4 Health Benefits of Melons

Melons are part of the Cucurbitaceae plant family, which includes foods like pumpkins and cucumbers. There are dozens of different types of melons that grow globally, including the gourd-like bitter melon from India and the sweet canary melon grown in Asia and Africa. Keep reading for four impressive health benefits of melons.

Health benefits of melons: inside to out

1. Great source of antioxidants

Melons are excellent sources of antioxidants, naturally occurring molecules that help scavenge harmful compounds in the body called free radicals. Free radicals heighten oxidative stress and damage tissues over time.

A greater intake of antioxidant-rich foods has been associated with a lower risk of developing chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Each type of melon delivers a different antioxidant profile. Cantaloupe, for example, is a great source of beta-carotene, a “provitamin” that gets converted into vitamin A in the body and supports vision and reproductive health.

Watermelon serves up notable antioxidants as well. The summertime staple is rich in lycopene, the same antioxidant that gives foods like tomatoes and grapefruits their vibrant color. While findings have been mixed, some studies report that a higher lycopene intake is associated with lower risk of developing prostate cancer.

2. Promote hydration

About 20% of our hydration needs are actually met through food, not the water we drink. Luckily melons are among the most hydrating fruits around, with varieties like cantaloupe and watermelon clocking in at 90% water by weight. Melons’ sky-high water content makes them perfect snacks for hot summer days.

3. Support immune health

All three of the most popular types of melon are good sources of vitamin C, another antioxidant.

Vitamin C in particular supports a healthy immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells and enhancing their action against foreign invaders. On the flip side, research shows that low levels of vitamin C are associated with a greater susceptibility to illnesses and infection.

Fortunately you don’t need to eat an entire melon to keep your immune system on tip top shape: just one cup of cubed cantaloupe fulfills 65% of your daily vitamin C needs.

4. Good for skin health

When it comes to melons, the saying “you are what you eat” might just apply. That’s because both the high vitamin C and water content of melons are critical for healthy, glowing skin.

Vitamin C assists in the production of the most abundant protein in the body, collagen. Collagen supports skin elasticity and also aids in wound healing. When you get a cut, proteins like collagen are responsible for remodeling the tissue at the wound site. As you age, declining collagen stores contribute to the formation of wrinkles.

Health delivers relevant information in clear, jargon-free language that puts health into context in peoples’ lives. Online at www.health.com.

©2024 Dotdash Meredith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Read more about healthy fruits on Seniors Guide:

The Health Benefits of Common Fruits

The post 4 Health Benefits of Melons appeared first on Seniors Guide .