Cucamelons are perhaps some of the cutest fruits to ever grace the planet. That’s because they are about the size of grapes, but they look like watermelons. Their taste is just as interesting as the way they look — the flavor of cucamelons is a cross between lime and cucumbers.
Native to Central America, cucamelons are also sometimes known as “Mexican sour gherkins” and “mouse melons”. They come from eye-catching vines that are capable of thriving even in the driest and hottest months of the year. Other than for culinary purposes, cucamelons are also oftentimes employed for medicinal uses.
Let’s take a look at some of the reasons for you to try cucamelons:
Regular Bowel Movement
Just like melons, cucamelons are very rich in water. Their consumption can definitely help increase your intake of fluid, thus keeping at bay dehydration. Water in cucamelons also helps encourage regular movement of the bowels.
Another thing in these adorable-looking fruits that help save you from ending up constipated is fiber. That’s because fiber add bulk to your stools, making them easier to be expelled out of your digestive system. Fiber also helps promote the multiplication of those beneficial microbes in your gut.
Medical experts say that a diet that’s rich in fiber helps lower a person’s risk of colon cancer. So if you want to dodge that deadly form of cancer, get your hands on cucamelons every now and then, and enjoy them.
Elimination of Unwanted Pounds
Snacking on some cucamelons is a phenomenal idea most especially if you are looking to slim down. Again, it’s for the fact that these tiny fruits are loaded with both water and fiber. Each time you have a serving of cucamelons, you are making your stomach feel full and heavy, and this can keep you from eating more food that you should.
Cucamelons are also very low in calories, and that’s why consuming them should not make a weight-watcher like you feel guilty. Also, the amount of fat in cucamelons is highly negligible — almost non-existent!
Despite of that, cucamelons are dense in vitamins and minerals. Keeping your body nourished can help stave off overeating. Cucamelons also contain simple sugars, which is a good thing because they help energize your body, allowing you to be physically active — a very important component to a successful reduction in weight.
Improved Heart Health
The fact that cucamelons are loaded with fiber makes them excellent protectors of your heart. It’s no secret that a diet that contains fiber-rich foods such as cucamelons can help in lowering heart disease risk.
Fiber in cucamelons acts as a broom not only for your gut, but also your blood vessels. This means that it helps sweep cholesterol and plaque out of your blood vessels. As a result, your blood vessels become cleaner, and this helps in lowering your blood pressure and saving your heart from being overworked.
And just like so many other fruits in our midst, cucamelons are rich in antioxidants. These powerful molecules help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are regarded as heart disease triggers.
Reduced Risk of Respiratory Infections
Most of the time, those disease-causing bacteria and viruses invade your body by means of your respiratory system. It’s for this reason why your upper airways are susceptible to ending up infected.
In order to lower your risk of having a cold, flu or cough, it’s of utmost importance to keep your immune system strong. A way to do this is by introducing more vitamin C-rich foods in your everyday diet, and cucamelons are some of them. They may look cute, but cucamelons are hardworking immune system boosters!
Definitely, you should pair the consumption of cucamelons and others that pack vitamin C with regular exercise and enough sleep. Also, you should quit smoking and drink alcohol in moderation.
