What is Honeydew Melon?
The honeydew is also known as honeymelon is a member of the melon family of fruits. Melons are members of a very wide family of trailing annual vines, which also includes squash, pumpkins and cucumbers. The fruit is round to slightly oval shape, typically 15–22 cm long. It generally ranges in weight from 1.8 to 3.6 kg. The flesh is usually pale green in color, while the smooth peel ranges from greenish to yellow and it has seeds in them . the seeds are ovoid to ellipsoid, creamy white to brown. This fruit grows best in semiarid climates and is harvested based on maturity, not size. The tree have large broad leaves, and the stems covered in light prickles and small yellow flowers.
A honeydew melon when ripe the stem end of the fruit should give off a very heady and strong melon smell.. Normally fruit is sweet and succulent in taste which is wonderful for desserts. Peak season of this fruit is from July through September.
Health Benefits of Honeydew melon
Promotes Weight Loss: Honeydew melon is rich in fiber that regulates digestion as well as help lower overall body cholesterol level. Improved digestion means that your food intake is digested properly and quickly resulting to regular bowel movement. This will reduce chances of having digestion-related issues such as constipation and the likes. Aside from its fiber content, honeydew melon is also low in calories. This is very preferable for those who are very keen in keeping their bodies fit. Intake of this fruit will do your body many good because weight management prevents many more serious disease and illnesses like high blood pressure, heart ailments, or worst cancer.
Stronger Bones and Teeth: This fruit has high calcium content which is very good in keeping the bones and teeth healthy and strong. If you want to enjoy younger and stronger bones and teeth through the years, eating a lot of honeydew melon will greatly help.
Hydrates the Body: The melon fruit family is known to contain high amount of water. This fruit is not just 90% water but is also rich in potassium that assures the body has regular water levels. That is why this fruit is popularly juiced on summer and on hot sunny days because it keeps the body hydrated and also effectively quenches thirst at the same time. It hydrates the body on a cellular level.
Nourishes the Skin: Honeydew melon has Vitamin C that regulates and heightens collagen production and growth in the body. Collagen plays vital role in keeping the skin healthy, fair, and young looking because it is the type of protein that repairs and nourished the skin tissues and blood vessels. Collagen beautifies the skin on a cellular level. If you want beautiful skin from the inside out, better eat plenty of honeydew melon.
Improves Overall eye Health: Some of the most important phytonutrients needed by the eyes are lutein and zeaxanthin which happens to be present in honeydew melon. Lutein and zeaxanthin improves the overall eye health resulting in better vision and reduced risks of eye related disorders such as cataracts, ARMD or age-related macular degeneration, age-related blindness and the likes.
Boosts Immune System: Honeydew melon suffices the body with Vitamin C that plays vital role for a stronger immune system. If your immune system is strong enough, the body will be able to fight off irregular bacteria build-up, excess fat development, and illnesses on its own. You will not have to worry with getting sick easily. Research found that this fruit fills up the body up to 34% of Vitamin C demand.
Prevents and Treats Diabetes: This fruit contains properties that regulate the insulin production in the body. Diabetes is an effect either of high blood sugar levels because of insufficient production of insulin in the body or the inability of the body to react from insulin or both. Aside from its insulin stimulating components, honeydew melon is also very low in glucose despite its sweet taste. This fruit will surely satisfy those who like eating sweet food and drinks. Aside from satisfying their sweet tooth, glucose intake is low thus decreasing risks of having diabetes. This notion also applies to those who are already suffering from diabetes.
Recommended for Pregnant Women: During pregnancy, the body demands higher level of vitamin and mineral intake. This is the period that your body should receive utmost nutrients because immunity tends to be weaker than normal. The body should get as much nutrients more than ever. Honeydew melon fills the body with various nutrients especially during pregnancy. It is high in potassium that maintains healthy heart condition. It also has Vitamin C that strengthens the immune system. If you want to be healthy to give birth to a healthy child, it is highly recommended to eat honeydew melon as much as you can.