Melon is one of the fruits people know today. Coming from the family Cucurbitaceae, melon is recognized for its sweet fleshy fruit. The following are the health benefits of melon, along with a sample recipe.
Health Benefits
Immunity
One health benefit of eating melon is that it promotes the body’s immune function. As a fruit, melon contains vitamin C, which is responsible in raising the body’s defense against infection and illness. In addition, vitamin C promotes the function of collagen, an agent that acts as cement and connects loosely linked tissues and cells. Thus, people who want to boost their resistance against infection may include melon in their diet.
Anti-Inflammatory
Melon also helps prevent inflammation. According to Dr. Axe’s official website, studies revealed that people who ate high amounts of melon and other fruits had reduced levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in their bloodstream. As per the publication, the protein is a marker that is utilized to detect inflammatory levels in the body. Further results showed positive response when it comes to stopping inflammation and autoimmune response that result to diseases.
Weight Management
Another health benefit of eating melon is weight management, particularly weight loss. According to Health Beckon, melon contains low sodium and calories, not to mention that it is also low in fat and cholesterol. As per the publication, a cup of melon contains only 48 calories, which makes fat accumulation less likely. Melon is also rich in water, which gives the system a sense of fullness, which prevents it from craving for unnecessary foods or drinks.
Cardiovascular Benefits
Melon also helps promote the health of the heart and the blood vessels. According to Medical News Today, melon contains fiber, vitamin C, choline, and potassium, which all boost cardiovascular health. Potassium is a mineral that counters the water-retention actions of sodium; hence, it helps reduce high blood pressure. Fiber also helps reduce the amount of bad cholesterol in the blood vessels, a action that also helps prevent high blood pressure. Along with melon, potassium can also be obtained from bananas, pineapples, and oranges.
Sample Recipe
One recipe that uses melon is Cantaloupe Bread with Praline Glaze. According to All Recipes, the ingredients include two cups cantaloupe or melon (peeled, seeded, pureed), three eggs, a cup of vegetable oil, two cups white sugar, one tablespoon vanilla extract, three cup all-purpose flour, one teaspoon salt, one teaspoon baking soda, three-fourth teaspoon baking powder, two teaspoons ground cinnamon, half teaspoon ground ginger, half cup butter, one and two-third cups brown sugar, and half-cup chopped pecans.
To prepare, as per the publication, the oven is preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit or 165 degrees Celsius; next, it is greased lightly and two loaf pans are floured. Then, the eggs, sugar, vanilla, melon, and vegetables are mixed in a large bowl and the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, baking powder, and ginger are sifted together in a separate bowl. Once done, the flour mixture is stirred into the cantaloupe mixture and stirred to combine. Then, the batter is poured into the prepared pans. After that, the food is baked in the preheated oven for an hour, until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Also, the margarine and brown sugar are combined and microwaved for three minutes, stirring at one minute intervals. Then, the pecans are mixed and the sauce is poured over the warm bread, allowing it to cool for an hour prior to serving.
