and magnesium as these minerals promote functioning of insulin in the body. Thus, melon helps in lowering the blood sugar level in the body.
Melon contains an amino acid, called arginine, which enhances the impact of insulin on blood sugar. Arginine is also known to cure erectile dysfunctions. Melon contains vitamin C, which reduce cholesterol and keep your heart safe. It ensures protection of your eyes from macular degeneration and other ailments related to aging such as glaucoma,drying up of eyes and optical nerves, etc. Melon help normalize hematocrit levels, which is described as the percentage of red blood cells per volume of blood. It helps prevent constipation and stone formation. It aids in bringing down body temperature raised due to colds and flu.
These are some of the facts on melon calories and nutritional value. By now, you must have understood how important and beneficial it is to eat melon. Make it a point that you have melon regularly during summer season since calories in melon are minimal. The result will be nothing but a healthier and fitter you.
